Alessandra Ball James

Longtime Charlotte Ballet dancer pirouettes to new career amid COVID

- LAUREN LEVINE CORRIHER

BALLERINA ALESSANDRA BALL JAMES delighted audiences in a staggering 750 performances over 15 seasons with Charlotte Ballet, including her repeated role as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Aside from watching her command the stage, you might know her from Instagram—her handle is @ burritojames—where she posted behind-the-scenes snapshots that allowed followers to peek into her life both on and offstage.

Although the Atlanta native has also danced professionally in Denver and Madrid, James’ seamless blend of the two worlds made the refined art of ballet seem accessible, modern—and distinctly Charlottean.

But in the middle of the endless chaos of 2020, James, 37, announced her retirement, a step that isn’t unheard of in ballet; the physicality of professional dance wears on dancers’ bodies just as professional sports force most athletes into retirement before 40. Another reason, she says, is her foray into entrepreneurship with a business, EveryBODIES Ballet, that James created with longtime friend and fellow dancer Sarah Hayes Harkins. EveryBODIES (@ everybodiesballet on Instagram) offers virtual classes, choreography, posture coaching, and more for dancers of varying experience levels. James also spends more time with her husband, Mike, and 7-year old son Charlie, a luxury after years of a ballerina’s unforgiving schedule.

Here is James in her own words. Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity.