By the time she was 18, Abergel had joined New York City Ballet, first as an apprentice and then as a full-fledged member of the corps de ballet. At 21, she got married and moved into the city.

Being back home, Hackbarth has another secret weapon that's helpful for a professional dancer. Her father, Kurt, is a veteran physical therapist. "He has nursed me back from many an injury," she said.