Life of a Freelance Dancer is a blog, journal, and tool for those who are interested in freelancing themselves, that want to know the ins and outs of freelance work, or are just curious about the life of a freelance dancer.
I just finished a wildly intense 3-week program with the National Choreographers Initiative. Yesterday, my long-time friend who danced in my new ballet, Jackie McConnell (also whom I met as a teen at the Houston Ballet summer intensive 13 or so years ago), sent me a text message expressing joy and sadness. My response to her was, "I love when I leave a gig and I feel sad. It means that something beautiful has happened." Well, something beautiful did happen and 4 choreographers, 16 dancers, and a dance laboratory setting created by director Molly Lynch was all it took to create a magical and rewarding program that takes place in, of all times of the year, the summer.
Jackie McConnell in Distinct Perceptions (Photo: Dave Friedman)
The sun and heat are up outside while the AC is on inside and people just want to live on a towel by the beach collecting seashells. Summertime is a great time for humanity, but it is a really poor time for the dance community (read about the "summer slow-down" here). It makes sense. Why would people want to buy tickets to sit in a dark, cool theatre when they could be lounging by the pool or watching an outdoor screening of some 90's movie? This can present a problem for freelance dance artists and company members across the country. While many dancers spend their summer teaching at summer intensives or recovering their bodies, most don't have a chance to extend their reach as an artist until the first leaves start falling come September. But all of this changed a little over a decade ago when Molly established her program that selects "4 choreographers of note" to create new works on campus at the studios of the University of California - Irvine.
UC-Irvine Dance Department studios
It was three weeks ago today that I arrived at this same location where I experienced what I often call the most inspiring summer of my childhood. Thirteen years ago, I attended the 2nd annual American Ballet Theatre - Orange County summer intensive on the exact same campus that NCI is held. I felt very nostalgic and hopeful about being back in these studios where my career-trajectory changed back in 2001. When I was a kid, I arrived knowing that I would be attending Houston Ballet Academy's year-round program. But by the time I left, I had begged my mom to let me attend an audition for the School of American Ballet. In the end, I went to the Kirov Academy of Ballet, but that decision was an integral part of what set me on my path to get where I am today. This time, I didn't arrive in Orange County a student, but one of the 4 choreographers selected out of over 60 applicants for this prestigious workshop. I was proud, honored, and quite nervous.
After arriving, we choreographers watched the dancers (who ranged from young newbies to seasoned professionals) take class, auditioned them in our style, selected our cast, and held our first short rehearsals. There were sixteen beautiful dancers who work as freelancers and/or dance with companies like Sacramento Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Ballet Austin, Texas Ballet Theater, Momix, Festival Ballet Providence, Company C Contemporary Ballet, and Nashville Ballet. But for the next 3 weeks, they would all function as freelancers working as one company. I was lucky enough to be invited to choreograph or dance for this program. But since you can only do one, I chose to choreograph because of the prestige and relative challenge of obtaining this opportunity. If I had not been selected as a choreographer, I definitely would have loved to work as a dancer.
The schedule for NCI is quite intense. Class starts every day at 10 am. Following the warmup, there are two 3-hour blocks of rehearsals, where dancers are split into two separate casts to work with two different choreographers. After the first few hours of rehearsal, there is a 45-minute lunch followed by the next 3-hour block with the other two choreographers.
NCI 2014 Choreographers - Me, Garrett, Gabrielle, & Philip
Every season, Molly selects four diferent choreographers to create works. So, the program can be a very different experience from year to year. One summer dancers may be asked to work with only neo-classical choreographers, when the next year most could be extremely contemporary. This year, we had a very diverse mix of choreographers for the program. Philip Neal; former NYC Ballet Principal, Gabrielle Lamb; former Morphoses & Les Grands Ballet Canadiens soloist, and Garrett Smith; Norwegian National Ballet dancer, were the other choreographers that joined me in creating new pieces. The wide range of dance that each of us asked the dancers to adapt to and perform were about as different as you could imagine. The dancers definitely stepped up to the challenge.
In total, the dancers spent about 6-hours each day partaking in the creation of our new works. One special aspect of the NCI program is that there is no pressure on choreographers to finish their product, to present a fully-realized concept, or to create a perfect piece for reviewers to critique. The intention of this program is to give the choreographers a chance to explore something new or challenge themselves to reach out of their comfort zone. After the final performance, there are no reviews. This can present a unique experience for dancers as well, since they often get to experience choreographers testing new styles, unconventional processes, and less explored techniques on them. With the intensity of the program, the close collaboration, and the reduced pressure, the dancers easily bond with most choreographers throughout the experience.
Distinct Perceptions (Photo: Dave Friedman)
Beyond the studio, the dancers spend a lot of time together while living in dormitories down the block from the studios. Most dancers have fond memories of special bonds with peers during summer intensives. Once we become adults, we don't often have this type of co-op experience. By the time you hit about 24 years old, you really start to enjoy your own privacy. But the dancers expressed throughout their time at the dorms the deep sense of bonding that takes place when you work and live in close quarters with one another. Making dinners together, going to Disneyland and the beach together, and enjoying some time away from normal life to focus only on dance for a period of time can be very special. And to make matters better, you can even have a glass or two of wine without fear that you are going to be kicked out and sent home if the chaperone catches you imbibing. All-around, the dancers expressed plenty of enjoyment with most aspects of the Initative.
