Corina Fimian was born in Switzerland and emigrated to the United States in 1996. After moving to Charleston, she started taking ballet at Ballet Academy of Charleston. With her love for ballet and a solid business background, Corina Fimian took over Ballet Academy of Charleston in 2007
Describe what you do:
I lead a ballet school for children and adults that offers everyone performance opportunities through artful non-verbal storytelling verses typical recitals.
What is your superpower?
I don’t have one, it’s the dance that mesmerizes and supplies the power.
How does being artistic spill over into the rest of your life?
Trying to teach kids to find their passion even if it isn’t ballet. Recently a very young student was interested and full of questions about the backstage part of the performance and I wanted to show him and nurture that curiosity.
Regarding getting things done: what guides you?
I am a list person. I try to be prepared for everything that could possibly happen. I function best when I am under severe pressure.
What’s a good day?
The joy in the kids, not just when they come to class or are performing but when I see it in their eyes that they know they are getting it!
Teach me something I didn’t know.
With ballets like Nutcracker and Swan Lake, there is an expectation and precise choreography that must be followed but others allow for interpretation.
What’s the next big thing?
Finding opportunities to bring ballet performance to people who would not ordinarily be able to go. I would like audiences to be as diverse as the dancers.
How is it that you are so beautiful?
I don’t see myself as the focal point. It is never about me.
Why does art matter?
It sustains people. We can’t live without beauty and art is beauty and an outlet. Every human needs art for a good life. It is essential.
Susan Irish is the founder and owner of Fabulon – Center for Art and Education. Each month she interviews a different local artist.
