How did your love story begin?

At age 16 we both attended a pre-professional ballet summer training camp in Pittsburgh, PA. We became good friends and kept in touch after that summer. Spending hours a day messaging and video calling, we supported each other as we tried to make the leap from student to professional dancer. Over the years our long distance friendship grew into something more, and we began to dream of a future where international borders and our highly competitive career field weren't obstacles in our way.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

It's too difficult to pick just one from our 9 years of marriage! Anytime we've faced a challenge together, and come out on top, is a standout. Whether that's the many times we've danced together onstage, the backpacking trips and snowy hikes, the time we worked together to land a 25lb catfish, or navigating the US immigration process on the path to citizenship. When we work together I know we can overcome any obstacle, and I know we'll have some great memories on the other side.

What would you do with $20,000?

We've spent so much of our lives working towards our dance careers and now it's time for us to think about what comes after we retire from the stage. $20,000 would allow us to invest in starting our own dance school. To create a space where anyone can come to be trained without the toxicity of traditional ballet schools. We would have a chance to be the type of leaders that we needed as young artists in training.