In 2007, when Ingrid Silva moved from Brazil to New York she was 18 years old, she did not know anyone in the city or speak English. But despite being without her family, she overcame the language barrier, completed a rigorous training program and landed her dream job as a professional ballet dancer for the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), the first major ballet company to prioritize black dancers. [Related: 5 Cool Organizations That Empower Young People] While some kids start studying ballet at 5 or 6 years old, Silva began at 8 years old. "I was 8 years old and involved in many activities. I was swimming because I have bronchitis and I tried gymnastics. Then my mom encouraged me to try Ballet. It was pretty new to me but she took me to a ballet test in a studio near my home and later I started dancing for Mangueira at Dançando Para Não Dançar, a program that provides classical ballet training to kids and teens that can't afford dance classes. Now at 25 years old, Ingrid is living the "good life"---performing pirouettes and pique turns in countries around the world--Israel, Italy and Baltimore, to name a few. With only a handful of black swans around the world, Black Enterprise caught up with Silva to learn about her experiences in ballet. Prior to ballet you were involved heavily in activities, tell us about the AHA moment that inspired you to take ballet seriously? When I was 10 years old, I saw my friends succeeding in ballet, getting scholarships and going to study at other schools of dance. So I decided to take dance seriously. But when I saw Ana Botafogo, a major ballerina in Brazil, perform--I said to myself I'll be doing what she's doing, that's beautiful. Eventually, I quit swimming and dedicated 100% of my time to ballet. How did you learn to speak English? It was very hard at first, but I learned English by having a conversation with people. One of my best friends, Ashley Murphy, who also dances at the DTH, invited me to her home in Louisiana during my first Christmas in the US. Her loving family welcomed me with open arms. Later on I went to school for a week but I got bored because I was not making progress. I quit school and decided to learn on my own. It took me about a year but by listening to music, watching movies and reading books, I learned quickly. Now, my ballet master at the DTH makes jokes about me, he always says, "When I first met you, you didn't know a word in English. Now I can't get you to shut up." I'm happy that ballet language is universal; otherwise it would be one more challenge for me. Continue reading on the next page... How did you cope with being away from your family? I came to US to pursue my dream away from my family, I was 18 years old and it was one the hardest moments of my life. I'm lucky to have a very brave mom that let me move to NYC at such early age. There were days that I wanted to give up. Because of how hard it was, the dancing the people and the fact I didn't speak the language it's was a huge combination. But Skype helped to put me in contact with my mom and of course she was supportive. What motivated you to keep pursuing your passion? I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else other than dancing. There are not many black ballerinas in Brazil. Actually there are none. It's very sad because I was actually never told I couldn't dance ballet. I just had few opportunities that came across my path. But I took chances like it was the last thing I could have in my life. Who has inspired you the most? My mom is one my biggest supporters. She's a hard worker and inspired me greatly because as a black woman she came from a poor city and had it hard growing up. What are your top 3 challenges as a ballerina? Dealing with the politics of being in a dance company. Although I love what I do, I'm not as financially stable as I would like to be. Also my mom has never seen me dance, due to Visa issues, so I wish she could see me perform. Any time I perform on stage I remember that she could be watching me. Is race an issue in ballet? If so, how do you stay focused and disciplined? Race is an issue in the ballet world, but that doesn't get in the way of me working. You can't let those things affect you. I'm always focused and disciplined no matter what. That's part of your job. What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career? You can do anything you want if  you're determined to do it. What are you top 3 accomplishments? I left home at the age of 18 to pursue my dream career as ballet dancer and it worked. I'm living the dream. I travel all over the world, and do what I love to do--which is dance. I inspire people, who had or have the same dream I did. Showing them that it's possible if you believe. What advice do you have for aspiring ballerinas? Ballet is a full time commitment. If you really love it, dance with your heart. Don't ever let anyone tell you, you can't succeed because of your skin color. Stay focused, be disciplined and enjoy. Where are your upcoming performances? Visit the Dance Theatre of Harlem.com to learn more about the calendar of events,  but I will be performing at the following locations in June: June 8: Israel, Tel Aviv Opera house June 15: Italy, Ravenna Festival June 20: Baltimore, Murphy Fine Arts Center Follow Ingrid Silva on Instagram andFacebook.