The Irvine Barclay Theater
At the end of the 3-week program, there is a public showing of the 4 creations at the beautiful 750-seat Irvine Barclay Theater. With 11 years of the community supporting this program, the show almost always sells out to a very highly engaged audience. There is no budget for costuming, the curtain never comes down, and the choreographers don't bow at the end of their piece. But instead, they offer a stellar lighting designer (Monique L'Heureux), a choreographer introduction before each piece, and a Q&A with the choreographers following the program. The audience leaves feeling like they took part in an integral piece of the future of dance, the dancers leave with a sense of accomplishment, and the choreographers leave with a sense of renewed exploration. In the end, inspiration is the common thread.
Looking at the list of choreographers that have gone through the NCI program is like reading a Who's Who of accomplished dance-makers. Val Caniparoli (international choreographer), Edwaard Liang (BalletMet director), Amy Seiwert (Smuin resident choreographer, Imagery founder/director), Olivier Wevers (founder/director of Whim W'him), Melissa Barak (Barak Ballet founder/director), amongst many other names have all taken part in the program. For the dancers, this program isn't just a chance to stretch themselves as artists. It is a chance to make connections with choreographers who are often at the beginning of what can become very accomplished careers. To establish that type of connection early on in their career can be one of the most valuable networking opportunities for any dancer and can change the way they approach their work.
When I started this blog over two years ago, I couldn't have imagined that I would embark on a project that has been viewed more than 50,000 times around the globe, put my name on a list of important bloggers, and gotten me hired to write articles for publications. I'm also proud to see that I have the breadth of knowledge in my field to produce content from week to week. With all of this said, today, Life of a Freelance Dancer reaches an entirely new milestone.
This post (yes, this one that you are reading right now) is our 100th post. Instead of trying to write something thoughtful or (more) self-embellishing, I offer to share 100 things that have inspired me to become the person and dancer I am today. Inspiration is what drives us to do what we do and be who we are. Here's a taste of what has developed me over the years.
It has taken me a great deal of time to compile this list. So thank you for your patience with the hiatus in posting. I have divided this list into a few categories, so feel free to peruse through the sub-sections (for those with a short attention span) to see who, what, which performances, and more have inspired me over the past 30 years. Maybe some of these items will inspire you along your path as well! Enjoy!
People(non-dance related):
1. My partner - My life partner, Dan Loya, who you have already read enough about (Read blog post here)
2. My Family - My family has inspired me to do what I wanted to do and to be who I am. Perhaps, in my childhood, there were certain challenges that inspired me to work hard for my art and push further to become successful. But in the end, everything worked out just right. Without the support, countless hours driving me to and from classes and rehearsals, allowing me to leave home a year early, letting
Mom, niece, brother, and sister
me be who I am, and continuing today as my never-exhausting cheerleaders, my career wouldn't have been possible.
3. Childhood Friends - I
have been lucky to maintain a few friends from early on in my childhood
as we have grown into full-fledged adults. Most of my friends from my
school years have disappeared into suburban living; either falling off
my radar or keeping the loosest of connections on Facebook. But these
few friends that I am still very close with have and will always have my
back, no matter the length of time or distance. And considering how much I
travel and disappear at times, I am inspired by their willingness to
understand me for who I am, what I do, and still stay connected.
Boyd & me
4. PNB Physical Therapist, Boyd Bender - Boyd is what I like to call a Virtuoso Physical Therapist.
Beyond being stellar at his job of keeping PNB dancers onstage, he has worked with the
likes of Tiger Woods, the WNBA-champion Seattle Storm, and sports teams
all around the Pacific Northwest. Boyd has shown me what it means to be a
generous and caring human being. Not only is he an inspirational person and father-figure to me, he is also a pretty cool guy!
5. Larry Rappoldt - The first time I ever recognized what it was to feel passionate about something was with music. I played the piano since I was 5. While I didn't fall for this instrument right away, by middle school my teacher had wooed me into playing the xylophone in our concert band. Within a year, I was bit by the music bug and had taken up the flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. This is all thanks to the passion transferred to me by my childhood piano instructor and middle school band teacher, Larry Rappoldt. Larry taught me how important it was to love what I do. And the music education that I received with him helps me in my dancing every day. Plus, I still play the flute (and piano when I can find one to play).
6. The Generosity of Friends- I was talking about a friend that has helped me out a great deal lately.
The person I was speaking with said, "Oh...you have a benefactor." I said, "No. They are
just a friend." No matter how you put it, I have been very lucky to have
come across some really great people throughout my career that believe
so much in what I do, that they have helped me reach my goals outside
of emotional support. Joerg Gablonski, Ray Hoekstra, and Mimi Chiang, among others,
have been generous friends that have helped support my career and
choreography.
