The Leadership Dance – Episode 36: “Taking the Lead, with Chloe Misseldine”

Host: Alissa Hsu Lynch
Guest: Chloe Misseldine, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre
Date of Release: March 2, 2026

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Alissa Hsu Lynch interviews Chloe Misseldine, a rising star and principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Recently named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 for Art and Style, Chloe reflects on her unconventional journey, pivotal career moments, and what leadership means to her—on and off the stage. Listeners gain a backstage pass to the rigorous world of ballet, family influences, Chloe’s cultural identity, and hear candid advice for young dancers navigating their own paths.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Chloe’s Unforgettable Promotion to Principal Dancer

Timestamps: 02:39–04:57

• On-stage Promotion (02:58): Chloe recounts the surprise and emotion of being promoted by Artistic Director Susan Jaffe during her curtain call after debuting as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House.
  • “I was the first to ever been promoted on stage... It was so nice and so wonderful to have the audience be a part of that experience.”
• She reflects on the process, sharing that while she knew a promotion might be possible, she “didn’t think it was gonna happen then and there.”

2. Rigor & Preparation for Leading Roles

Timestamps: 05:07–07:28

• Training for Swan Lake:
  • Preparation began months in advance, with an early introduction to the choreography and deep character work, particularly on the contrasting roles of Odette and Odile.
  • “Odette came more naturally to me, but Odile was a bit more of a struggle… the seduction of it, it didn’t come naturally as Odette did.”
• Role Explanation (06:20):
  • For listeners new to ballet, Chloe details the difference between Odette’s vulnerability and Odile’s fierce, technical demands.

3. Roots: Family & Early Life

Timestamps: 07:44–13:15

• Chloe grew up immersed in ballet thanks to her mother—a former ABT soloist—who coached and inspired her from a young age.
  • “I have been always been a part of ballet. Ballet has always been a part of my life. Ever since I was little.”
• Chloe attended regular school in Orlando but left after her freshman year to pursue dance in New York.
• Her relationship with her mother is close but respectful of boundaries in the workplace:
  • “She was never one to overstep, ever in my career or in my youth when I was training.” (11:04)

4. Family Dynamics and Personal Life

Timestamps: 13:20–15:13, 34:23–35:25

• Chloe is close to her two brothers; her older brother and sister-in-law live in her building in NYC, and her younger brother is about to graduate college.
• Outside of ballet, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring NYC, and staying connected—even when travel and performance schedules keep her busy.
  • “Any chance I get, I can hang out with my brother that lives in New York or call my dad or call my mom if she's downtown and I'm uptown.” (34:26)

5. Performance Highlights and Milestones

Timestamps: 15:13–19:54

• Memorable Roles: Chloe describes standout roles such as Flower Girl in Don Quixote (her first major role at ABT), Kitri (upcoming debut), and Sylvia.
  • “I just love the feeling of having the audience, the music… just the whole feeling of being on stage is incredible to me.” (15:22)
• Preparation Brings Freedom: Chloe explains that intensive preparation allows her to “let go” on stage and trust her instincts.
  • “If I’m well prepared, I’m just excited to get on stage… my body was going to take over, my instincts were going to take over…” (18:19)

6. Setbacks and Resilience

Timestamps: 20:00–22:47

• Chloe recounts a physical setback: a foot injury (dropped cuboid bone) that threatened to derail major debuts.
  • “Dancing while injured is probably the worst experience because... all you're thinking about is how to land to make sure my foot doesn't hurt.” (21:50)
• Overcoming this, with physical therapy, she danced significant roles despite pain and stress.

7. Training, Wellness, and Adaptation

Timestamps: 23:06–24:23

• Chloe shares her pre-class and gym routines, including work with a personal trainer who specializes in dancer alignment and mobility—essential for her as a tall dancer.
  • “He really works with me on… alignment, on mobility, especially on my knees, like tracking… as a tall dancer, there's a lot of length and... it's very difficult.”

