Interview with Ana Sophia Scheller

Ana and I spent many years together in New York City Ballet, and since then she has danced with the San Francisco Ballet and now the National Ballet of Ukraine, all as a Principal dancer. We catch up over her journey from Argentina to the School of American Ballet at a very young age, her love for the classics, and the personal losses she has endured throughout it all. Always working through life's difficulties with grace and a smile. Love her!!!

[@Meganmama]

I am continually impressed with your willingness to step back and let the other person speak and move forward in whatever direction their brain goes. There was a moment when you were going to share something about having a French husband and Ana moved on and you let it go. As curious as I am to know more about YOU, I really just admired your improv and listening skills and how invested you are in the person you’re interviewing rather than getting your idea out there. It’s a skill I definitely am working on. ❤️. But also...I’m so curious about your story. Would you consider doing a story time or having a friend interview you?

[@meganfairchild6135]

Megan Blazek yes sounds fun!!! Will have to brainstorm something!

[@nicyeets631]

@@meganfairchild6135 I agree with Megan Blazek, I have been enjoying your interviews immensely, you are a gracious and knowledgeable interviewer, but I'd love to hear your full story too!

[@lakb45]

I’d also love to hear you interviewed-but the interviewer would have to be as good as you are, which would be hard to find.

[@lesleychesterman461]

What a great interview, two brilliant women discussing their careers - ups and downs, - with humour and deep reflection. Not only beautiful dancers, but kindred spirits as well. Thank you. 🙂

[@radiantonion8615]

Really great to hear what's happening with Ana Sophia. Great interview!

[@kdub10009]

Yes, I’d been wondering why she left SF and how she was doing in Ukraine. It was really great to hear that she’s doing well. Wonderful interview!

[@andrewblackmore9705]

You do a great job interviewing.

[@radiantonion8615]

This is one of the most moving and brave interviews I've heard. Really amazing. Thank you.

[@someonesurname5926]

What a great interview. Such a treat. I feel Ana Sophia is very underrated. She deserves more exposure. It's great to know she is happily married and living a fulfilling life. Bravo!!!!!

[@icarrus4u]

I miss these interviews.

[@lydiapnevmaticou3857]

I wonder, this dancer, how long did she stay in Kyiv, and if she is still there. All by chance I discovered the interview of this dancer going from New York to San Francisco, then to Kyiv, Ukraine, and I think her testimony is now more valuable than ever; about a life that probably doesn't exist anymore because of the war that came after the pandemic. Thank you Megan for this interview, and thank you to Ana for sharing so much. 💙💛

[@nicholasnickk5892]

I've watched about 6 of these and this one was incredibly real and inspiring. The questions really dove into who she is as a dancer and human.

[@margoriazantseva4471]

Ana Sophia had a very nice debut in Sylphide this January here in Kyiv! Hopefully we'll see more of her next season. You are both wonderful ballerinas. I LOVED your dancing in Rubies and Ball for Regina from NYCB digital season, Megan. You are a DIVA of ballet. Can't wait to see more of your splendid, first-class dancing! Best wishes from Ukraine :)

[@evaandreamarina]

This was great. Bravo Megan and Ana Sophia!

[@cristinacavalli97]

Soo nice to know Ana, shes in Italy now dancing in palermo and Verona!! And some others gala in between!

[@transcan1]

It's amazing how your world can expand through KZbin! I'm loving your interview videos. Would you consider one with Joy Womack? She trained at the Bolshoi on a scholarship and danced with the Kremlin Ballet before coming back to the US. She's now dancing in Boston. I'd love to hear you both talking about the differences between the training and company experiences you experienced growing up and as professional dancers. Thanks for brightening the world for all of us! 💖💖

[@georginareid3828]

Katherine Kemila yes that would be a good one 👍👍👍

[@a.phillips6892]

Megan these interviews are so great, I'm really enjoying hearing of the dancers real lives, and not just the dancers, but also the others involved in producing great dance. I also have to tell you what a special dancer you are. I'm so glad I was able to see "Rubies" and "Ballo Della Regina", you were exceptional!💕

[@David-pt8ge]

Another great interview. I love the way that you do not rush ahead with questions. It really allows you to get to know the person. And the lack of formality is really refreshing. NYCB's social media presence could do with beefing up. Having these videos has been great. I wonder if there is a future in this for you? Ana seems so genuine, while at the same time, on her own artistic journey to fully use the talent she was given and has developed for herself.

