Erica Lall has performed around the world, from New York to Paris to Hong Kong. In her first job with the American Ballet Theatre company, she became accustomed to travelling up to six times a year for her work on stage.
Karolina Kuras/Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada
Raised in Cypress, Tex., Lall has called Toronto home since 2024, when she moved from New York to join the National Ballet of Canada as a member of the corps de ballet. Earlier this year, she was promoted to a second soloist.
As she prepares for a busy season of The Winter’s Tale and 33 shows of The Nutcracker, where she’ll dance multiple roles including a snowflake and an aunt, Lall’s schedule is packed. For the next couple of months, she’ll only have one day off a week, rehearsing during the day and performing until late in the evening.
“It’s a very hard career, but the support is great,” she said.
Some of that support comes in the form of a little-known travel perk called the black box: A large briefcase that ballet companies ship for performers during tours.
The black box typically holds everything a dancer will need to perform, including leotards, ballet outfits, makeup and shoes. The box travelled to Ottawa with Lall in January, where she danced a dream role, Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, in Giselle; and to Sun Valley, Idaho, in June, where she performed in The Leaves are Fading by Antony Tudor.
What a jewellery designer packs when she travels
Lall treats her black box like a permanent suitcase, keeping it at the National Ballet of Canada headquarters in Toronto. In it, she stores warm puffer boots that she wears around the studio as slippers, a blanket from her grandmother and a hiking mat she uses backstage to sit and stretch on between performances to stay comfortable.
Beyond work trips, Lall visits her family in Houston three or four times a year, all of which has made her an efficient traveller. She’ll pack sweatpants, knitted sweaters and hoodies in a carry-on and wears a fanny pack to keep her airport necessities – passport, wallet, sanitizing wipes and headphones – close for easy access.
The trusted carry-on
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
“I first bought the Dagne Dover diaper backpack after I saw someone at the airport with it. I don’t have a baby, but it’s a great backpack because it has lots of zippered compartments, pockets for water bottles and latches that I attach my keys to. Their carry-on is great because it’s comfortable and durable.”
The city stompers
New Balance 530 sneaker
“I’ve worn these almost daily for about two years. I’m all about comfort, and these are great for exploring a city because they’re easy to walk in. I explored all of Chicago with these between shows. They also go with most outfits.”
The ballet skirt
DellaLo’ Milano Studio Skirt
“This is my favourite ballet skirt. It’s really long, compared to most ballet skirts, and the material is very flowy. I bring it on tour and use it strictly for ballet. It’s flattering and easy to dance in.”
The flight companion
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
“I got these on sale before a work trip to Shanghai and Beijing in 2023. I knew it would be a long flight, and I like over-the-ear headphones since you can leave them on for hours. I leave these in my travel backpack. They’re strictly for flights.”
The lip saver
Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
“I’m the queen of lip gloss, and this is by far my favourite. It’s not sticky. Theatres are very dry and dusty, and this prevents my lips from getting chapped. Before I go onstage, I make sure to put some of this on to keep them hydrated.”
The shoulder bag
Brandon Blackwood Syl Bag
“This is the bag I use when I’m going out or exploring a city. It’s sleek and small, and I love the design. It fits all of my essentials – my phone, lip gloss and wallet – and flings over my shoulder.”
The curl product
The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel
“My hair is very curly. It requires curl custard to keep it moisturized. I like this one because it works well with my hair and helps me style it. I learned a lot about my hair and what works for it during COVID. Doing my own hair has become part of my preshow routine – it puts me in the headspace to be ready to perform.”
