Isabella Boylston’s Favorite Things: Ballet, Beauty, Books, and Beyond
Get to know ballet superstar Isabella Boylston through the books she loves, beauty finds she swears by, and bits of joy from her daily life.
Isabella Boylston is no ordinary ballerina. As a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, she has captivated audiences on some of the world’s grandest stages. But behind the scenes, her interests and inspirations reach far beyond the spotlight—into books, beauty, and the everyday routines that keep her grounded and inspired. Here, we delve into Isabella’s favorite things, from what she keeps in her dance bag to the books on her nightstand, her travel rituals, and more.
Ballet Life: Essentials Inside Isabella’s Dance Bag
Life as a top ballerina demands discipline, but it’s also about the little comforts and rituals that help sustain the art. Isabella’s dance bag offers a peek into her day-to-day necessities and quirky must-haves.
- Books: Isabella is a voracious reader. She is never without her current reads, often carrying two at a time. As founder of the Ballerina Book Club, she loves delving into works about the mind-body connection as well as engaging fiction, such as fantasy and sci-fi titles.
- Lipsticks and Film Camera: Nourishing a touch of personal glam, lipstick helps her transition from rehearsal to interviews or appearances, while her film camera is always ready to capture moments backstage or on tour.
- Notebook: For jotting down choreography, reflections, or sudden sparks of creativity—an essential for any performing artist.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Sustainability is key, so Isabella swears by refillable bottles to stay hydrated and eco-conscious.
- Pointe Shoes (Without Padding): Perhaps most surprising, Isabella often forgoes traditional padding in her pointe shoes to feel more connected to the floor—an unusual but deeply personal choice that highlights her commitment to artistry and technique.
“People are always alarmed when they find out I don’t use toe pads in my pointe shoes, but for me, it’s about control and connection—even if it hurts a little!”
A Well-Read Dancer: Isabella’s Book Recommendations
Isabella’s passion for reading goes hand-in-hand with her dedication to dance. Her recommendations span childhood favorites, inspiring autobiographies, and modern literary treasures.
- Currently Reading: She enjoys immersing herself in a wide array of genres. Recent favorites include Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and The Neapolitan Series by Elena Ferrante—each offering a unique perspective on ambition, creativity, and resilience.
- Childhood Favorites: Books like The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren left a profound mark on Isabella, along with timeless series like Nancy Drew and Little House on the Prairie.
- For Inspiration: Titles such as The Name of the Wind, Zen in the Art of Archery, and biographies—especially those of artists or entrepreneurs—provide Isabella with creative and spiritual uplift.
Through her Ballerina Book Club, Isabella shares these discoveries with fellow readers, fostering a vibrant community of dancers and book lovers alike.
Daily Beauty Routine: From Studio to Stage
The rigors of dance mean Isabella keeps her beauty routine simple, practical, but always elegant. Here’s how she adapts her regimen to different needs:
- Morning Rituals: She starts her day with a gentle water rinse, followed by serums from Westman Atelier and a gel moisturizer from Kinship.
- Sun Protection: Finding a mineral sunscreen that blends well is a priority; Iris and Romeo’s Best Skin Days sunscreen doubles as a foundation—a win for days with little time for makeup.
- Lip and Cheek: Dior Lip Oil is her go-to for rehearsals—a subtle tint and hydrator that brightens her face under harsh studio lights. For a touch of color, she opts for a dewy Neen blush.
- Night Routine: Tired after shows, she relies on Estée Lauder eye cream and, for deep hydration, the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask overnight.
“Long rehearsals and performance days mean I go minimal with skincare at night—it’s all about keeping it easy so I can rest and recover.”
Packing for Life on the Road: Travel Must-Haves
Ballet’s global stage means Isabella is often on tour, and packing is a mix of practicality and comfort:
- Tumi Suitcase: Durable and spacious, it’s her reliable soul mate for unpredictable travel needs.
- Layers: She always packs a La Ligne sweater, since performance venues and airports are famously chilly.
- The Essentials: Always tucked into her luggage are pointe shoes, a good novel, and travel-sized beauty products.
“I’m famous for overpacking,” she confesses, “but ballet on the road means being ready for anything—from a last-minute rehearsal to a night out in a new city.”
Home, Roots, and Rest: Places That Inspire
Despite her frenetic career, Isabella values grounding moments in places that connect her to her roots and allow her to recharge.
- Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch: Set near her hometown, this tranquil getaway is her ultimate retreat, perfect for hiking, soaking in the local hot springs, and unwinding under star-studded skies with her husband, Daniel Shin.