8. Rapid Fire & Inspirations

Timestamps: 24:25–27:00

• Role Models: Nina Ananiashvili, renowned for her technical prowess and mentorship.
  • “She’s such an incredible jump technician… I got to work with her closely on Swan Lake and a little bit in Giselle in the studio.” (25:36)
• Alessandra Ferri coached Chloe in Giselle, creating another special milestone.
• Chloe loves both classical and contemporary dance, is an avid traveler, and classical music fan (“pistachio” is her favorite ice cream).

9. Leadership Philosophy

Timestamps: 29:46–30:51

• For Chloe, leadership embodies daily responsibility, being a role model, and especially showing kindness to younger dancers looking up to her.
  • “Leadership is just being in the studio, day in, day out, back to the daily grind... being a good representation, especially for younger dancers… to set a good moral for these young dancers…” (29:54)
  • “Providing good leadership skills in those moments when they meet you is very important and just to be respectful and kind.”

10. Culture & Identity

Timestamps: 31:36–33:16

• Chloe discusses her Chinese heritage, her mother’s immigration story, and the importance of having cultural roots.
  • “My mom is from Shanghai…she’s definitely been such an influence on me growing up… My Chinese heritage is such a big part of me, and I’m still looking to go in depth with it.” (31:54)
• She speaks a little Mandarin and celebrates Chinese New Year, embracing her multicultural identity.

11. On Pressure, Visibility, and Social Media

Timestamps: 27:10–29:46

• As her recognition increases, Chloe candidly shares the increasing demands and visibility, but remains grounded:
  • “The demands of being a principal dancer can be very stressful… performing and having to look a certain way all the time, and it can be nerve wracking.” (27:14)
• Chloe does not feel pressured by social media and focuses more on in-person leadership and connection.

12. Future Goals and Advice

Timestamps: 30:51–37:46

• Chloe hopes to perform more internationally as both a guest soloist and with ABT, and dreams of eventually teaching and coaching younger dancers.
• Advice to Younger Dancers (37:02):
  • “Confidence was the biggest part... just stick to the basics, stick to the work. I think that's so important... stay humble and be true to yourself.”
• She beautifully illustrates the importance of kindness, remembering her own early days and the impact of senior dancers’ warmth and encouragement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the surprise of her promotion:
  • “I was just overcome with so many emotions and so much excitement. It was so nice and so wonderful to have the audience be a part of that experience, to witness and feel the exact same emotions that I was feeling…” (03:28)
• On leadership:
  • “Providing good leadership skills in those moments when they meet you is very important and just to be respectful and kind.” (30:20)
• On overcoming injury:
  • “Dancing while injured is probably the worst experience because it's so... all you're thinking about is how to land to make sure my foot doesn't hurt.” (21:50)
• On growing up in ballet:
  • “I used to stand on pointe at home. I think that's where my strong ankles come from...” (08:21)
• Advice for artists:
  • “To stay humble and to be true to yourself, because I think that's something that nobody can take away from you.” (37:41)
• Remembering kindness:
  • “I remember all the ones that were so nice to me, so I try to keep that going… you might as well be kind.” (38:40)

Additional Highlights

• International Performances: Excitement about touring Abu Dhabi and Puerto Rico in 2026.
  • “After Abu Dhabi, ABT has a two week layover. But I will actually be going to Puerto Rico and dancing Swan Lake there.” (35:29)
• Heritage and Family: Deep connection to Chinese culture and family roots.
• Personal Joys: From exploring New York to family time, Chloe finds joy and balance outside dance.

If You Only Listen to a Few Minutes...

Chloe’s Promotion Story: 02:39–04:57
On Leadership & Impact: 29:46–30:51
Overcoming Setbacks: 20:00–22:47
Advice to Young Dancers: 37:02–37:41

This episode offers a dazzling glimpse into the artistry, diligence, and heart it takes to lead—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Chloe Misseldine’s story is a masterclass in resilience, humility, and leading by example for artists and leaders of all kinds.