Performing in mesmerizing unison, the corps de ballet embody dedicated hours of training. From the studio until the curtain drops, corps members work together to showcase beautiful productions for the season. With a passionate love of dance are exemplary corps members who inspire and lead their team.

Each year, American Ballet Theatre recognizes an outstanding senior female corps dancer with the title of Jennifer Alexander Dancer. This dancer displays professionalism, dedication, and perseverance as the late Jennifer Alexander exemplified. Jennifer passed away in December 2007, and the title and Jennifer Alexander Memorial Fund are in memory of this beloved corps de ballet member.

This year ABT honors Leah Baylin as the 2025 Jennifer Alexander Dancer.

Leah began dancing ballet at four years old and from her first performance fell in love with the art form. “I lived for the moments I got to go to class and be onstage,” said Leah. Since then, Leah continued to pursue her love of ballet professionally.

Joining the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in September 2017 was the start of Leah’s ABT journey. In January the following year, Leah joined ABT Studio Company. She became an apprentice with the main Company in December 2019, then joined the corps de ballet in September 2021.

Nearing her fourth year as a corps de ballet member, dancing in the iconic swans corps at the end of Swan Lake is one of Leah’s favorite ABT moments. “The sun rises and we’re all onstage moving and breathing together one last time,” said Leah. Since joining ABT, Leah has danced every Swan Lake performance and each time gives her chills saying, “the beauty of breathing as one, the accomplishment of finishing the ballet, and the music transcend anything I’ve felt before.” She highlights the “camaraderie of the Company, especially the corps women,” as the best part of ABT.

Both on and off the stage, Leah uplifts and engages with the ABT community. An alumni of the ABT JKO School, Leah joined their fall semester Meet the Artist session in 2024 to answer the questions of excited young dancers and shared her own experiences. “To have a small hand in the output and an influence on younger dancers feels like I have given back to the art form in some way,” said Leah.

During the Summer of 2021, Leah contributed to “Dancer Diaries” for SideBarre, when the Company toured to her home state of Colorado. She shared fond moments during ABT “ballet bubbles” and the fulfilling but extensive rehearsal process. Her thoughtful stories created connectivity between ABT members in a period of separation.

As her work as a dancer never ends, Leah’s motto “practice like you’re the worst, perform like you’re the best,” summarizes her committed mindset. Leah said, “I’ve always enjoyed savoring the work I’ve put in and then being able to let go when I perform.” Her diligence and love for dance shine from practice to the stage.

Leah’s advice to young dancers is, “to not shy away from your qualities. Knowing your weaknesses is always a way to improve, but knowing and honing your strengths is a way to become an artist true to yourself and cultivate genuine confidence.”

The Jennifer Alexander Dancer honors Leah as part of the amazing women who continue to inspire and cultivate unity beyond the stage. Leah said, “Receiving this award makes me feel proud to be among the generations of amazing women, including Jennifer Alexander.”