ABT Principal Ballerina Danced 'Nutcracker' While Pregnant

Isabella Boylston continued performing while expecting, now enjoying maternity leave before welcoming first child

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Isabella Boylston, 39, is expecting her first child with husband Daniel Shin. Boylston continued to perform ABT's difficult version of The Nutcracker while three months pregnant, making some adjustments to the acrobatic lifts. She is now on maternity leave and looking forward to the "blissful" moments of slowing down before the baby's arrival. Boylston plans to return to the stage for ABT's 2026-2027 season, which will include the celebration of her 20th anniversary with the company.

Why it matters

Boylston's story highlights the incredible physical capabilities of female athletes during pregnancy, as well as the challenges and considerations ballet dancers face when deciding whether to continue performing while expecting. Her experience also sheds light on the lack of specific policies around dancing while pregnant in the ballet world.

The details

Boylston, who joined ABT in 2006, decided to continue performing The Nutcracker while in her first trimester, working closely with her doctor to modify some of the more acrobatic lifts. She danced the role at 12 weeks pregnant, with her family in the audience. Boylston says it was "so challenging, but also so special" to perform with her baby. She has been relying on advice from fellow ballerina moms Misty Copeland and Gillian Murphy during her pregnancy.

  • Boylston performed The Nutcracker while three months pregnant.
  • Boylston is currently on maternity leave and will return for the 2026-2027 season.
  • Boylston's 20th anniversary with ABT will be celebrated during the company's 2027 Summer season.

The players

Isabella Boylston

A 39-year-old principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre who is expecting her first child with her husband Daniel Shin.

Daniel Shin

Isabella Boylston's husband.

James Whiteside

A fellow American Ballet Theatre dancer who Boylston partnered with in The Nutcracker while pregnant.

Misty Copeland

A ballerina mom who has provided advice and support to Boylston during her pregnancy.

Gillian Murphy

A ballerina mom who has provided advice and support to Boylston during her pregnancy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I went back and forth over whether to do The Nutcracker because our version is notoriously difficult and there are a lot of acrobatic lifts in it. But I was dancing with one of my best friends, James Whiteside, and we've had a long partnership, and I trust him so much. So together with my doctor, we decided that it would be safe for me to try to do Nutcracker with changing a few lifts to make them a little bit less risky.”

— Isabella Boylston, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre (PEOPLE)

“It felt like such an accomplishment. It was so challenging, but also so special to be doing a little pas de deux with my baby and have my baby out there on stage with me.”

— Isabella Boylston, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre (PEOPLE)

“My gosh, it's blissful, honestly. I definitely think this will be really good for some long-term injuries that I have. I have multiple torn ligaments in my ankles from all the years, so I think this will be really good for my ankles.”

— Isabella Boylston, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Boylston plans to return for the 2026-2027 season, which will include the celebration of her 20th anniversary with the American Ballet Theatre.

The takeaway

Boylston's story highlights the incredible physical capabilities of female athletes during pregnancy, as well as the challenges and considerations ballet dancers face when deciding whether to continue performing while expecting. Her experience also sheds light on the lack of specific policies around dancing while pregnant in the ballet world.