We know it's not an easy lifestyle, even just physically speaking. What's the hardest demand you face to do what you love?
Christopher Charles McDaniel: "The hardest demand for me is knowing when to take it easy. Ballet is so physically intense, and if you don't find the time to rest and let your body recuperate, you risk the chance of injury. It's hard to take it easy or take time off when you love something so much. I always keep an open line of communication with my directors so they know that I'm not slacking off if I'm not giving 200%. I'll modify what I can so that I don't have to pay for it in the long run."

When was the "a-ha" moment you knew you wanted to dance professionally?
Christopher Charles McDaniel: "My 'a-ha' moment came when I saw the Dance Theatre of Harlem perform. I was eight and my school went on a trip to a performance through their Dancing Through Barriers outreach program."