Do you know Ashley Bouder?
- Sophie Fletcher
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to the next part of our series where you can read about ballet dancers whom you may not have heard of as an adult ballet student. We're looking at someone who you can definitely take as an inspiration for your adult ballet classes, especially when it comes to jumping.
Let's take a look at an amazing dancer who has only recently left the stage: Ashley Bouder.
Born on 10 December 1983 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Bouder began her ballet journey at the age of six at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the guidance of Marcia Dale Weary. Her early training was intense: 18 ballet classes a week paired with a full day of school. An approach that instilled in her the discipline and technical foundation that would define her career. At 15, she joined the School of American Ballet, where her talent quickly caught the attention of the New York City Ballet (NYCB). In June 2000, she joined NYCB as an apprentice, and within five years, she had risen to the rank of principal dancer. Truly a meteoric rise that, even today, would bring a spark of envy to the hearts of a lot of dancers.
A Career of Distinction
Bouder's repertoire spans classical and contemporary works, from Balanchine staples like The Nutcracker and Serenade to modern creations by Alexei Ratmansky and Justin Peck. Her performances are marked by explosive energy, quick-footed precision, and an undeniable stage presence. In 2019, she won the prestigious Prix Benois de la Danse for her role as Swanhilda in Coppélia, cementing her status as one of the leading ballerinas of her generation.
Beyond NYCB, Bouder has made significant contributions to ballet through The Ashley Bouder Project, a platform she founded to promote gender equality and diversity in dance. This initiative commissions new works by female choreographers and composers, bringing fresh perspectives to the art form. Her advocacy for feminism in ballet has made her a trailblazer both on and off the stage.
Training Routine
Bouder’s approach to training reflects her commitment to maintaining peak performance. Even during pregnancy, she kept active with daily ballet classes, elliptical workouts (running up to five miles), and exercises targeting her back and turnout muscles. In interviews, she has spoken about how returning to demanding repertory after a break is more daunting than maintaining her routine throughout life changes. NYCB’s gym facilities have been instrumental in supporting her regimen, allowing her to seamlessly integrate cross-training into her day.
Her early training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet was equally rigorous but avoided competitions, focusing instead on technique and artistry. This philosophy shaped Bouder into a dancer who prioritizes growth over accolades—a mindset that continued to guide her entire career.
Why You Should Know Her
Ashley Bouder is renowned for her powerful and gravity-defying jumps, often described as "man-like," a term used to highlight the strength and elevation typically associated with male dancers. Her approach to jumping combines technical precision, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Bouder emphasises the importance of a deep plié to generate power, ensuring her jumps start with elasticity and control. She uses her entire leg—glutes, thighs, and calves—to push off the floor, creating explosive height while maintaining alignment and turnout midair.
One of Bouder's unique strategies involves mentally preparing for the landing while still in the air. “When you think about the landing,” she said, “it gives you that extra second in the air, and the landing becomes so much smoother that it actually looks like you’ve gone higher or further.” Additionally, Bouder incorporates cross-training into her routine, including exercises such as Pilates and plyometrics to strengthen her core and jumping muscles. These practices ensure she sustains her signature "hang time" and avoids injuries over time.
Her fearless attitude toward dancing also played a role in her jumping prowess. Bouder is known for pushing herself to the limit during performances, even if it results in occasional falls—affectionately dubbed "Bouder falls." "I go 1000%. And sometimes that 1000% ends up on the floor!" she acknowledged in an interview for Cloud and Victory. This boldness reflects her commitment to delivering dynamic and high-energy performances that captivate audiences.
Bouder has retired from the NYCB after 25 remarkable years with the company, dancing the title role in George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins' Firebird (which was also her first principal part). She leaves behind a legacy of excellence and empowerment. She reminds us that ballet is not just about technique or beauty—it’s about using art as a platform for change.
Feeling inspired? It's time for a class!
Awards
Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise, 2000
Janice Levin Dancer Honoree, 2002–2003
Prix Benois de la Danse, 2019
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