- Idaho Ballet Festival: Isabella remains deeply loyal to her birthplace, having established a ballet festival there to introduce new generations to the art form and keep ties to her heritage strong.
Favorite Spots in New York City
When not traveling or performing, Isabella relishes the simple pleasures of life in the city she calls home. A few favorite haunts:
- Coffee at IXV Coffee in Boerum Hill: A favorite for its commitment to zero waste and delicious grilled cheese with farmer’s market veggies.
- Abraço in the East Village: Unbeatable iced lattes and an inviting atmosphere keep her coming back.
Staying Real: Personality, Performance, and Authenticity
Isabella’s approach to dance—and life—is marked by authenticity and joy. On stage and off, she is celebrated for her:
- Commitment to Realism: She strives to imbue her characters with authentic humanity, even in the most fantastical ballets.
- Vibrant Personality: Fans and colleagues notice her infectious positivity, beaming smile, and boundless energy, whether dancing Odette or Odile.
- Famous Friends: Seen frequently with other principal dancers like Misty Copeland and even Hollywood stars, Isabella brings camaraderie and community to the ballet world.
- Social Over-Sharing: Her Instagram feed grants fans rare glimpses behind the scenes—rehearsals, costume fits, and candid moments on tour.
“I always aim to bring a sense of authenticity to every character. Even when the story is pure fantasy, my job is to find the real human at its heart.”
Loyalty to Heritage: Giving Back to Idaho
Despite international success, Isabella hasn’t forgotten where she came from. Her efforts in Idaho, from the establishment of the ballet festival to community events, reflect a passion for nurturing future artists and enriching her home community.
- Mentoring Young Dancers: Workshops and masterclasses help aspiring talents find their way into professional ballet.
- Preserving Local Arts: Through programming and festival organization, Isabella shines a spotlight on Idaho’s cultural vibrancy.
Ballet Fashion: Style on and off the Stage
Ballet’s influence extends into Isabella’s fashion choices. She is often seen in brands she loves, creating a signature style defined by grace, comfort, and functionality.
- Rehearsal Favorites: Ainsliewear leotards are a staple, balancing comfort with performance.
- Personal Style: Effortless yet statement-making, whether in classic tutus or relaxed travel wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Isabella Boylston’s role at American Ballet Theatre?
A: She is a principal dancer, known for her athleticism, expressive artistry, and dynamic performances on global stages.
Q: Does Isabella really perform without toe pads in pointe shoes?
A: Yes, she often forgoes padding for greater control, a choice that emphasizes her unique connection to the stage floor.
Q: What are her favorite books or genres?
A: Isabella enjoys fantasy, sci-fi, biographies (especially of artists and entrepreneurs), and classics from her childhood.
Q: Which beauty products does Isabella rely on most?
A: Her core favorites include Westman Atelier serum, Kinship gel moisturizer, Dior Lip Oil, Neen blush, and Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask.
Q: How does she balance a busy dance schedule with self-care?
A: Simplicity is key: minimal but effective beauty routines, relaxation through reading, and staying connected to family and nature for balance and renewal.
Quick Facts Table: Isabella Boylston at a Glance
| Role | Principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre |
|---|---|
| Known for | Expressive artistry, versatility, dynamic performances, bookworm nature |
| Favorite Reads | Fantasy, biographies, Neapolitan Series, Shoe Dog |
| Go-To Beauty | Minimal, dewy look with focus on hydration and SPF |
| Rooted In | Idaho (festival founder and community advocate) |
| Personal Style | Effortless, functional, with ballet-inspired elegance |
In Isabella’s Words: Lasting Inspirations
Above all, Isabella Boylston’s favorite things reflect a life devoted to movement, curiosity, and connection. Through every performance and every page she reads, she balances creativity with authenticity, inviting fans into her world with genuine joy.
“Sometimes as artists, we try so hard to be great, but it’s important to find joy and play every day—that’s what first made me fall in love with ballet, and what keeps me inspired years later.”
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8O7FWaPxNw
- https://dancemagazine.com/isabella-boylston/
- https://ainsliewear.com.au/blogs/news/isabella-boylston-8-reasons-why-we-love-her
- https://observer.com/2024/10/isabella-boylston-american-ballet-theatre-ballerina-essentials/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a29414499/isabella-boylston-favorite-things/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/news/a53351/what-its-really-like-to-dance-the-lead-in-swan-lake/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KVpz9y0Zpc
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