Gillian Turner

Whether it’s appearing on Fox News or dealing with high-profile administration officials on the National Security Council, Gillian Turner credits her ability to perform under pressure to her training in classical ballet.

“It can really be ugly behind the scenes,” says Turner, who danced professionally with the Pennsylvania Ballet for a year after high school. “You really have to be tough at a young age and absorb a lot of criticism.”

Her dancing days over, Turner, who’s a senior associate at Jones Group International when she’s not providing expert analysis on Fox, says she stays in shape by paddle boarding with her fiancé and their dogs on the Potomac.

The former National Security Council staffer says she’s honored to be among the 50 Most Beautiful — at 34, she actually considers herself one of the “older ladies” on the list.

“This is a younger person’s game,” she said.

— Harper Neidig