From Ballet Star to screen: Taïs Vinolo’s Journey wiht ”Étoile”
Taïs Vinolo’s path is a testament to the power of perseverance and embracing unexpected opportunities. Her captivating performance in a dance-focused commercial caught the eye of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino, the creative force behind the new television series, “Étoile.” this ultimately led to a role that beautifully blends her passions.
Vinolo was actually navigating a temporary pause in her dance career with the National Ballet of Canada (NBoC) due to injury when the “Étoile” casting director reached out in 2023. Simultaneously, NBoC offered to renew her contract.she auditioned for the pivotal role of Mishi, a young dancer grappling with family expectations and personal aspirations, and ultimately accepted, receiving unwavering support from her colleagues and NBoC’s artistic director.”They consistently encouraged me to explore my creativity and nurture my artistic growth within ballet,” she explains.
A Foundation Built on Dedication
From a young age, vinolo dedicated herself to the art of ballet. Born in France, she honed her skills at the american Ballet Theater’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School during her teenage years. Following this, she participated in Boston Ballet‘s graduate program before joining NBoC. This rigorous training laid the groundwork for her transition to acting.
Vinolo’s dancing style is characterized by an airy elegance and understated precision. Her long limbs move with a grace that captivates audiences both on stage and on screen.
Mishi: A Character Reflecting Personal Growth
Playing Mishi proved to be a transformative experience for Vinolo. “you can clearly see how Mishi evolves and matures throughout the series,” she shares. “The character’s journey of becoming a better artist and a stronger young woman mirrored my own experiences as I stepped into the world of acting and gained confidence.”
Vinolo sees a powerful parallel between her own artistic development and Mishi’s. This resonance allowed her to bring authenticity and depth to the role.
Championing Representation in Ballet
Vinolo is passionate about making ballet more inclusive and accessible. she recognizes the traditionally exclusive image of the art form and believes it can be broadened. ”Ballet is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, notably through social media platforms like TikTok and the ‘balletcore’ trend,” she notes.
She’s persistent to use her platform to advocate for greater representation.”It’s incredibly meaningful to me to be a visible role model for the Black community as a black ballerina,” Vinolo emphasizes. She wants to inspire a new generation of dancers from diverse backgrounds.
Balancing Two Worlds: Dance and Acting
Taking on the role of Mishi required a significant commitment and a delicate balancing act. Vinolo needed to continue dancing to maintain her skills while simultaneously immersing herself in the demands of acting.
“Combining both disciplines was incredibly challenging,” she admits. “On my days off, I attended ballet classes, and on weekends, I worked with my acting and dialect coach.” This intensive six-month period of dedicated work transformed her, not only as an artist but also as a person.
This experience has broadened Vinolo’s outlook and solidified her commitment to both ballet and acting. She’s a rising star poised to make a significant impact on both worlds.
(Image Caption: Photo by Jim Browsky, Courtesy Vinolo.)
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Artists:
* Embrace Opportunities: Be open to unexpected paths and challenges.
* Nurture Your Craft: Continuous training and dedication are essential.
* Find Your Voice: Use your platform to advocate for what you believe in.
* Balance Passion & Perseverance: Juggling multiple interests requires discipline and commitment.
