How Becoming a Mother Changed Lindsi Dec's Dancing

September 13, 2017

Lindsi Dec is one of the pillars of Pacific Northwest Ballet: From Balanchine to Wheeldon, her mastery of principal roles brings a dynamic spark, strength and expansive spirit to the stage. Last year in January, Dec took on the biggest role of her life when she and husband Karel Cruz (also a principal with PNB) welcomed their son, Koan Dec Cruz.

Now back on stage and rehearsing for PNB’s first rep of the season, Dec spoke with Dance Magazine about the powerful ways that becoming a mother has influenced her dancing.

What it was like to end maternity leave:

“I came back in mid-July last year, and then I had to deal with the guilt about leaving him. Sometimes I still do. We had moved to Bothell, so it was an hour each way, but I was coming home twice a day to see him. If we had a break between rehearsals, I was driving home.”


Lindsay Thomas for Pointe

On breaking her foot just four months after returning:

“I was in shock. I came back very strong, working with my trainer, and doing Pilates. But everything happens for a reason, and I got to spend another three months at home with the baby.”


Lindsay Thomas for Pointe

On dealing with sleepless nights while dancing:

“It was really very hard. I was nursing for a year, so no caffeine. But once you start exercising and the endorphins kick in, you get that extra boost, and you just do it. You just keep going.”


Lindsay Thomas for Pointe