Dancer Isabella Boylston on Challenging Ballet Stereotypes, Creating Content, and Paying Attention to Her Ankles

      Welcome to En Pointe, a quarterly series that explores the connection between beauty and dance through the perspectives of emerging, multidisciplinary dance talent. Anticipate an intimate glimpse into the daily lives, aspirations, and beauty essentials found in the dance bags of some of the industry’s finest young performers. It has been years since I last donned my pointe shoes, investing early mornings in rehearsals and late nights in extensive classes, yet the dancer within me remains very much alive. I often find myself reverting to familiar ballet habits unconsciously—stretching absentmindedly during video call meetings and utilizing the classic Tombé Pas de Bourrée combination to navigate from one place to another. When I’m not immersed in TikTok, I’m likely watching my favorite ballerinas perform the roles I dreamed of as a young dancer, following every move with delicate wrist flicks, allowing the melodies of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev to sweep me away. I view ballet variations much like others might enjoy their favorite podcasts, taking note of the familiar dancers who frequently appear on my For You page and on globally renowned stages. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting one of these dancers, Isabella Boylston, a principal at American Ballet Theatre, as she prepared for another bustling performance season. Within moments of our call, we surpassed the usual introductions, reminiscing about shared rehearsal experiences and this year’s notable Nutcracker casting. In less than a minute, Boylston warmly invited me to one of the forthcoming 14 performances with a beaming smile.

      Fresh out of rehearsal, Boylston spent her last half hour of a long workday sharing insights about her journey—from her beginnings in Midwestern ballet studios to her significant move to New York City as a young dancer, and her 21 years performing with ABT. She also detailed how she began documenting her life as a professional ballerina on her social media platforms, which have garnered thousands of followers. Read on to explore the life of one of the most talented ballet dancers of this generation and discover everything from Boylston's pointe shoe rituals to her essential beauty must-haves.

      Meet Isabella Boylston: Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre and Content Creator. At the start of our virtual meeting, I noticed the name "Hildur" briefly displayed on the screen before Boylston joined. She clarified that Hildur is her birth name, while Isabella, her middle name, is her chosen stage name. "I don't think many people are aware of it, but that's what I decided to use when I went professional," she explained. "They believed 'Isabella' would resonate better." When she began her ballet training, she was still Hildur from Sun Valley, Idaho, a resort town celebrated for its beautiful mountain trails and meadows filled with wildflowers, and known year-round for its arts and culture.

      Though no one in her family had a profound interest in ballet, nor pursued a dance career, Boylston was not without artistic inspiration. She grew up surrounded by music, as her father was a drummer who enjoyed playing his favorite songs in their basement and occasionally on the steering wheel while driving. "I think my early exposure to music and rhythm was what truly connected me to ballet. I also loved the creativity of it," Boylston recalls. She describes her younger self as free-spirited, improvisational, and inherently drawn to dance. Upon realizing her passion for movement could evolve into a career, Boylston committed to becoming a professional ballet dancer.

      Aside from performing, it's the simple moments in the studio filled with laughter and witnessing her friends dance that have been the highlights of her career. As Boylston approached her senior year of high school, she was offered a position with ABT's Studio Company, which aims to prepare young dancers for careers in the main company. Initially enthusiastic about the opportunity, her parents encouraged her to finish high school first. They came to a compromise, allowing Boylston to graduate early and join the Studio Company midway through her senior year. Spring 2026 will mark Boylston’s 20th season with ABT. "My time with them has flown by, yet it has also been challenging, long, and enjoyable," she reflects. "It's been quite a roller coaster!"

      As she looks back on her career, Boylston recalls significant milestones that stand out as her "I made it" moments. For instance, her debut as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake was a dream role, much like it is for many dancers. "Being able to embody that character to Tchaikovsky’s music on the Met stage in front of 4,000 people for the first time was surreal. I’ll never forget that day!" Another defining experience was performing as a guest artist with the Paris Opera Ballet. "I remember doing Don Quixote on Christmas Eve, and my dad and stepmom were in town to see it.