Meet Trailblazer Meredith Hunter-Mason

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Hunter-Mason.

Meredith, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer for as long as I can remember. I started dancing when I was six years old and quickly became infatuated with ballet. Growing up, I surrounded myself with the art form. I insisted that a barre and mirror be installed in my bedroom so I could take a class at home and I wrote to professional dancers asking for any advice I could get. My adoration soon turned into great determination and passion. With endless support from my parents, I was able to devote myself to training at one of the strongest studios in my area, Ballet Arts Worcester. In Fall 2014, I continued my journey at Butler University, recently ranked the third best dance program in the nation by College Magazine. Attending Butler quickly became the best decision of my life. Not only did I build lifelong friendships and receive an unparalleled education, but I learned that I strive to be more than a ballet dancer; I strive to be an artist. During my time at Butler, I was exposed to the power of art and had opportunities to learn various styles of dance, understand the nuances of arts administration, and witness the inspiration that ballet can instill in its audiences. During my summers, I had opportunities to travel and dance in Eastern Europe as well as work administratively with Bolshoi Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Boston Ballet.

Last September, I joined City Ballet of San Diego as a trainee and have since devoted myself to art. I train and rehearse at the ballet studio every day, I teach dance classes whenever I get the chance, I’ve opened an Etsy shop, Meredi Designs, for all of my paintings and photographs, and every summer, I work on Boston Ballet’s administrative team. I may have achieved the first step in my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer, but my journey has just begun, and now, I dream of making the world a brighter place through inspiration and art as I become the best dancer I can be.

Has it been a smooth road?
My experiences in pursuing this career have been plagued by doubts and insecurities. It is very easy to get discouraged in a field as subjective and competitive as ballet. One of my biggest challenges has been keeping sight of the impact and importance of art. Graduating alongside political majors and pre-med students who are going off to change the world made it easy to view a career in ballet as inconsequential. Sometimes it feels as though our jobs as artists aren’t as important or impactful as those who are saving lives and governing countries. One specific experience that I keep in mind whenever I am questioning my career is a service trip I took to Jamaica. In a different country, surrounded by people speaking a different language living a completely different lifestyle, I witnessed grown adults and children alike celebrating life by dancing. That is when I realized that art is what brings us all together in good times and in bad. Knowing this helps me remember just how significant and inspirational our jobs are as artists.

My advice to anyone, but especially to women, is never give up. If you think you deserve something, you should go after it until you get it. The story I am most proud of is how I got a job on the administrative team at Boston Ballet. I originally was interested in an internship at the company and applied after I graduated high school. I didn’t get the job, or even an interview for that matter, but I continued to apply each year with a stronger resume. Finally, during my senior year at Butler, I applied to the same position for the fifth time. Not only did I receive an interview, but I was told that my application was so strong that I was being offered a paid position at a higher level instead, and I will now be returning to the position for the second time this summer. I have faced many challenges along my journey, but that is what I love about ballet and life as a whole – those challenges have made me who I am today.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Throughout my ballet training and professional career, I have worked each day to perfect my technique and rehearse for upcoming shows. I am so grateful to have performed numerous classical ballets and contemporary works in my career, thus far. My favorite roles have been Kitri in Don Quixote, Chinese Tea in The Nutcracker, and as a swan in Swan Lake. I also loved learning some of the American dance pioneer Paul Taylor’s choreographic works during my time at Butler University. One of the most memorable experiences I have had on stage was during Daniel Ulbricht’s choreography to La La Land’s “Someone in the Crowd”. It was so much fun! I am currently rehearsing the role of the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. No matter the role, I always dedicate myself to completely embodying the character’s attitude and personality as I take the part to the stage. As I continue to dance, I hope to learn and perform more Balanchine ballets and classical works as well as further explore modern styles. After my performing career, I plan to work in arts administration at a nonprofit organization that allows me to work as an advocate as well as an artist.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
My favorite resource for inspiration is books. I love reading about empowered women’s lives and what they overcame to pursue their dreams. I am currently reading I Am Malala, and a few of my favorites are Becoming by Michelle Obama, Wildflower by Drew Barrymore, and Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick. I also use Instagram as a tool for inspiration. Lauren Lovette and Sara Mearns, principal dancers at New York City Ballet, both have great Instagram accounts that detail the everyday struggles and successes of professional ballet dancers. Reading their messages each day is both enlightening and empowering!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredi_lee/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MerediDesigns

Image Credit:
Carly Topazio Photography, Dale Dong, Anna Scipione

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