Born: Woodbridge, Virginia
Trained: North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and Houston Ballet II in Texas
If you could live in any other time period, which would you choose?
I would like to see what the world is like in the future. I’m interested to know what new technologies will be developed.
Could you tell us 3 random things we don’t know about you?
I have a dog named Buffy, I don’t eat beef and I’m fascinated by outer space.
Which movie could you watch on repeat?
Comedy: Bridesmaids. More serious: Interstellar.
What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn’t come your way?
Probably something equally as ambitious, like being a doctor or a lawyer.
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment performance-wise?
My first time performing with a professional company I fell backwards onto my butt. I was so close to the wings and was so embarrassed that I considered rolling offstage, but I got back up.
When you have a day off, what’s your favourite way to spend it?
Trying new things with friends, or just having a lazy day on the couch with my pup and Netflix.
Where in the world would you like to see yourself living some day?
Somewhere warm and sunny, maybe in Florida or the Caribbean.
What is your philosophy towards your work?
I come in everyday and try to work as hard as I can. If I know I’ve given it my all then I can go home satisfied, no matter how the day went.
How do you handle criticism?
Everyone has a different viewpoint, a different taste or a different style. I think you should always be open to critique, but decide what is helpful or meaningful for you, rather than just accepting everything at face value.
Milk chocolate or dark?
Dark, for sure.
Favorite colour and least favorite colour?
My favorite colour is blue and my least favorite is pink?
What’s your definition of a successful ballet dancer?
It’s so hard to say. I feel successful because I’ve made it to this point in my career, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to achieve more. My definition will always be changing, pushing me to be the best version of myself I can be.
What’s the worst thing about being a dancer and what’s the best?
The worst thing about being a dancer is the aches and pains. The best is getting lost in the moment when you’re dancing to an amazing piece of music onstage.
What’s your guilty pleasure song that’ll make you rock out no matter where you are?
Any song by Shania Twain. I’m not guilty about it though. I’m a Shania fan, loud and proud.
What is your fashion style outside of work?
Comfortable and classic.
Do you have any bad habits that you’re working on breaking?
Actually getting out of bed when my alarm goes off.
Favorite Ballet?
Swan Lake
Dream role?
Prince Siegfried
Words of advice for young dancers?
Don’t let your imperfections bring you down. Acknowledge them but know that you have much more to you than the few things that aren’t “right.” Let your exemplary qualities show.
Read Ben’s bio, http://national.ballet.ca/Meet/Dancers/Corps/Ben-Rudisin
See Ben onstage with The National Ballet of Canada during the 2015/16 season, national.ballet.ca
