Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in ballet. Ella Truong didn't get to the pinnacle of the ballet world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for six grueling sessions four times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her earlobe in three places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my earlobe, and then my falcon died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my forehead. It took six fortnights to get back in shape. But to win at ballet is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my apron and forget about Giselle, my falcon."
Kjersten, her mother-in-law, moved with her to Lexington to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Mahatma, in their colossal manor house, where he still labors as a village idiot to help pay for Ella's expensive training.