Me, Grandma, bro, & sis after the Boscov's T-giving parade
7. My Grandmother - While my
grandmother is no longer alive, when she saw that I was passionate about
something (even at the young age of 5) she made sure to figure out a way to
let me do what I wanted and needed to do. Living with the adversity of a
lower-income household, we didn't always get what we wanted. But she
made sure we got what we needed.
8. The Village - My mom always told
me that I was raised by the village. There are so many people that were
once a part of my life, and some who still are, that helped groom me
into the man that I am today. I wouldn't have made it where I am today
without The Village.
People (dancers/choreographers/writers)
9. Kimberly Martin-
Perhaps, one of the most important people that has entered my life is a
woman named Kimberly Martin. When I first met Kim, she was in her
final years of dancing with the Russian Ballet Theatre of Delaware. Not
only did Ms. Kim teach me, listen to my excited ramblings, and drive me
to any and every audition I felt I needed to go to (sometimes taking
trips to and from NYC 3 times in one weekend); she made me a
part of her family. On weekends, I lived with Kim and she taught me what
it was like to live as a ballet dancer; in rehearsal, in conversation,
and in the home. Still, 12 years into my professional career, Kim is a
very important part of who I am and always a family member to turn to in
the good times, the bad, or with the craziest of ideas.
10. Colleagues - I
think it is important, when dancing for a company, to look around the
room and find the dancers who inspire you. When dancing with Houston
Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and all of the companies since, there
have been a great many dancers that I looked towards for inspiration.
Benjamin Griffiths (PNB) taught me what it is to extend your lines.
Lindsi Dec (PNB) taught me what it means to have a kind sense of humor
when you dance and to be a supportive co-worker. Ingrid Zweifel
(Houston) taught me how to use your shortcomings to your advantage.
Rebecca Johnston (PNB) taught me that you can still get an education
while you are dancing. Jessica Tretter (Rochester City Ballet) taught me
that, if you really want to dance, you can wake up at 4 am every
morning to make ends meet. Misa Kuranaga (Boston Ballet) taught me that
you can become a professional, humble yourself back to a student, and
become an international star. Melissa Hough (Norwegian National Ballet)
taught me that your body type doesn't have to hold you back. Matthew Prescott (former Joffrey, current Phantom) taught me that there are
careers beyond conventional company life. There are so many more people
that I could list. Just take a look around the room, stop thinking about
yourself for a moment, and see the inspiration around you.
11. Cynthia Gregory - I was very lucky to somehow get chosen to
dance at the Hampton Dance Festival as a 16-year old hopeful. This was a
pilot summer program that, unfortunately, never took off. We danced in
the woods, hung out with a small group of 16 dancers (many of which have
had great careers), and got to hang out with Cynthia Gregory for a
week. Cynthia was so down to earth and even stayed in our
un-airconditioned cabin for an entire week. At the end of the program,
this legend gave all of us her information to stay in touch as we
entered the beginnings of our dance careers. Throughout my career,
Cynthia has always been available to offer me some advice or to listen
to what I am up to. And, not only is she considered one of the only true
American Prima Ballerina Assoluta's, she is inspiringly down to earth.
12. Role Models -
Once I moved away from home, I had a handful of role-models and mentors
that helped teach me what it took to be a ballet dancer. Fabulous
teachers; like Jock Soto, Peter Boal, and Vladimir Djouloukhadze, taught
me what I needed to know to push me in the direction of dancing with
major companies. But nobody stepped up to the plate like School of
American Ballet teacher Katrina Killian. Katrina wasn't even a teacher
of mine. She chose me to perform in a handful of lecture demonstrations
that take place every year through a SAB outreach program. While my work
with her could have ceased there, Katrina pulled me into studios to
work on my technique, advocated for me, and became a friendly face in a
wildly competitive atmosphere.
13. Carlos Acosta - I remember that day; I was sitting in Spanish
class with my fellow Houston Ballet colleagues. We were taking a class
through Houston Community College. About ten minutes into class, Carlos
walked into the room and took about 5 minutes of the class with us.
Carlos, in my days as a student, was the most incredible male dancer
known to man. As his career winds down, I
still think of how I aspired
to be like him for so long.
Ms. Maria Chapman!
14. Maria Chapman (my muse) -
Beyond being my first partner at PNB, Maria Chapman taught me to trust
in myself as a choreographer. While I haven't had the chance to
choreograph on her since my first piece in the company's annual
choreographer's showcase, I still see her dancing in my head every time I
begin creating a new work.
15. Fernando Bujones -
After spending much of my teenage years competing in competitions like
Starpower and New York City Dance Alliance, I decided to enter the very
first Youth America Grand Prix. I danced a variation from a ballet I had
never heard of before, La Fille Mal Gardee, and learned the variation
from a man I had never heard of, Fernando Bujones. This was my first
inspiration as a young male ballet dancer.
