Dancing with the stars (of the City Ballet).

• Position: David Prottas - Interview - Brief article

David Prottas, 19, who grew up near Boston and graduated from the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto, started an apprenticeship with the New York City Ballet last fall. He regularly puts in 12-hour days training, rehearsing, and performing with the company, and hopes to be invited to join this year. So far, he has appeared in The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. Upfront talked to Prottas, who's been studying dance since he was 7, about his passion for ballet.

(Q) How does it feel to be surrounded by such talent?

(A) It's really inspiring and an amazing learning opportunity. But at the same time, it's a little bit intimidating.

(Q) What have been the biggest challenges so far?

(A) Just feeling comfortable dancing with, and integrating myself into, such a large and established company like the New York City Ballet. And then also just the [number] of ballets that we...