There’s something so incredibly inspiring about ballet to me. It epitomizes discipline, strength and grace. And that’s pretty much the only way I can describe Allyssa Bross Larrabee. This talented beauty is the principal dancer at The Los Angeles Ballet. I got to spend some time with her on our incredible shoot “Baller Ballerina”, getting to know her and finding out what makes her push herself to the physical and mental perfection that seems to come with this profession. Her story is an inspiring one, that brings forth courage and teaches you what hard work can achieve and more than anything that your dreams, the thing that you sometimes feel is so unattainable is always within your reach. She is every bit as graceful as you would imagine a Prima Ballerina to be but one of the things that struck me most was her heart and her kindness. This was one of my favorite shoots and interviews because of the honesty and vulnerability she chose to bring into the space. You can catch this beauty in my fav ballet “The Nutcracker” which opens tomorrow. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Allyssa Bross Larrabee, Dreamer…

Dream

My dream from the time I was 11 was to become a principal ballerina. Right now I am living out that dream. The next step is to give back my passion for dancing to our city's youth in communities that may never get the chance to have dance training. Dance is a universal language and I hope to use it to inspire others. 

Honor

I honor someone who can be vulnerable about their struggles, but has a confidence in who they are. 

Darkest Moment

As a ballet dancer, I spend my entire day in front of a mirror next to some of the most elite artists. For the first couple years of my career, I struggled with self worth and being insecure with my body. I was dancing for validation and I was allowing my career to define who I was. That then turned into a downward spiral of not eating enough and running my body into the ground. Mentally I was the darkest place I've ever been.  

Hope

Every struggle I have gone through is a part of the process of shaping me into the person God designed me to be. We will never go through more than we can handle. 

What stirs your soul?

People who are living to make someone else's day better, inspires me more than anything.

Your message to the world in 30 Seconds?

You were made beautiful. The world doesn't define who you are.

Legacy

Self Worth. For so long I identified myself with my career. Without it I didn't know who I was, but there is so much more to me than my position or a label. I'm determined to help others see that in themselves. 

What advice would you give to yourself at 7 years old and 17 years old?

7-year-old Allyssa: Don't let the fear of breaking the rules keep you from taking risks

17-year-old Allyssa: God has bigger plans for you than your teenage brain can imagine so when it doesn't work out your way, know it's because there are greater things ahead.

Hero

My hero is my husband. He is the most selfless person I know and he makes everyone around him feel valued and loved.

Favorite non-physical attribute about your self?

I love that I can see myself in other people. I am able to see many different perspectives by relating to people.

Non-profit

My husband started a nonprofit a couple years ago called Good City Mentors and it has opened my eyes to the impact we can have on someone's life. GCM provides mentorship to high schoolers in some of LA's roughest areas. When I get to bring hope to a world of chaos just by walking in the schools and spreading love to the kids, everything in my life is put into perspective.