16. Josh Spell, Kiyon Gaines, & Jordan Pacitti
- When I first entered PNB, I figured I would spend a couple years in
the corps and then quickly move through the ranks. One thing I never
took into account was that I would have to learn how to function as a
member of the corps. This is rarely taught to students at the top of
their classes in school. These three gentlemen kindly taught me the
ropes of dancing in a group of people. By the time that we all left the
company, we were mentioned in publication as the "Golden Era" of PNB's corps men.
17. Leigh Witchel-
The first interaction I ever had with Leigh was after he reviewed my
SAB workshop performance. He wrote a very nice review that pointed out
the fact that I very excitedly air-bit as I finished the end of a very
difficult variation. We finally connected in person when I performed at
the Guggenheim Museum in their Works and Process series in 2011,
where he moderated the performance. Ever since, Leigh has become a close
friend, confidant, and mentor of mine. Beyond writing reviews as the
dance critic for the NY Post, he also writes for multiple other dance
publications.
18. Val Caniparoli & Amy Seiwert - I have had
the luck to find friendship with two well-established choreographers,
who have been helping guide me along my path as a dance-maker. Val
Caniparoli and Amy Seiwert are always a simple message away from
offering their insight and advice towards success.
19. Abby Relic (my cooter) - One friend who inspires me
every day is my former co-worker, Abby Relic. I could go on for hours
about this lovely lady, but I will say only this. The reason that Abby
is so inspirational to me is for how freely and openly she loves and for
the way that she lives and enjoys life. She also fully accepts me for
who I am, no matter what. And not many people are like this.
20. Rosie Gaynor - This sweet-voiced balletomane turned dance
writer has been an inspiration for me since she started writing about
dance. We have spent many nights over dinner discussing every tiny
aspect of the dance world. And while she definitely has an opinionand has no problem being critical in her writing, she once told me this. If she has something negative to say, she will always leave it out and
find the positive that she found in the performance.
21. Angel Corella - Angel was very sweet when I worked with him
during the few months I dance with American Ballet Theatre (concurrently
while finishing my training at SAB). After that, he left the company to
start up a national ballet company in Spain. Years and years of effort
have been undermined by the Spanish government and their lack of
support. And while Angel did recently have to let go of his dream for
that company, I have so much respect for the fact that he tried against
adversity for so many years. Not to mention that he was one of the most inspirational dancers I had ever seen dance during my training years.
22. Cathy Bartelmo-Moran - Another person who taught me passion
from a young age was the director of my first true dance school,
Chester Valley Dance Academy. Cathy Bartelmo-Moran was another person
that taught me what it means to love what I do. She created an
atmosphere that let me explore many different styles of dance without
ever pressuring me to push towards a career. Though, when she saw that I
wanted one, she did everything in her power to give me opportunities,
quality teachers, and outlets to get what I needed.
23. SAB Friends - I talk a lot about my time at SAB because it
was a very formidable time of my life. I have always enjoyed inspiring
friends wherever I go. But none were like the group of friends that I
had while at SAB. I was a very intense student and often took myself way
too seriously. While this may have turned some people off, my friends
not only remained loyal, but lovingly put me in check when I jumped too
far off the deep end. Many of us are still very close today.
24. Ethan Stiefel - I
remember watching Ethan Stiefel pirouette in the movie Center Stage a few weeks
before attending my first ballet summer intensive with Houston Ballet.
This is the first time that I remember noticing what it looks like to
execute a truly beautiful pirouette, one that looks effortless and
floats at the end. Noticing this moment changed my dancing entirely.
People (groups):
25. Dancers in General - Just the idea that there are incredible dancers
all-around the world is fascinating to me. We are such a rare breed, but
even with the small percentage of dancers compared to non-dancers in the world,
this small group of professionals is fantastic. After leaving PNB, I was
so happy to find this to be true, even in the smallest of companies I
was working with.
26. My Friends - My friends are all so wildly talented and
successful. I think about the Facebook feed of many of the people I went
to high school with and how most their friends are posting pictures of
their weddings, babies, and vacations. My friends post about dance
performances, links to Dance & Pointe Magazine, Broadway shows,
Television shows, awards, and much more.
27. Prodigies - For those of us that have made it, at least, to a
finishing school, we all know how inspiring a youthful prodigy can be
in the classroom. These dancers push everybody in the room to work
harder because somebody younger than them is already two steps ahead of
them. The unfortunate reality of these prodigies is that many of them
burnout before their career even gets started. For this reason, I am
always drawn to watch the prodigies that actually live up to the expectations of their youth.
28. Sharers - People who share their
stories when society tells them not to offer so much inspiration. I
always say that people are comforted by hearing others experiences that
are similar to theirs.
29. Olympic Athletes - Before I fell in love with dance, if you
had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, it would either have
been a gymnast or an ice skater (figure skating). I am still so inspired
by the Olympics and the athletes that commit to one (or a very few) event/s that they compete in.
