Karis Pendleton

Hi everyone,

I’m so sorry I have not updated you all in a long time. I miss you all and Im so ready to catch you up…

I think I told you all before but just in case you’re new to my blog or would like a reminder here goes💗… last year I was offered a full scholarship to train as a ballet trainee at Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. 😁  In addition my aunt Myxy offered to let me live with her in order to support me as I train. After talking with my parents and coaches we decided that I would accept the scholarship. In September 2023 I moved to New York City and started my training at Joffrey. I really love Joffrey!!! I’ve grown so much over the last 4 months. Living with my aunt has been so much fun. I’m truly grateful to be with family while I’m here.

Training at Joffrey has made me I feel more secure in my technique, my port de bras ( carriage of the arms) has improved, and I also feel stronger on pointe.

Last semester I got to perform in Joffrey Ballet Schools Nutcracker! It was so fun! I was in the Waltz of the Flowers, Baklava ( in some nutcrackers this part is known as candy cane), and a Caroler! In Joffrey’s version of the Waltz of the Flowers 4 featured members of the corps get to do partnering. Well, I was chosen as one of the featured 4 which was huge! It meant so much to me because I am the youngest in my class so the fact that I was chosen for a featured role felt huge.

As exciting as it was being chosen for that role it was also a little stressful. I was so worried about being the weakest link (especially being the youngest). I did not want to make my partner or colleagues look bad. I’m truly grateful for all of my mentors. Whenever there were hard rehearsal days I was able to call them and they would give me some great advice. They really spoke into me which means a lot because I really look up to them. 💕  I’m especially grateful for my parents!!! There were quite a few moments when I needed to advocate for myself during the rehearsal process and they helped guide me through how I needed to about speaking up for myself. They were also encouraging me a lot and they kept reminding me that I deserve to be where I am.🥰 That really helped relieve a lot of stress. In the end Nutcracker was great, when I got on stage I felt so confident! The waltz of the flowers music made me feel so free and expressive.

THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for all of your support! To everyone that came to see me in the Nutcracker thank you for coming! I truly meant the world to me that you all came out to support me.❤️  To everyone that was not able to make it to Nutcracker, thank you for all for supporting me virtually !! I completely understand that you were not able to make it in-person; and I want you to know that the phone calls and text messages also meant the world to me! ❤️  Words cannot express my gratitude for each and everyone of you.