Dance Spotlight: Jill Oates

1. Tell us a little about your dance background, how long you have been dancing, and what inspired you to pursue ballet.

I have been dancing for 21 years, since I was seven years old, primarily focusing on ballet. I trained with Studio C, Vacaville Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Deane Dance Center before attending UC Irvine, where I double-majored in Dance Performance and Biology. I danced with Central West Ballet Company for five years before moving to Southern California.

I was inspired to pursue ballet because of the joy I found in constantly striving to become a better version of myself each day, and the satisfaction of being able to communicate without words.

2. What are the specific challenges of portraying your character through dance in Little Women?

Portraying Meg was initially challenging because I didn’t naturally relate to her love of the finer things in life. That’s not something that’s important to me personally, so I had to really use my imagination to understand where those feelings came from. Once I found that connection, I was able to express her emotions and desires more genuinely.

3. Can you describe your favorite dance or scene in Little Women and what makes it unique to you?

My favorite scene in the ballet is when Father comes home during the Autumn Festival. This moment is filled with so much joy and love between the family. They’re still at an age where they spend most of their time together, and the closeness of their bond is really special to portray.

4. How do you approach telling a story through dance movements and expressions?

Telling a story through movement is one of the most rewarding ways to dance. I start by deeply understanding the character and their motivations within the story. Then I think about what movement qualities, timing, and energy best express those emotions. It’s about truly feeling and embodying the narrative—not just acting it out, but living it through each step.

5. Have you found similarities between yourself and the character you portray in the ballet?

While I don’t necessarily share Meg’s appreciation for luxury, I deeply relate to her love and care for her family and sisters. Like her, I prioritize my family and try to follow my heart as much as possible. It’s been meaningful to express those values through Meg’s character on stage.

6. What message or emotion do you hope to convey to the audience through your performance?

I hope to convey a sense of hope and the importance of family through my performance.

7. How do you work with the choreographer and fellow dancers to convey the overall narrative of Little Women through your movements?

During the creation process, the whole cast collaborates to discuss each scene and its central message. We share input on how best to express the story and which movements feel most natural to our characters. This collaborative environment allows us to connect deeply with each other and bring authentic emotion to every moment on stage.

8. What do you hope the audience takes away from the production after watching your performance in Little Women?

I hope the audience leaves the show inspired by the power of family and the ability for people to accomplish their dreams by supporting one another. The story beautifully highlights the strength of women working together—something that remains deeply relevant and inspiring today.