Julia Cinquemani, 21
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

When was the "a-ha" moment you knew you wanted to dance professionally?
"I've been dancing since I was four, so being a prima ballerina and a professional dancer has been my goal for as long as I can remember."

What has been your favorite onstage costume of all-time?
"Wearing the Nutcracker costumes when I trained in Seattle with the Pacific Northwest Ballet is a highlight. All of the sets and costumes were designed by Maurice Sendak. They were all so colorful, creative and fun to wear on stage."

Do you ever get the jitters? What's your pre-performance ritual?
"Yes, nerves are inevitable before every show. It helps me to talk with my friends in the dressing room to get my mind off of everything. I try not to let the nerves get the best of me because they can really mess with your head. I always remind myself to just go out there and do what I know best."