Anna Fendley
Anna is an NWA native and trained under Peggie Wallis, ARAD, for 12 years. Her training consisted of the classical ballet syllabus from the Royal Academy of Dance program and examinations from Pre-Elementary (now Intermediate Foundation) through Advanced 2, with which she received the highest marks of Distinction. To supplement her training, Anna attended summer dance intensives with Ad Deum, Ballet Magnificat, Storling House, and Texas Ballet Theater, where she studied under dance influencers such as Ben Stevenson, Li Anlin, Kathy Warakomsky, Tim O’Keefe, Steve Rooks, Bill Wade, Kathy Thibideaux, Sol Nazario, and many more. She also trained under Jennifer Davis and Philip Pegler Burnham at various times.
After highschool, Anna took an 8-year-long hiatus from classical ballet training, during which she attended John Brown University, where she graduated with honors with a B.S. in Exercise Studies (kinesiology). During college, she also began teaching local children and started her own ballet school, Joy of Motion Dance Studio, which she owned and operated until May 2019. After several years working a (mostly) desk job as an administrative assistant and hospitality coordinator, she returned to ballet in 2016 as a company member with NWABT. Since rejoining the dance world, Anna has enjoyed performing in Carnival of the Animals, Nutcracker, Cinderella, and many original contemporary works. Some of her favorite roles include Arabian and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, Winter Fairy in Cinderella, as well as roles in Gillmer Duran’s “Restless”, Karen Castleman’s “Late Summer Cycle”, and Stephanie Martinez’ “Otra Vez.” She also enjoyed dancing under the directorship and choreography of Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye for two years and performed in his original works, “Petite Seat” and “Immortal Beloved”. In addition to performing, Anna also has a passion for choreographing. Her choreography has spanned from musicals such as Into the Woods,The Three Musketeers, Pride and Prejudice, The Pink Panther, and The Boyfriend, to choreographing an original show “Freedom” for her studio, to most recently choreographing an original contemporary piece on NWABT dancers, entitled “This Pale Blue Dot.” Currently, Anna enjoys going on hikes or bike rides with her husband Darryl, and dancing when she can, while taking care of an almost 3-year-old boy and getting ready to have another baby boy in January 2021.
get to know the dancer
Where are you from?
NWA
In one sentence, describe your "discovery" of ballet. Or, what was your pathway to ballet?
I visited a ballet class as a six year old and felt absolutely drawn to it—it was so hard for me to sit still because everything in me wanted to jump up and dance!
Do you remember the first ballet you ever saw? What was it and how did it affect you?
My first full length ballet was Swan Lake performed by Tulsa Ballet. It was breathtakingly beautiful!!
What do you like to do outside of dance (hobbies, interests, etc.)?
I enjoy traveling, especially to Europe or anywhere with mountains. I love shopping, especially for clothes or baby items. I like crime shows and I enjoy sewing and tinkering on the piano. Someday I want to be fluent in Spanish, learn to play the cello, and either be a physical therapist or a conditioning coach for athletes or postpartum fitness.
What are some of your other talents?
I can make babies. I’m on my second so far. :) I consider myself a decent cook, although I’m not necessarily a foodie. I can bake pretty well too. I can sing on pitch most of the time and harmonize to most songs.
What are some of your indulgences?
I definitely like rewarding myself with nice things, whether that’s a meal from a nice restaurant, ice cream, chocolate, or a new piece of clothing.
What is your favorite role that you have performed? Have not performed?
Either Arabian from Nutcracker or the Winter Fairy in Cinderella.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I like to do most of my makeup at home listening to either worship music or workout music. When I get to the theater, I like to just sit and talk or watch others get ready. It helps me to relax and enjoy the whole process to be mostly ready and be able to socialize before a show.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
Well I’m already a mom to two boys (one on the way). Aside from being a full time mom, I would love to be involved in a non-profit or study to be a physical therapist/physiotherapist.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Often times just catching up on life, maybe taking a few hikes and a short vacation to somewhere cooler.
If I could visit any country in the world it would be….
Australia/New Zealand. Love the accents. So many gorgeous places to visit! I also dream of going back to Switzerland someday. I still can’t get over how incredible the Swiss alps are in person.
What does Northwest Arkansas mean to you? Why is it special or different from other places you've danced/trained?
I’ve only lived and trained here, and I know there is so much amazing training elsewhere, but I love the fact that this area draws in so many people from various ethnic origins and cultures! This area has so much to offer in terms of jobs, beautiful topography, friendly people, and a growing arts community!
What are three things people might not know about you?
I actually stopped training in dance after high school and didn’t pick it back up until I was 26.
I owned a ballet studio for 10 years.
I’d like to go skydiving someday...the closest thing I’ve done is paragliding in the Swiss Alps.
ADOPT-A-DANCER:
Creating beautiful performances that will thrill audiences is every dancers dream. It takes them many years of training, long hours in rehearsals, and a lot of pointe shoes and performance wear.
NWA Ballet Theatre invites you to help keep our dancers on their toes by taking part in our Adopt-a-Dancer program.
All you have to do is choose a dancer (or type in “most in need”) and your donation will go directly to assisting their various performance needs.
Help our dancers realize their dreams -- join our Adopt-a-Dancer program today. .