30. Selfless People - I have
met so many selfless people over the years. My most recent experience
with what I now call my "Housing Crisis of Oakland Ballet" really
reassured me that there are so many selfless people in the world. I
spent nearly 6 weeks staying with people that didn't even know me before
I moved into their house gratis. I'm not always very selfless and these
people inspire me to work on that.
31. People with Emotional Differences - I've always been
fascinated by people who's minds don't work like a majority of the
world's population. I spent 7 years in Seattle walking through an area
behind my apartment that was riddled with homeless people. Instead of
being annoyed, I was fascinated. I was also raised around mental illness
and think that my understanding of why certain people acted a specific
way has led to a lifelong fascination with people who see the world
differently than I do.
32. Other Asthmatics - Everybody has their struggles. I have
spent much of my life struggling with Asthma. Only thanks to dance and
woodwind instruments has my illness improved as I have gotten older. I
love to hear stories about other athletes that have struggled with this
ailment that makes it difficult to practice their sport. On a hard day,
where I can barely catch my breathe, I can look to them for hope and
relief.
33. Celebrities - I'm not inspired to be a celebrity. Nor am I
inspired by how celebrities live their lives. I don't read celebrity
gossip mags or follow blogs. But what does inspire me about celebrities
is how so many of them handle themselves in the public spotlight. I
think I'd lose my shit, pronto, if I was being followed around by
paparazzi all the time.
34. Grounded Successful People - It is always impressive to interact with somebody in our field that
has high status, but is still very grounded. The more successful we
become as artists, the more freedom we have to be as off-the-wall as we
want to. Sometimes, people even prefer it that way. But when you are
talking to a star or a genius and they aren't wildly eccentric or
disinterested in having a regular conversation, that is very impressive
to experience.
35. Gay Friends - I have been blessed with a handful of gay
friends that were around during the Stonewall & AIDS era. When I was
younger, I embraced my sexuality a bit less than I do today. The
strength of these men and women that fought through some tragically
tough times inspires me to be as positive a role model for my community
as possible.
Companies:
36. Russian Ballet Theatre of Delaware - While this company no
longer exists, this was my first introduction to the life of a ballet
dancer. Most of my childhood ballet teachers came from this company and I
had my first experiences in company class with this troupe that was
mostly made out of Russian defectees.
37. Pacific Northwest Ballet - It is
impossible to dance for a company for as long as I did and not feel
inspired by it. PNB didn't only offer me a career, it offered me an
important viewpoint and a pedigree to build the rest of my career off
of.
38. Houston Ballet - This was the first summer program I ever attended, the first professional ballet company I ever saw perform, and my first full-time company contract.
39. American Ballet Theatre - Having seen as many of this company's VHS productions as possible, I was greatly inspired to dance at the level of the men in this company. While I did eventually accomplish this dream, when I was told I would have to wait to hear if a contract would become available, I decided to take an offer with Houston Ballet instead of risking losing that offer.
40. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago - I had seen contemporary
performances performed by large ballet companies and small, local
companies before. But I had never seen a world-class company that was
purely devoted to contemporary works until Hubbard Street toured through
Seattle. This company inspired me to explore the world of contemporary
dance.
Performances & Shows:
41. Stars of the 21st Century Gala/In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated - Ms. Kim (read #9) had tickets to see the Stars of the 21st Century Gala in New York City back in 1999. When one of her friends wasn't able to attend, she gifted me the extra ticket. I remember that I enjoyed watching these stars perform famous pas de deux from multiple ballets. But when a couple from Paris Opera Ballet performed a pas de deux from Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, I knew that I was going to be a ballet dancer. After dancing in jazz competitions for years, I didn't know that ballet could be edgy and adrenaline-pumping. I walked out of the theatre that night with a changed perspective and inspired to change my life.
42. Dark Matters - Crystal Pite's incredible Dark Matters
is a touring production that is part dance theatre and part pure
contemporary dance. I would love to get inside this woman's mind to see
where she came up with the idea of a stick person that a man creates
that slowly turns on him and kills his owner. After the entire stage
crashes down on top of the death scene at the end of the first act, the
second act opens up to some of the most fluid and intricate dancing I've
ever seen.
43. Wicked - The Broadway show that is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz
doesn't just have a great story. The dancing and music sent chills up
and down my body. Definitely in my top five favorite shows.
44. Alchemy - When I was still training, I lived with Ms.
Kim on weekends. If she wasn't home, I would watch her ballet videos
like there was no tomorrow. There was one piece that I had seen Russian
Ballet Theatre of Delaware perform live, Alchemy by Daniel Baudendistel, that blew my mind. I would sometimes watch this video multiple times in a row, I was so obsessed.
45. Shoot the Moon - When I was in Los Angeles
performing with Barak Ballet, I finally got to see Nederlands Dans
Theatre perform. One of the works that evening was a piece by Lightfoot Leon titled Shoot the Moon. I've seen dance theatre before,
but never like this. This beautiful work was set to Philip Glass music
and included a set of 3 wall-papered room that rotated on an axis set in
the center of the stage, windows, and live camera work that was
projected in black and white above the stage. This was one of the most
mind-blowing performances I've ever seen.
