A native of Minneapolis, best known for her effortless, fluid style and dramatic sensibility, began her dance career with MDT, then moved at the age of 19 to the world renowned Stuttgart Ballet under the leadership of Glen Tetley. After joining American Ballet Theatre, she danced principal roles and worked closely with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, Rudolf Nureyev, Gelsey Kirkland, Kevin McKenzie and others.