As Philadelphia Ballet gets ready to launch the 2022-23 season, dancer Kathryn Manger
took a few moments to speak with Phindie. Manger, who is originally from Hartford, CT,
joined the company in 2015 as an apprentice. Now a soloist, she will be performing the role
of Spring Fairy in the season opener of Cinderella.
[Philadelphia Ballet at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St] October 13-23, 2022; philadelphiaballet.org
Debra Danese: What did you do during the off-season?
Kathryn Manger: During the off-season, I spent time at home and also took a family trip to London! To stay in shape, I took classes at my old ballet school.
DD: What is a typical day in the life of a Philadelphia Ballet dancer?
KM: A typical day for me starts at 6:45 AM with coffee and breakfast. I try to arrive at the
studios 45 minutes before my 9:30am class to warm up. Rehearsals are usually from 11am-
6pm, Monday through Friday. However, rehearsal times vary depending upon the roles we
are learning.
DD: What was the best piece of advice you received during rehearsal?
KM: The best piece of advice I’ve received is to push yourself in rehearsal and work hard so
that when it’s time to perform on stage, it feels like second nature. When the performance
feels natural, you can let go and enjoy yourself.
DD: What makes the story of Cinderella work so well as a ballet?
KM: I think the story of Cinderella works so well as a ballet because it’s a classic fairytale
for all ages. The story is about true love conquering all, which may sound cliché, but is
relatable to anyone.
DD: What has been your most memorable role to perform?
KM: I think the most memorable role I have performed is Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. With
the score by Prokofiev, the role truly took me on a journey and was a total dream to
perform.
Philadelphia Ballet will be performing Cinderella at the Academy of Music, for 10
performances only, October 13-23, 2022.