46. Triad - This MacMillan ballet was performed for the filming of American Ballet Theatre at The Met.
Robert LaFosse, Amanda McKerrow, and Johann Renvall dance in a twisted
love triangle to a beautiful Prokofiev score. Seeing this ballet on VHS
play with the nuances of the music was the first time I truly recognized
musicality.
47. So You Think You Can Dance - I know I'm gonna get shit for
this one, but it is very true that this show inspires me. Beautiful
dancers, beautiful stories, beautiful dancing, amazing choreographers,
and (best of all) exposure to the country for our art. Yeah, some of the
stuff on that show is pure shit, but I feel the show offers more than
enough inspiration to make up for the unnecessary drama and blips of
cheesy choreography.
Performances I've been in:
48. A Midsummer's Night Dream
- The first time I saw this piece was at the Houston Ballet summer
intensive on PBS. Little did I know that the company I was watching
on TV would soon become my home company. After seeing NYCB perform this piece
live the following summer, I knew that I had to dance this ballet and I
had to play Puck. It took a long time, but let's just say mission
accomplished. Though, it took me nearly 10 years and about 5
different roles to get there.
49. One Flat Thing, Reproduced - This strange Forsythe
work that starts with the screeching of 20 tables being hauled onstage
by the dancers and drives forth with a nightly remix of electronic
noises was one of the first works I was ever called out of the Corps to
dance in. My first few years at PNB, I struggled to get noticed
by our boss. But once the Forsythe stagers came into the studio and
workshopped with us dancers for a few days, I got my chance. From then
on, Peter Boal finally noticed that I excelled at contemporary works and
my trajectory in the company changed.
50. West Side Story - I have
never performed in the musical theatre production of West Side Story,
but I did have the opportunity to dance Robbins' West Side Story Suite at PNB. I performed the short, but crazy breakout solo during Cool, and I became quite known for my inspired performances of this cracked out solo. This was one of the first times that I felt that I had truly found how to dive into a character.
51. Romeo and Juliet - When I danced Romeo with the Fort Wayne Ballet this past season, I
knew I was going to love the experience. Romeo is such an iconic role
that many male dancers dream of dancing as a child. Getting the chance
to tackle iconic roles, like this one, are what push people like me
through those hard combinations in class.
Lucia Rogers & me (Photo: Jeffrey Crane)
52. Serious Pleasures
- Getting to perform this Dove work that is so centered on raw
sexuality really inspired me to change my dancing. Where I had always
tried to dance within this perfect framework of technique, I was finally
able to let everything loose onstage.
Leah Merchant & me (Photo: Angela Sterling)
53. Rubies - The Stravinsky score starts like a flash of
lightning followed by a large crash of thunder. The primary-thunder
silence gives way to a slight rumble of what is to come. Then the storm arrives starts. This is how Balanchine's Rubies
enters the stage. My first viewing of Rubies was San Francisco Ballet
at City Center. This was one of the first Balanchine ballets that I
really loved. Little did I know I would perform this work over 30 times
throughout my career at PNB. In fact, my final show at PNB was dancing Rubies.
Music:
54. Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - This powerful piece of music doesn't only have a great back story, it is one of the most amazing works ever created. Whether thinking about working directly with Glen Tetley a few months before he passed, playing the composition on my IPhone, dancing this excruciatingly exhausting work in 10 times in 10 days, or sitting in the audience listening to an orchestra play, I always end up with goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes.
55. Minimalist Music - Composers like Philip Glass,
John Adams, and Steve Reich create music that doesn't always tell you
what is happening, but instead inspires you to feel a mood. I love
sitting around the house, zoning out to the beautifully harmonic, repetitious beauty of a minimalist work. This mood music
also works magic for choreography because it allows the choreographer
to have more freedom to create their work based off of their own choices
versus what the music tells them to do.
56. Tchaikovsky - Very few composers have made so much music that
is so beautiful and iconic. In fact, I don't think I would've fallen in
love with classical music if it weren't for this man.
57. Electronic Music - Before the days of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), before anybody decided to come up with a douche-y abbreviation
for this amazing style of music, I used to listen to electronic dance
music. My friends would make fun of me for the thumping beats, the rise
and fall, and the lack of any popular vocal artists singing the tunes I
enjoyed so much. Nearly 20 years later, electronic music is everywhere. Now I'm proud to say that I was a trend-setter and am still a
regular listener.
Dance Related:
58. Curtain Out - When the curtain flies out and you feel the cool rush of an air
conditioned theatre hit the stage and there are thousands of people in
the theatre sitting in collective silence. This. Is. Incredible.
59. Choreographing - I love the art of making dance. Beyond
working with the dancers and getting to have a majority say in the
product that is put onstage. I'm in love with the idea that
choreographing let's people see inside my mind. There are very few times
in life where you can show somebody exactly what it looks like inside
your brain. (Me at my next show. "Yeah. Did you see that? That's what my
brain looks like")
60. Contemporary Work - I was more focused on jazz and modern
when I was a kid, so when I found the middle ground between ballet and
jazz, I fell in love.
