Meet Paloma Garcia-Lee, the youngest ballerina to ever take the stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenon, “The Phantom of the Opera.” Garcia-Lee joined the cast at just 17 years old, taking the stage in New York City after touring nationally in the role of Meg Giry. As the longest-running show on Broadway, with almost 25 years under its belt, this run of “Phantom” is actually older than she is now at 21! We asked Garcia-Lee the 10 questions we ask every up-and-comer so you can get to know her a little bit better.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s a quote: “Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. Radiate love.” — Wilfred Peterson
Favorite dish to cook for yourself when you’re not in a rush?
I am really trying to learn how to cook. I would love someday to answer this question with something like “ginger poached salmon with a side of truffle asparagus and rosemary potatoes.”
What’s your most prized possession?
Is a dog a possession? If so, then my dog. He is the sweetest in the whole world!
Did you have posters of famous people on your wall growing up? If so, who?
I was and still am a huge ballet fan and had posters all over my walls — Paloma Herrera, Angel Corella, Julie Kent, Alessandra Ferri.
Favorite song ever?
If I only had to listen to one song for the rest of eternity, it would be “Day Dreaming” by Aretha Franklin.
Favorite word?
Favorite word: Yum. And I use it incorrectly in sentences all the time: “That’s so yum!”
Best or worst date?
The best date would be a trip to the park, then grab a bite to eat in a delicious hole-in-the-wall place, then grab a cocktail at one of my favorite speakeasy-style bars. If you have the right company, any date becomes the best date.
What reality show do you secretly want to be cast on?
I have a love/hate relationship with “So You Think You Can Dance.” Even though I’m a professional dancer, there is something that makes me completely jealous when I see an amazing number on there choreographed by Mia Michaels. I just want to be up there dancing my heart out.
If you had to pick one fast-food chain to eat at for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Sometimes, I just have to get a Southern-style chicken sandwich from McDonald’s and a Mocha Frappe. I know, I know. But c’mon — it’s delicious.
Now that you’ve been interviewed a bunch, who would you want to interview?
The president. I want to know all the secrets and then I want to tell everyone about all the secrets. So I will probably never conduct my dream interview.
