From Pointe Shoes To Platforms

Jaegar’s heart was always completely in the performance. He has always been the biggest on stage; shining brighter than the lights with his smile, making his movements larger each time, and so much more beyond just the stage. He was a straight A student, very involved in his community, and constantly striving to make a change. Jaegar has always been more than just a dancer.

Jaegar's Story

He fell in love with the art of performing at the age of six. It started with musical theater and tap, then around the age of twelve he shifted his focus to ballet; a vastly different world from other styles. Ballet requires intense focus, determination, and years of training, which can take a mental toll on someone who loves to dance. "I definitely felt like there were a lot of limitations within the ballet world specifically, and that was a big change from where I had come from and what I grew up doing.” A couple years later, Jaegar took a step back because of the intense training and commitment the ballet required from him. This marked his journey immersing him into the world of drag. 

 Jaegar's introduction to drag began through watching RuPauls drag race ,where he was able to fully feel and embrace his femininity. He said at a young age he started experimenting with makeup but later stopped experimenting due to his ballet training. He felt trying to express his feminine identity was not accepted nor was it wanted. Male ballet dancers, despite most being gay or feminine, are usually encouraged to present themselves more masculine in their body type and the roles they traditionally play. He felt he had no artistic control.   

 Jaegar Hilsabeck Preforming “An Angels Echo” (24/7 Dance Competition)

Going to college at Georgetown University was the start of his full drag makeover. Jaegar felt he was quickly accepted in DC with ease and was able to find a strong community. In his interview, he mentioned that he wanted to learn more about the previously established drag community. Specifically, their trials and everything they had to go through to find a platform for expression. Jaegar said looking up to Trixie Mattel and Katya really inspired this transition. Although he wasan inexperienced drag artist, Jaegar surprised more people than he expected. As a competition dancer growing up, he already had some experience and was able to use that in drag, especially with his intense musical theater background he flowed right into the lip sync challenges and the extreme splits and tricks brought by the drag shows. 

Chris Coates Photos, photoshoot for the performance “La Llorona”

Reflecting on the evolution of dance

The Dance Conservatory of North Atlanta director, Mackenzie Moser, grew up in a small town and never had much experience with the artistry of drag until she started her career at the San Francisco Ballet. Her first impression of Jaegar was how beautiful of a ballerina he was, with the way he flowed on stage and was able to tell a story through a silent dance. Mackenzie always knew he would go far in the dance world, but around the age of fifteen, when he started to feel disconnected from the art, she noticed his passion for more intense and upbeat dances became stronger. She was able to cater to this and put him into the world of competition, where he developed dramatically as a dancer. Jaegar finished his competition and ballet roles at the studio and found a happy balance. Mackenzie has never been prouder of his artistic expression and was extremely happy he was finally able to balance his role in ballet as well as have fun in drag. 

 After his time in the studio, Mackenzie has implemented more artistic ways to be involved in the world of dance that don't only rely on ballet. She said she was inspired by his dedication and hard work and couldn't be happier she was able to help. 

Pursuing Law, Drag, and Ballet

Jaegar intends to go to Law School after finishing undergrad. He also wants to continue his career with the Washington Ballet, as a principal dancer. On top of that, he never wants to lose his love for drag and who he has become in the process, “But I mean, I hope to create that space and become that person who does both.” Jaegar continues to inspire those around him and help create a space where everyone is welcome.