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Northern Ballet dancer Abigail Cockrell. Photo Lisa Stonehouse

Abigail Cockrell

Dancers

Abigail left the Company in 2020

Dancer

Abigail is from Whitefish, Montana, USA and trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She danced in the Professional Division programme at Pacific Northwest Ballet and her previous companies include Sibiu Ballet Theater and Bucharest National Opera. She joined Northern Ballet in 2016.

Learn more about Abigail

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Rapid City, South Dakota but grew up in Whitefish Montana.

At what age did you start dancing?

I started dancing when I was eight years old.

Where did you train?

I began dancing with the Northwest Ballet School but trained primarily at the University of North Caroline School of the Arts and with the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Previous companies

Pacific Northwest Ballet, Sibiu Ballet Theater and Bucharest National Opera.

In which Northern Ballet productions would you most like to perform?

I would really enjoy performing in The Great Gastby and Romeo and Juliet - Juliet has always been one of my favourite roles.

Career/training highlights

I think one of the biggest highlights of my career was performing the rélevé woman in William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. It felt like a dream to dance this on stage.

What do you like most about being a dancer?

I love that there is always something to learn and always something I can improve on. It makes it interesting and exciting to come to work each day.

If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?

I would love to incorporate Mascagni's Cavalleria Rustanica into a ballet. I just think the music is beautiful.

What is your favourite book?

I think my favourite book would have to be either Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen or The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

What is your favourite post-show meal?

After a show I'm always up for sweet potato fries and some other nice veggies.

How do you like to relax?

I love to do yoga, read, or take a hike (when I have the chance).

If you weren't a dancer what would you be?

I've always loved nature so I would love to work as a botanist and study plant species and conservation in national parks.