61. Conditions for Dancers
- Being an AGMA delegate for 3 years at PNB taught me how inspirational
it can be to fight for better conditions for dancers. Whether it be
physical studio conditions, healthcare, or salary, I am greatly inspired
by our art's fight to be treated like the world-class athletes we are.
62. Jackson International Ballet Competition - The first time I
heard about an IBC, I was studying with the Russian Ballet Theatre of
Delaware and they had hired two prodigies, the Canterna sisters, to
perform in their repertory production. One had just returned from
Jackson with a gold medal, one of the most prestigious awards in the
world competition circuit. Following that, I tried to go to the
competition twice, but my efforts were hampered by the director of the
Kirov Academy of Ballet not feeling I was ready and later by strep
throat, a tonsillectomy, and mono. While I have aged out, I still love
following the competition every few years when it comes back around.
63. Imperfection - It was a great day for me when I came to
the realization that the dance world is imperfect. Perfect technique
doesn't mean promotion. Perfect choreography doesn't equal a perfect
review. Perfect execution doesn't equal a perfect body and lengthy
career. The beauty of the dance world is watching imperfect people
trying to be as perfect as possible in an imperfect art.
64. Hyperextension - Being one of those dancers that was less
than blessed physically, I have always been inspired by the beautiful
line that hyperextended knees create. Yeah, they can be weak. But I
don't care! I'd take an inch or two of hyperextension any day.
My friend, Lauren Fadeley (PA Ballet Principal), giving you major hyperextension w/Zach Hench
65. Playing a character - I find there is nothing more inspiring
and rewarding than getting to fully envelope yourself in a character
role onstage. I can easily get lost in pretending to be someone else. Instead of trying to
play that character, I try to actually be that character.
66. Live Orchestra
- There is nothing that compares to having live orchestra while you are
dancing. Yes, there can be a sense of risk in that you don't know how
fast the conductor will go or if the musicians will be having an on night. But feeling the music being created as you dance adds amazing possibilities to connect to the music.
67. Unaware Talent - This one is pretty straightforward. It is enjoyable to sit back and watch a dancer that is superbly talented, but completely unaware of it. Whether through naivete or inexperience, it is a beautiful reminder of how we all started dancing.
68. Influence - I am greatly inspired by the idea that if I work hard and
passionately to achieve as much success and knowledge in my field as
possible, that people will turn to me for work, advice, and influence in
our field.
69. True Training Academies - Schools that turn out a multitude
of professionals on the regular fascinate me. There are so many
academies across the country that have a small few dancers that make
dance a career for themselves. But there are schools like Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Draper Center for Dance, Marin Ballet,
Westside Ballet Academy, and a small handful more that have a track
record over years and years of pumping out highly skilled dancers from their start.
70. Street-style dancing - We always wish we could be
something else. Me? I always wished that I was a phenomenal commercial
hip-hop or street-style dancer. These dancers look so cool with all
their swag and moves. Fluid, broken apart, amazingly fast pattern work,
acrobatics, and wild adaptability are all qualities that street-style dancers share.
71. Floating - The feeling of floating in a perfectly executed pirouette or jump.
72. Standing Ovations
- It feels incredible to have an audience jump to it's feet within
moments of the end of a performance. It is rare for it to happen so
quickly, but when it does you know you have been a part of something
spectacular and special.
Others:
73. Unique Happenings in your Day to Day - When I lived with a
direct view of South Street in Philly, every day around noon an elderly
man wearing shorts, no shirt (if it was hot), and rollerblades, would
skate by playing the trumpet. No music, just a bunch of honks and note
changes. While he doesn't directly inspire me with his nonsense, I love
when something so unique happens in your day to day that it completely
pulls your attention out of your own world. I love taking notice of the
odd and quirky things that grab me throughout the day.
74. Making People Think - I think that I look at the world from a very unique and open perspective. If I can get somebody to look at a subject from a new viewpoint, I feel that I have accomplished a monumental task.
75. Big Cities - Very few things inspire me as much as large
metropolitan cities. Tall buildings, people everywhere, a variety of
fascinating culture to explore, fun events, important things happening, and much more. I feed off of the energy like a plug in an outlet.
76. International Travel - Going back to my inspiration about
making people think. International travel does exactly that to me. It is
so easy to get caught up in our way of life and within our culture,
that we can forget that our reality is completely different than
somebody in a place like Vietnam or Kenya.
77. Sex - Beyond all things in this world, I think sex is one of the most inspiring things. And we would all be lying if we didn't say that many works are inspired by the human body and sexuality. Dancers are the epitome of classy, sexual inspiration.
78. Making People Happy - I love seeing people's responses to one
of my actions that made somebody's day a little better. Whether it be a
performance or an act of kindness, I always feel the reward and want to
do it again.
