Meet Marisa, a ballet dancer from Buffalo, New York. Marisa began dancing when she was three years old. This holiday, she was the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker with the American Academy of Ballet. She’s danced in The Nutcracker several times and her favorite role was Clara which she played when she was sixteen.

Marisa as the Snow Queen in the American Academy of Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker this winter. Photo from her Instagram account.

When Marisa isn’t dancing, she loves being outside. Her pursuits outside  take a less classic route: paint balling, jet skiing, and going to the shooting range. Marisa’s hobbies outside of ballet are a little edgier and exemplify her personality – she isn’t a girly girl and likes being her own person. She also loves attending concerts with her friends and gravitates towards alternative rock. “If you’re able to rock out to it, it’s a great song.”

Marisa’s style is definitely rocker chic. Her favorite accessory is her combat boots which she pairs with almost every outfit. Marisa’s style has evolved from girly to edgy in the past few years and she makes up her fashion as she goes. She likes to be comfortable and look cool.

Check out what Marisa brought to Los Angeles for the Spring 2013 photo shoot to get to know her and see what she can’t live a day without.

Take a peek inside Marisa’s suitcase.

“The pointe shoes represent the influence of ballet in my life. It taught me discipline, patience and, even though it doesn’t always seem like it, coordination. Dancing allows me to express who I am in the moment. Don’t fool yourself, everybody dances at some point in their life, just at different levels of severity. A lot of the things here are red. I love warm colors: reds, yellows, oranges. They’re so lively and high-spirited, much like me.  I live in combat boots and Converse. They’re a main staple in my wardrobe. Plus, the combat boots make me feel awesome. I have this bizarre enthrallment with sugar skulls, which is why I included one. They’re so beautiful and bright and to me, they’re meant try to and bring out the best of not-so-great situations.”

Follow Marisa:
Twitter: @marisataylor
Instagram: @marisataylor

Check out Marisa’s Pinterest board to learn more about her and see her favorite AE styles.
Music Artist: CH!P
Song Title: This Is