Whether you’re a ballet aficionado in their birthplaces of Longview and Fredericksburg or in their professional hometowns of Salt Lake City and Houston, Beckanne Sisk and Chase O’Connell are household names.
In fact, thanks to the tight-knit world of dance and the outreach of the social media community, they have surely entered your circle of conversation no matter where you are.
Before landing together at Houston Ballet, which they joined as Principal Dancers in 2022, Sisk and O’Connell have waltzed through some of the most prestigious dance institutions earning individual merits which, when combined, have resulted in the creation of an on-stage power couple.
Yet there is an extra profundity that has developed in their professional partnership due to their love and respect for each other outside of the studio. Read on for a deeper look into some of the unique experiences and decision-making that come with having such richly intertwined lives.
Interview with Chase O’Connell & Beckanne Sisk
*interview edited for clarity
‣ Most readers probably know that you met while dancers at Ballet West; which came first – the professional or personal attraction?
Chase: I knew of Beckanne but had never met her before. So professional attraction was already there. But then once I met her in real life I had a personal attraction too.
Beckanne: I was attracted to Chase pretty immediately. I found him so charming and easy to talk to. Of course his dancing only made him more attractive to me… haha.
‣ Did you ever question whether being romantically involved would somehow stymie your individual growth in the company?
Chase: I was a little nervous that it would affect my career. She was already an established dancer in the company and I didn’t want that to sway my career in any way. But luckily I was able to get opportunities and move up in the company and make a name for myself.
Beckanne: For me/myself, no. But I did worry about me holding Chase back. He was in the second company at Ballet West and hadn’t been offered a contract yet. So he was going out and auditioning – selfishly I really wanted him to stay. He was actually offered a contract at another, larger, company before Ballet West but decided to stay….
‣ Changing ballet companies is a decision unique to each dancer and as an individual, one must consider things such as the stage at which you are in your career, your aspirations, the vision and work environment of the potentially new company, the location… I imagine that making this choice to move from Salt Lake City to Houston as a couple added another layer of complexity. What challenges did you face, and was there ever a moment – or moments – when you felt that perhaps this wouldn’t be the best idea?
Chase: We had been at BW for 10 years and were looking for a change. It was hard to leave since that had been our home for so long and we had so many friends and loved the company and Adam and all the staff so much.
Beckanne: Oh yes, this was a huge decision for us. We always felt certain it was the right career move for us; emotionally, and in other ways, it was very difficult.
Chase: But when life provides an opportunity, especially an opportunity for the both of us to grow and learn, we had to take it. Of course there was some second guessing but we know now that it was the right move.
Beckanne: It was a tough first season. Luckily Houston Ballet has the most amazing group of dancers; we have made some of the best friends here. They really made us feel like family when we joined and helped us with the transition. Truthfully, we couldn’t have done it without them. I believe we’ve made friends for life here!
‣ Maybe this hasn’t even crossed your minds yet, but I’m curious – Do you think you will retire from performing at the same time?
Chase: We haven’t really discussed it fully but I can’t imagine working and performing without her being a part of it.
Beckanne: Hmmm… I don’t know! I could see myself retiring first?
‣ Surely there must be a favorite ballet you have danced as partners; what made that experience so special for you?
Chase: One of my favorites is Romeo and Juliet. It was our first full length together and it was just an amazing experience to have together.
‣ What about a piece where you thought, “Maybe casting us in this pas de deux wasn’t the best idea… “?
Chase: I can’t recall any pas that we thought we shouldn’t do. There might be some hesitance in the beginning but then we always make it work and do the best we can.
‣ For the upcoming In the Night program, are you dancing in any of the ballets together? If so, how has working on these strengthened your bond?
Beckanne: We are actually dancing in all 3 of the ballets together (In the Night, Maninyas, Celts). I think we always learn more about each other and how we work in every new ballet we get to perform together. These ballets are all very different from each other so it’s fun to have all the variety in a partnership in one program.
‣ Ok, let’s get more personal now! Do you guys argue more in the studio or at home?
Chase: I would say we argue more in the studio… lol.
Beckanne: Studio, FOR SURE!!!
Chase: It’s not heated arguments but little things. It’s hard dancing with your significant other because you will say whatever on your mind. It’s also hard because I want us both to be the best we can be individually and together. So it’s hard not to say little corrections or remarks that you wouldn’t necessarily say to another dance partner.
Beckanne: We definitely keep a short term memory in the studio – we can be in a little fight but 5 seconds later we have moved on and are working on the next thing.
‣ What are some strategies you use in order to keep your personal life loving when you, inevitably, hit some professional rough spots?
Beckanne: It can be hard sometimes, especially when this job can easily consume you. But you just have to be thankful that we get to do this art form together and not take it for granted. But we are always there for each other and it’s nice to have someone that knows exactly what you are going through.
‣ And what about the inverse? If there’s tension at home, what do you do to mitigate the negative impact this could have at work?
Chase: When we are at work we understand there is a job to do and we try our best to leave any outside baggage outside.
‣ Do you tend to do everything together throughout the day, or are there specific moments when you welcome some non-couple time?
Chase: We tend to do everything together… haha. We work out together, take class together, practice together, rehearse together, eat together. It sounds like a lot but it’s just how we have always done things.
‣ What are some things you enjoy doing as a couple when you are not dancing?
Beckanne: We like to travel, visit family, spend time with our dog… Beckanne is a great cook so that’s always a great time! We spend time with friends and just try to enjoy this journey as much as possible.
Featured Image of Houston Ballet Principals Beckanne Sisk as Hippolyta and Chase O’Connell as Theseus in John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox (2023). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
