Ariana Lallone

Can you have an abiding affection for cheesy Mexican food and still find work as a professional ballerina?

Ariana Lallone, the graceful, long-limbed principal dancer now in her 20th year with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, is proof an occasional plate of enchiladas never hurt anyone.

Standout role: The caged peacock in "Nutcracker."

Most notable feature: Lallone is a statuesque 5 feet 11 inches.

Too tall to dance? As a teenager, Lallone grew 7 inches in two years.When she auditioned in Seattle after high school, PNB told her: "Don't worry. We grow 'em tall in Seattle."

Ballerinas: born or made? Lallone was a small-for-her-age 5-year-old when her gymnastics coach took her mother aside and suggested Lallone take ballet lessons "to be more graceful and coordinated."

Would Martha approve of the clutter? "I save all my magazines, including at least 10 years of Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart, Dance Magazine." Lallone also keeps playbills from shows she's seen or been in since she was a girl. Her mom is designated keeper of the pointe-shoe collection.

Can't get enough of: HGTV.

— Jolayne Houtz, Seattle Times staff reporter