DANCER HIGHLIGHT: VINICIUS LIMA

Demi-Soloist Vinicius Lima | By Beau Pearson

Growing up in Brazil, Demi-Soloist Vinicius Lima began dancing as part of a recreational project held at his elementary school, which included contemporary dance and hip hop a few times a week. He loved it so much that by the time he was 12, his teacher encouraged him to enroll with a local ballet school.

The additional training included national and international dance competitions, which led him to the U.S. for the Youth America Grand Prix. From there, Artistic Director Adam Sklute offered Lima a Ballet West Academy Trainee position in 2018. He was promoted into Ballet West II in 2018 and then the main Company in 2020.

“When I joined as a trainee, I felt like Ballet West was the place for me and I had that feeling that it was going to be my home for a little bit,” said Lima. “I have such an appreciation for what this place has given me and growth I’ve been able to go through with Ballet West.”

During the season, Lima shares that his favorite ballet in previous seasons was Onegin when he performed the demanding role of Lensky. “It was a very special moment in my career because of the artistic and technical growth he witnessed in himself,” Lima said. “It is a very difficult ballet and came at a time in my life that I genuinely didn’t think I was good enough for the opportunity. It was a big responsibility and the challenge was bigger than I thought I could take on, but after the performance, the validation I got from my coworkers as well as the audience was overwhelming. It was what I needed in order to grow, even though I didn’t feel ready for it.”

When Lima isn’t dancing, he admits to being an obsessive cook. “I cook almost every meal,” he says. “It’s where I can unleash my creativity and also a little bit of a therapeutic time for myself.” He additionally enjoys reading, yoga, meditation, and watching trashy TV.

During the summer, Lima takes a step away from ballet and explores other parts of his life he doesn’t usually have time for during the dance season. It’s also when he goes back to Brazil to see family and spends time resetting himself for the upcoming season.

Follow Vinicius on Instagram @vinicius_vinilima