79. "Coming out on top" stories - I struggle with this one. I
always find the story of a dancer who navigated a challenging path that
made it out on top. It is impossible not to find these stories
inspiring. But at the same time, their stories are told as if that is
the final chapter of their book. I love to hear about dancers succeeding
in the face of difficult circumstance, but I also try to keep in mind that their
story continues beyond the exposure of their past.
80. Biggest Loser - I am an absolute sucker for the Biggest Loser
television show. While it is clearly sensationalism at its' best, I
love the message that it puts out. Some days, I swear I'm going to gain a
few hundred pounds just so I can be on that show. "Former Ballet Dancer
Tries to Shed the Pounds and Make a Comeback!"
81. American Beauty - This movie is the first movie that I saw
that really made me think out of the box. What a fascinating way that
some of these characters see and experience life. I very specifically
recall the film of the plastic bag blowing in the wind. Since I've seen
this movie, I've choreographed to the soundtrack and worked directly
with the composer's sister.
82. Japanese Culture - I always tell people that I am an Asian
stuck in a white person's body. Alright, so maybe that sounds offensive,
but I mean it as the biggest compliment. I love how future-forward this
sophisticated Eastern culture can be, while at the same time being so respectful of its' past.
Dan & me at Shibuya crossing in Tokyo
83. Money - Money seems to inspire many things in life. Sometimes
good and sometimes bad. I am inspired by money mostly because I want to
travel internationally and eat/drink at expensive restaurants.
84. Green - Ok. I realize. Yes, stating that a color is
inspirational is really odd. But I'm going to do it anyway. First off,
give me a break. I am writing 100 things that inspire me. Beyond that, I
really, truly love the color green. Clothes, nature, beautiful eyes,
and so much more.
85. Nightclubs - There are few places that people can go and dance their asses off without caring what they look like.
86. Skyscrapers - I am a skyscraper afficionado, or nerd. The fact that the human species has found a way to build these beautiful constructions high into the clouds has and always will fascinate me.
87. Autumn - There is no season that has so much to
offer like the Fall season. Change is probably one of the most
inspirational things on Earth. There are few times of the year where
change can be so vividly apparent.
88. Fame - Not the movie or TV show. This can sometimes seem shallow, but I am inspired by fame. I love the idea of having a certain amount of fame. Enough where people pull you aside to show appreciation for your work and passion, but not so much that you can't go out in public without some privacy.
89. Inspiring Others - The idea that I can inspire others is unimaginably inspiring. It pushes me to work harder and go further.
90. Reality - I'm fascinated by the idea that reality isn't equal for all. My reality is my own reality, but that doesn't make it right or wrong. The way somebody views a pool of water may be completely different than the way I see it.
91. Natural Disasters - Whether hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, etc., it is incredible what our earth can do and how different we look at life when they happen.
92. Fear - Fear is, unfortunately, one of the biggest factors
that inspires me. If I'm too tired to take class, I take class out of
fear that my technique will falter. If I don't feel like looking for
freelancing work, fear reminds me that I need to pay my bills. While a
negative way to get things done, it is inspirational nonetheless.
93. Coffee - The fact that my love affair with coffee only started 3 years ago doesn't equal the measure of happiness coffee gives me. Coffee inspires me to wake up, it inspires me to finish class, and it inspires me to do things when I don't feel I have the energy to accomplish them.
94. 2nd Chances - This one can often be very difficult for me to give. But when somebody gives me a second chance, I am always so hopeful of proving myself and coming out on top. It is so inspirational to see somebody let go and offer another opportunity to right a wrong.
95. Social Media - This platform has given me a voice within my community that I may never have been able to have if social media weren't available. From this blog to Myspace to Facebook to Twitter, Instagram and more, I have ways to get my thoughts out, to stay connected, and help my community.
96. Philadelphia - When I was a child, I felt that I had to move out of Philly because it had nothing to offer me. By the time that I just happened to get a job in Philly ten years later, I didn't realize that Philly was such an important place for me. I was raised in the suburbs and a lot of people who helped groom me to be the person that I am today live in the area. Beyond that, I'm close to New York City. The best part of living in Philly, though, is that it is perhaps one of the most unique cities in the country. Few cities in the US have as much charm and history to pull inspiration from.
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97. Love - I have always had trouble expressing love verbally. But I have no problem showing love. It is such a powerful feeling that inspires all of the great things that happen in the world.
98. Congeniality - Somebody cracks a joke that isn't funny and 3 out of 4 people in the conversation roll their eyes. The 4th person laughs at the joke, even though they don't find it humorous. I am always appreciative of that 4th person and aspire to be like them. Where is the value in making a person feel like shit when all anybody really wants is to feel like they fit in and make people feel good.
99. Success - Just the idea of success is inspirational to me. What inspires success? Watching others and/or experiencing your own success.
100. Myself - I am sure that this is not how anybody expected me to finish this post. But I think it is important for people to read this and understand that it is an integral part of each and everyone's life. I inspire myself. I don't often give myself enough credit for where I have come from and where I have gone. My successes have inspired greater successes. And while, at times, I can be very hard on myself, I wouldn't be able to achieve anything if I wasn't the person that I am.
