Atlanta Ballet dancer Jessica He on how to keep your body—and mind—fit

3 questions for He before her leading role in Remembrance/Hereafter

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Atlanta Ballet dancer Jessica He

Photograph by Rachel Neville

Atlanta Ballet dancer Jessica He took a star turn in last year’s world premiere of Craig Davidson’s Remembrance/Hereafter, landing her a spot on Dance Magazine’s 2019 “25 to Watch” list. Now in her second season with the company, the California native shares tips on how she keeps her body and mind fit.

What’s your favorite way to stay active when not rehearsing 40 hours a week?
If I have enough energy and it’s not a performance weekend, I love to get out of the city, drive up to north Georgia, and hike the trails. Raven Cliff Falls in Helen is probably my favorite getaway. It’s so secluded and not as touristy as some other spots. I’m from a small town outside of Los Angeles, so I like being outdoors when I can.

How do you find that same zen at home?
My best friend and fellow Atlanta Ballet company dancer Keaton Leier got me my first plant at the beginning of this season. Now, it has so much new growth and is vining beautifully. Since then, I’ve started quite the collection of plants at home—thanks in part to the Victorian at Citizen Supply in Ponce City Market—and I love the positive and calming energy that plants bring to my surroundings.

What’s your go-to healthy meal?
I’m always at Upbeet. It’s a quick, yummy, and healthy dinner option when I don’t feel like cooking. My favorite is the Very Vegan salad. I’m not even a vegan—it just tastes so good. The agave Sriracha tofu is the best. I like to try to recreate it in my own kitchen.

She will reprise her leading role in the second movement of Remembrance/Hereafter with the Atlanta Ballet at City Springs, April 12–13.

This article appears in our April 2019 issue.

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