Champions Of Change: Tyler Donatelli
HIA #136 Tyler Donatelli is as graceful as it gets as one of Houston Ballet’s first soloists.
Her journey started at the age of 5, training with the Southland Ballet Academy. By the the age of thirteen Tyler was competing at the Youth America Grand Prix, which was soon followed by a bronze and silver medal at the New York City Finals. Fast forward to Tyler joining the Houston Ballet Academy where she went on to play Clara in Stanton Welchs’ “The Nutcracker”, Swanhilda in Ben Stevenson’s “Coppelia”, and Justin Peck’s “Year of the Rabbit”.
Having signed her first professional ballet contract at just 18 years old, it made sense to learn that Tyler has been juggling her full lifestlye by practising presence, regular therapy and taking each day as it comes.
Hi Tyler.
Hi Marcus.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as an athlete?
When I received my professional contract for a large ballet company when I was eighteen years old. My dreams materializing in real life proved that hard work and dedication can take you anywhere.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports or life, and why?
I find inspiration in everyone around me. I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many influential people that fuel my love for my art/sport.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Take everything moment by moment.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
I start my warm up at 9am for my 10am technical class that lasts an hour and a half- then from 11:50 until 6:50 I have 6- 1 hour increment rehearsals that can include any upcoming or future performances! Then I’ll cool down and fuel up when I get home!
What’s the strangest yet most effective training that's worked for you?
Gyrotonics!
Do you have a pre-game ritual, song, or meal?
I always have a peanut butter sandwich and execute my pre show routine in an exact order (as follows):
- Get to the theatre
- Change into warm ups
- Do my hair
- Do my makeup
- Change into costume
- Warm up backstage
How do you stay motivated?
By creating small goals for myself weekly. Whether it’s to fix something in my technique , nail down a ballet step, or strengthen something in my body I always know I have something to work on.
What techniques do you use to stay focused and composed?
I go to weekly therapy!
What is it about your mindset that's enabled you to succeed in your sport?
Grounding myself and staying present in the moment has done wonders for my mindset.
Thanks for sharing your valued insight with us Tyler, staying present is always such a powerful tool.
To follow Tyler @tylerdonatelli
