Whether she’s in the studio, arms playfully thrown back in fearless, flexible poses, or on stage, playing her first leading role with speed and precision nutcrackerPrincipal Marzipan – Pacific Northwest Ballet Company Dancer Destiny Wimpye is radiant. In new work by Keyon Ross …the throes of ever-increasing miracles Last season, she skimmed across the floor and devoured the entire space. But Wimpy’s brilliance on stage lies not just in her dazzling leaps and quadruple pirouettes, but in her small, graceful movements, her balanced yet dynamic arms, where she radiates strength but also vulnerability.
company: pacific northwest ballet
age: 20
hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
train: Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Colburn School, Pacific Northwest Ballet Professional Division
Herself: At the age of 9, Wimpye moved to Los Angeles with her mother to train at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. By the age of 13, she was attending Colborne School on her own. “I think it helped me mature mentally and emotionally. I gained the independence and strength I needed to succeed in this industry,” she said.
Connect with your audience: Wimpye has also found time for high-profile gigs, appearing on TV as a soloist for Mariah Carey’s holiday special, dancing for Michelle Obama at the White House, and dancing for Hourglass Cosmetics. Promotions include starring opposite Twyla Tharp and a major role in the hit show This Is Us. Professional credits added to her artistic talents. “For me, an important part of dance is telling a story and expressing emotion not only with your body but with your face – acting helps with that,” she said. “But on stage, I just relax and enjoy myself.”
Growth and feedback: “I’ve had my ups and downs in life, but my mom made sure I was surrounded by great mentors.” Joining Brown Girls Do Ballet gave Wimpye support. “For ten years, it allowed me to have black and brown professional ballet dancers as mentors—ballet dancers who looked like me. Now that I’m a mentor myself, it’s still rewarding.
Her director said this: PNB artistic director Peter Boal said Destiny, who is still in her first season as a regular member of the company, “will easily stand out from the corps de ballet due to her unique presence and clean technique” , “She began to play more distinctive roles,” including Swan LakeNeapolitan Ball in February. “I often talk about ‘the things you can’t teach,’ and Destiny has it. It’s engagement, presence, and joy beyond the footlights. That was evident the moment she walked on stage.
Memorable performance: As a student in the professional category, danced with PNB in the finale of Balanchine’s “Diamonds.” “I knew I was hired months ago,” she said. “I was thrown into that show at the last minute. It felt like the beginning of my career and I realized I was living my dream!”
free time: “I love spending relaxing days at home with my pup, as well as traveling and exploring Washington,” Wimpye said. Her favorite TV show? “office.”
career goal: “I feel very grateful because I can see the effort that goes into making organizations more diverse and inclusive,” said Wimpye, whose goals include work on Balanchine, William Forsyth and Christo Pitt. Dancing in productions and even on Broadway — “I’m a huge fan of musicals,” she says. “But my biggest goal is to become a principal dancer.”
