Photograph: Johan Heckens

Mikhail Ilyin

Date of birth February 19, 1980. Is this connected to the zodiac? Shall I expect the birthday card?
Hometown St. Petersburg, Russia
Training Vaganova Ballet Academy, School of American Ballet, the Ailey School
Minor league Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet
Some big roles so far Pirates’ Dance, Le Corsaire; turning lead, Études; Fairy Knight, The Sleeping Beauty; Neapolitan Dance, Swan Lake
Highest jump I try not to take things extremely literally. It’s the spirit of the jump. Sometimes it’s not extremely high, but it has the right momentum and it seems like you’re hanging and it’s effortless, and this jump, for the audience, could be more valuable than a high jump with a sloppy ending. I am trying to remind myself that it’s an art form. It’s not just how high.
Most consecutive pirouettes Many! I love turning. There’s something about revolution and spotting; within the shape, it requires relaxation, so it’s very much about coordination. Pirouettes do serve a purpose: It’s a whirl of excitement. It could also be a contemplation about something, so it can have emotion. You have to go beyond. For this, I try.
Giselle role Peasant Pas de Deux [with Sarah Lane]. I’ve done two other versions—at the Kirov and at Miami City Ballet. It’s romantic, it requires someone to be excited about life and to be lively and clean and simple—it’s all in the name and in the music.
Most memorable moment onstage I would say the first timeI performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. It’s humongous, it’s five and a half wings, and it’s overwhelming and exciting. Somehow it feels like home.

American Ballet Theatre performs Giselle Mon 7–July 12.