Dancer Spotlight: Odette Finn
Photography by Edie Tyebkhan
1. Tell us a little about your dance background, how long you have been dancing, and what inspired you to pursue ballet.
I’ve been dancing since I was two, after seeing a performance of Swan Lake. Even at that age, I remember being completely mesmerized by the dancers. Soon after, I began my ballet training at Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in California. While I explored other styles of dance over the years, ballet has always held my heart.
Later, I continued my training at Evergreen State College and in Santa Barbara. During university, I had to take a break from all forms of dance due to major injuries. It took several years to recover, but I always knew it was only a pause. For me, dance is more than a form of expression—it is as natural as breathing and as vital as the pulse of the soul. Simply put, I love it, and I cannot imagine a life without it.
2. What are the specific challenges of portraying your character through dance in Little Women?
I love Sallie’s Party—it’s the first full corps de ballet scene in the show, and it gives the audience a wonderful chance to see how Meg and Jo interact with everyone. I really enjoyed dancing in it because the choreography captures both the grandeur of the party and the nuanced desires of each character. You can feel the social energy of the scene while also glimpsing the sisters’ inner worlds.
3. How do you approach telling a story through dance movements and expressions?
For me, storytelling through dance starts with intention—every movement carries meaning. I focus on embodying the emotions behind each phrase so they come across authentically on stage. When I fully believe in the character, expression flows naturally. My goal is always to draw the audience in so they feel as though they are part of the story.
4. What message or emotion do you hope to convey to the audience through your performance?
I hope the audience walks away feeling the heart of the story. More than just watching the steps, I want them to connect with the emotions—whether it’s joy, longing, or tenderness—and hopefully see a reflection of their own experiences within the characters.
5. How do you work with the choreographer and fellow dancers to convey the overall narrative of Little Women through your movements?
Working with Emma is such a joy. Her choreography allows each dancer to shine individually while uniting us as a cohesive ensemble to tell the story. The company works together with such generosity and care—it’s amazing how we support and uplift one another throughout the process. Through the artistry and thoughtfulness of Emma’s vision, the story of Little Women comes alive in a way that feels both powerful and deeply human.
6. What do you hope the audience takes away from the production after watching your performance in Little Women?
I hope the audience leaves with a sense of love, resilience, and sisterhood. Beyond the beauty of the dancing, I want them to feel the humanity of these characters—to be reminded of the strength found in family, in community, and in following one’s dreams.
