March 21, 2025
We are celebrating Women’s History Month at Cincinnati Ballet by highlighting some of the incredible women within our company who inspire us every day. Rehearsal Director Dale Shields is in her sixth season with the Cincinnati Ballet. We sat down with Dale to learn more about her journey.
Throughout your career, how have you seen the role of women in ballet evolve, particularly in leadership positions like your own?
It has been a slow but steady evolution. In my early professional years, there were a mix of Rehearsal Directors but only a few Artistic Directors of professional classical dance companies that were women and very few women choreographers who had works produced by professional companies. Being a strong, intelligent, and creative woman was not considered valuable for leadership positions. Today those qualities along with empathy and a sense of community are seen as strong qualities in leadership.
Looking back at your career, what are some of the most rewarding aspects of being in the ballet world?
Being part of this community, working alongside artists from different cultures and perspectives, opens your mind and spirit in ways that enrich your life. Performing gives you purpose, accomplishment and fulfillment. Passing that knowledge and passion to the following generations and seeing them succeed is even more rewarding.
As a rehearsal director, you influence the next generation of dancers. How do you see your role in shaping the future of ballet in Cincinnati and beyond?
Building excellence. With each season, each production and each artist. That includes collaboration within our organization and the many other arts organizations in the community. It includes the classical beauty that can bring you to tears and the innovative works that knock you off your seat.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, do you have any personal female role models in dance or beyond who have inspired you throughout your career?
There are many, but recently I have been thinking about Elaine Bauer (Principal with Boston Ballet) who showed me how deeply an artist can move an audience with grace and honesty. Irina Kolpakova (Prima Ballerina of the Kirov Ballet) taught me so much about the how and why of classical technique and helped train my eye for detail and excellence. I learned through their kindness and passion.
When you’re not working, what are some of your personal interests or passions that help you unwind or recharge?
Spending time with family, reading, walking by the river, and creating paper flowers.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you think it reflects the ongoing progress and challenges that women face in the arts?
I think having a time when there is a spotlight on the accomplishments of women helps support and build confidence for all of us. It allows us to realize our contributions are valuable. Women must continue searching for paths into leadership roles that give us influence as to where resources are allocated and what productions are seen. The process is slow but steady.
