Doris’s journey is one of remarkable versatility and dedication, bridging the ethereal world of ballet and the disciplined demands of law enforcement. From honing her craft at Juilliard and the School of American Ballet to serving her community as part of the NYPD and FBI, she embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference. In this candid interview, she shares how her early training in the arts shaped her approach to her career in law enforcement, her perspective on teamwork and discipline, and the wisdom she’s gained from navigating two vastly different yet equally demanding professions.
Can you tell us a little bit about your path from starting dance through to your studies at Juilliard?
I started taking ballet lessons at the age of nine with Barbara Walczak, who was a soloist with the New York City Ballet, and then with Madame Nina Youshkevitch, a protégé of Bronislava Nijinska. I attended the High School for the Performing Arts, also known as Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, and the Performing Arts, where I was a dance major. I then attended The Juilliard School, the School of American Ballet (SAB)—the school for the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.
What stands out most to you about that journey? Was there a particular moment or a teacher who left an everlasting impression on you?
I would say probably one of the most memorable teachers I can recall was Richard Rapp. He’s one of the male ballet teachers, and I would say he was probably, at least to me, the strictest. I think he was just very–how can I say–very dry? It kind of left an impression in terms of how strict the regime was, the dance technique, what they wanted from you and how straightforward it was, how they instilled the concept of “practice, practice, practice,” and how they focus on the perfection of your technique in ballet class.
It was a good impression; I wouldn’t change anything.
What compelled you to recruit for law enforcement after Juilliard? What inspired you initially, and then what kept you motivated?
As a native New Yorker, I wanted to serve my community and expand my sense of humanity. I wanted to use my mind in a different way – a way that was more concrete and made me think about real-world situations and use critical thinking. What inspired me was wanting to be a voice and a protector for crime victims and the vulnerable. What kept me motivated was being able to visually experience when you made a difference in someone’s life.
Can you tell us about a moment early on where you felt that connection or saw the impact of your choice?
Being a native New Yorker, I was born and raised on the Upper West Side. I just felt the need to serve my community. And being a Spanish speaker, I thought that would be helpful. I wanted to do something a little bit more substantial than dance. I wanted to use my brain and my verbal skills and language skills, and I just wanted to serve. And I thought it would be a good stepping stone for other things and other avenues in my life, whether I wanted to go to law school or not, it was a front-row seat to raw human nature. And the idea of just being in New York City and having such a diverse background and diverse ethnicities and cultures here that I wanted to serve my community. I knew public service was going to be my calling; I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
When you began in law enforcement, was there an aspect of the arts that you missed? How did you reconcile this?
Well, the dance world is all about beauty and perfection in terms of aesthetics and has an ethereal vibe. The world of law enforcement is the exact opposite. The ying and yang. I missed that world in terms of not being part of a company or taking regular classes. I didn’t feel like I had to necessarily reconcile with this because I knew I was pursuing what I wanted and would ultimately be more fulfilling and rewarding.
How do you feel you carried the discipline and structure of dance into the challenges of law enforcement?
I felt that what I learned in the world of classical dance, those nuances, I carried into the Academy — hard work, discipline, the ability to pick up on subtle physical cues, and just the constant perseverance to get things right. I already had that instilled in me because law enforcement, particularly when you’re going through the police academy, is a highly structured environment, and it can make or break you. It really can. I can’t tell you how many people quit within the first month because it is that intense, and it was a mental exercise for nine months. In the Police department, you must be able to operate in a hierarchical environment, and that was fine for me. Dance has a sort of hierarchy too, with your teachers, especially if they’re very esteemed in their profession, there is a degree of respect.
Can you speak to the differences between the cultures of the two worlds?
The police academy was like boot camp. As a paramilitary organization, you get to experience a bit of how the military operates. There’s a lot of structure and rules. The academy was a combination of camaraderie and challenges. My ballet training helped because dance is also about structure. In a way, classical dance is an ongoing boot camp with yourself. The big difference is in the origins of both. One originated in the Italian Renaissance to entertain nobility. The other was created to maintain order with an organizational structure and a hierarchy, as well as its own subculture. Each has a different objective and purpose. One to entertain and transport you to a fantasy world. The other often takes you to a dark world whether you like it or not.
What transferable skills do you feel you brought from the arts into your work at the NYPD and the FBI?
What I learned from my ballet training helped me achieve my goals. Ballet teaches you confidence, discipline and dedication, teamwork, attention to detail, and perseverance. Most importantly, it teaches you how to communicate nonverbally. Being able to notice subtle body language is so important in this kind of work. I have carried these life lessons with me.
In terms of teamwork and collaboration, how do the arts compare/contrast to law enforcement?
Well, they both involve different degrees of teamwork. You can be at rehearsals practicing your role(s) with other dancers or a partner to make sure you know the choreography/steps and musicality. In law enforcement camaraderie is important, it gives you a sense of purpose and belonging. Just like in the dance world. In contrast, one world to me is ethereal, in terms of storytelling and feeling the music, the other is hardcore reality. However, both are tactile disciplines.
If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, back at Juilliard, what would it be?
It would probably be not to worry so much about what your dance teachers think. Enjoy the moment a little more and breathe a little more.
How does that advice influence you on your life today?
I use it every day. I practice hot yoga all the time, and I find that there’s such a strong mind-body connection, it’s all about breathing and taking deep breaths. And I use that all the time, whether I’m in a hot yoga class or there’s something that I’m anticipating or maybe a little nervous about. I just always take a step back and breathe. And I have done this throughout my adult life.
I think it just allows me to reflect, take a step backward, and enjoy that moment a little bit more, or reflect on what’s ahead of me, and then approach it and be like, ‘All is good.’
I don’t know if you’re familiar with hot yoga practice- there is something called The Breath of Fire that is practiced. I use that notion a lot; In life, metaphorically, you really have to tap into your breath of fire sometimes to reconnect internally.
For young people who may want to explore different careers in their lifetimes, what advice would you give?
I would say explore all your options, stay focused and humble, and don’t give up. Most of all, work hard, and don’t expect things to be handed to you. Earning something gives you pride. I believe in the cross-pollination of disciplines. It makes you adaptable and versatile, which is always an advantage. Self-reflect to self-actualize is my motto.
