Meet Olivia Jacobus | Professional Ballet Dancer at Kansas City Ballet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Jacobus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Ballet is a extremely competitive space in the performing arts, because there are so many skilled and talented dancers – and not a lot of positions. It is so challenging — not only physically — but emotionally and mentally as well. I think it’s one of the things most misunderstood about ballet dancers; we are elite athletes and as such, we deal with all the same mental, physical and emotional challenges all other elite athletes do. I have had to build upon my mental strength throughout the various stages in my career, especially at points where it seemed easier to stop dancing and move onto something else that isn’t so taxing on my mind and my heart. The one thing I always go back to in times of hardship, or in instances where the odds seemed stacked against me, is my deep rooted love for the art. Can I see my life without ballet? Yes. But will I be happy and fulfilled? The answer to that has always been no. And coming to that very realization has given me not only strength and clarity, but also inspiration and enthusiasm to not only continue my career, but to elevate and expand it, expressing all the love and joy and appreciation I have for the art – and for my body and all it can do.

I started ballet much later than most, so in a sense, I’ve often felt like I was playing “catch up” amongst my companions. I have often felt behind, lesser, and up until more recently, sometimes struggling with confidence and feeling like I belong. But now, seeing the many different paths of my professional colleagues, I’ve come to realize and accept that everyone’s journey is different, and I do my best when I put my blinders on and focus intently on bettering my work, my expression and my craft. Figuring out how to stop obsessively comparing my journey to everyone else’s has given me the freedom to come out of my shell and accept that I have work to do, and to focus on it, and to love doing that. The process now makes me confident and eager, because I’ve seen that new challenges hold the future rewards and so accepting that delayed gratification with trust for all the good things to come has been an incredible gift.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel that when I tell someone I do ballet for a living they think its all pink tutus and sparkles, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. It feels cliche to say people only get to the professional level through a fair share of blood, sweat, and tears, but I truthfully cannot think of a more perfect expression. Getting here was no easy feat! I have lost track of the amount of times I have doubted myself, my abilities, and my place in the studio. And although the work was hard, it was more than worth it. I am proud to be surrounded by people who aren’t afraid of a challenge, but actually seek them out. Though ballet dancers all share common denominators like grit and drive, what we bring to work individuality and artistically is what really excites me. I am more inclined to movement quality, personality and musicality while others thrive in completely opposite areas. My career is inspiring on a reciprocal level, with the audience and dancers learning and appreciating something new every time the lights go up. And I think therein lies the essence of ballet as an art. So much beauty comes from a never ending line of challenge, but the difference in approach from every artist still yields something communal and important. Every new experience I have in the studio or on stage is just another tool I can put in my back pocket, whether I am watching or dancing. Always learning, always growing, and reward will always come in some form if I am willing to put in the work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is such a fun question. I just lived out this question last summer with a multi-day visit from two of my best friends. For any first-time visitors, you must absolutely go to the beach — L.A.’s beaches are famous for a reason! Go to In-n-Out, drive through Beverly Hills, explore all the amazing neighborhoods, maybe stop by Rodeo Drive and the grove! Another classic LA experience is going to a Dodger game at Chavez Ravine in summer! Plus, then you are right near downtown which is full of fun places to explore and awesome restaurants. My favorite restaurant in LA, Takami Sushi and Robata, is located in the heart of downtown on top of a skyscraper! Fantastic food and a fantastic view. Honestly, you can never run out of things to see in LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shutout to my mom. Every time I am faced with a tough decision, a hard truth, an unexpected reality check, she is always there to weigh the options and offer strength and guidance. There was a point in my pre-professional training where I had to decide if I really wanted a career in ballet, or if I wasn’t up to the challenge. She helped me realize that although ballet is full of sacrifices (time, money, experiences), falling in love with the work and overcoming the struggle would be far more fulfilling in the long run. And she was right! I truly do have her to thank for helping me get over those major insecurities and fears. And because I knew she should be there every step of the way to support me, success story or not, it gave me the confidence to dive in headfirst. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and involvement, and am eternally thankful for everything she does to see me grow. Every time I step out on stage, I share my gratitude for my job and journey not only for the audience, but for my mom.

Instagram: livonpointe

Other: Tiktok: livijacobus

Image Credits
Photo credit: Brett Pruitt and Dan Lao