[@gymerin]

Loving these interviews!

[@kathymyers7279]

Thankyou so much Megan for these talks I get to listen to. I cant begin to say what a treat they are as I'm a lifelong ballet lover and any thing that brings me into that world I relish. Been rough at home with a hubby at work long hours, empty nest and poor health . So cheers me to see a new downloaded interview! May God bless you !

[@georginareid3828]

I really love these interviews . Thank you Megan for these intimate insights with your guest s . It’s great , we get to know you and your friends in an informal manner while we re all at home with let’s face it very little to do and it’s fabulous company instead of just rehashing the Corona virus hour after hour !! . I did not actually know this wonderful dancer Ana and now I shall follow her as she seems a wonderful warm talented lady and ballet dancer . Best wishes to her sister and you both xxxx

[@shaunasavala5494]

Loved hearing you two talk! These interviews are the best!

[@cherylkavanagh3387]

I really enjoyed this interview, Megan. So interesting to learn more about Ana's background. Looking forward to the next one.

[@akschwar]

Love your interviews! They've been such an interesting and pleasurable diversion during this time. Please keep them coming!

[@sunnygem21]

Another fascinating interview. Thanks!

[@melissaabbe1416]

So great to hear her side of the story from SFB which clearly was not a good fit. The fans here would love more ballet but SFB shares Opera House with SF Opera so we only get Nutcracker and Jan-early May: not nearly enough of our amazing dancers. All that rehearsing means our corps is the best!

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

Pas de Quarte is iconic though!!!

[@cat56789]

Can you interview yasmine naghdi/marianela nunez/misty copeland ? Please 💝

[@sharonkeogh7036]

Yes would be great to hear from Yasmine Naghdi! ❤️

[@neshama44]

dancer diary interviewed all the dancers of the Royal Ballet

[@MrQbenDanny]

BRAVO!!! FABULOUS INTERVIEW!!! The gorgeous ANA SOFIA, Argentinian charm, her dancing has a sophisticated sensuous flair, looking like a VELAZQUEZ painting. Why didn't Ana audition for ABT? Just curious.

[@meganfairchild6135]

Good question!?! Maybe she did!?!

[@lilianaisella]

Ok Megan, when I'm famous (when?!? how?!? LOL!!!) I want YOU to interview me. You're too good! You can host 1 and 1/2 hour interviews here and not miss a beat (same as your petit allegros). Brava!!!! (Us Weekly is nothing compared to you! LOL.)

[@sublimebrit89]

How is she doing now?! Was she able to evacuate?

[@zoephillips6280]

Is pas de catre the same as little swans?

[@meganfairchild6135]

Zoe Phillips No, it was a separate ballet Peter had choreographed to some of the Swan Lake music (I believe, or at least it was Tschaikovsky). For 3 girls and a guy. There was an opening, everyone had a variation and then a big finale. And it made it into the 3rd act of his Swan Lake.

[@zoephillips6280]

Megan Fairchild thank you so much! I’ve been so curious since you interviewed Sara and mentioned it.

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

I completely understand her intention to dance in a more classical style, but I wonder if she would ever be interested in re-staging Balanchine and Robbins rep in Kiev?

[@personainterviews9315]

Hi Megan We like your interviews and encourage you to post them on the Persona interviews app. You can download the app at personainterviews.co/. If you have any questions email us at [e-mail].

[@fabiesque]

she didn't see anything else than Maximova, Zakharova and Herrera?!??! Now, THAT is some ballet education! Herrera was cute but certainly not such a role model, come on!