The Freelance Instructor & Ballet Master - Matthew Powell

As you all know, I have written over 150 posts featuring my experiences as a freelance artist and my analysis of the dance world. If you didn't see my post from April 15th, I recently launched my Pas de Chat: Talking Dance podcast on the Premiere Dance Network, which recently received some nice press from Dance Magazine. It has taken a lot of preparation to get this show ready and raring to go, so I reached out to some of my freelancing friends to offer a few additional perspectives on the work of freelance artists in the dance world.

Most of the material written on Life of a Freelance Dancer features the work of freelance dancers, hence the name. But there are many other types of freelancers involved in this beautiful world of dance. I recently reached out to a new friend of mine, Matthew Powell, whose dance credits include dancing with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and as A-rab in the international tour of West Side Story. Since retiring from dance, Matthew has taught everywhere from Broadway Dance Center to Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, worked as Ballet Master on the Golden Globe-nominated series Flesh & Bone and at Slovak National Ballet, and choreographed around the country. Continue reading below to hear what Matthew has to share about his work as a freelance instructor and ballet master. Enjoy!

Matthew Powell (Photo: Brian Jamie)

Where do you currently work?

When I'm not freelancing, I am on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Ballet Tech. Additionally, I am permanent guest faculty at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), which means I travel to teach for a few days each month and teach for their five-week summer course. I offer private coaching in New York City and substitute teach at Juilliard and Peridance Capezio Center.

Tell me about your transition to becoming a full-time freelance instructor/coach.
 

Honestly, I feel like one of the luckiest guys ever. After my performing career, I moved to NYC to finish my college degree at the LEAP program, a wonderful offering through Saint Mary's College, which allows dancers to get their degree while maintaining a flexible schedule. I knew I needed a job, so I started scouring the web for any opportunity I could find. I started teaching at 19, and thankfully already had a resume to work with. I got lucky very quickly. Petrov Ballet gave me a job and Broadway Dance Center gave me a class in a tiny studio on Sunday afternoons (which has now built up to five classes a week). What I will forever love about these two schools is that they took a chance on me based off my resume alone. I didn't know a soul in NYC, but they gave me a shot to prove myself.

Matthew teaching company class at Slovak National Ballet (Photo: Costin Radu)

How has your teaching evolved over the years? How would you describe your class?

When I first started teaching, my classes were given instead of taught. I would carbon-copy the exercises I'd get as a professional dancer and spew them out to students expecting them to understand. It wasn't because I didn't care. I simply didn't know any better. Now, I look at who is in the room, I look at what I've learned, and I look for ways to help. Teaching is never solely about the teacher. Teaching, for me, is a collaborative effort between yourself and the student. By being a supportive (rather than authoritative) voice, I think you can better open their minds to accept what it is you have to give.

How do you go about finding work?
 

The early years in NYC were all about hitting the pavement. Countless answers to Craigslist postings, doing Nutcracker gigs with an encore tap number at the end set to Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You (yes, I've been there), and literally saying yes to anything that came along. I still say yes as much as I can, but now I get to do the jobs that fulfill my soul the most.

Do you have an agent or do you negotiate your own terms? Do you have any advice for others about setting up terms/negotiating?

I don’t have an agent or manager, but it’s something I’ve just started looking into for choreographic work. I am admittedly terrible at negotiating. It's either, "yes," or, sadly, "I can't afford it." I try to do a cost/benefit analysis when a gig comes my way. This might not be what you think, however. Cost/benefit has less to do with money and more to do with life. I am not rich in the monetary sense, but I value both the art of ballet and who I am as a person very much. This is a lesson I've learned along the way. If a potential gig comes along that I feel will not benefit me as an artist and human or if I feel it jeopardizes the art I love, I will say no.

Matthew teaching at the Rock School (Photo: The Rock School for Dance Education)

Have you ever felt that you were stretching yourself too thin as a freelancer? If so, how did you resolve that?

As a teacher, as a choreographer, and as a dancer, you love what you do. But you give...and you give...and you give. Last year I gave too much. My social life, my health, and my work were taking a hit as a result. It was a huge wake-up call for me, and I started making some changes.

While it's been difficult, I've had to learn to categorize what I do as a part of my life, but not my complete life. My art and my passion is also a job, and work cannot overtake the whole of your existence. I make sure nowadays to do something for myself. Less than half an hour ago, I unashamedly left the 7:30 showing of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. No ballet, no wondering where the next pay check was coming from, just some time for myself. Loving yourself comes first, and I think it's important for artists to recognize that, especially freelance artists.

What has been your most challenging freelance experience?

My Wednesday work days in 2011. Hands down! I'd teach two morning classes in New York City, take a train two hours north to Fairfield, Connecticut to teach from 4-8 PM, catch the 8:30 PM train back to Grand Central station, take a shuttle train across town to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, grab an 11pm Greyhound bus to Philadelphia, get to my Philly apartment around 2:00 am, then teach from 10 AM - 7 PM the next day at the Rock School for Dance Education. I love and miss teaching at the Rock. But after a year of that, I had to make a change. It was my own fault, not any of the schools where I taught. I tried to convince myself I was invincible, and it really took a toll on my physical and mental health.

Matthew giving notes to the cast of Starz show Flesh & Bone (Photo: Starz)

What has been your most interesting freelance experience?

Undoubtedly, ballet-mastering the pole dance sequences for the TV series, Flesh and Bone. That was a first! But man, pole dancing is hard! And incredibly good for your core strength. It's also a ton of fun, and doesn't need to be a sleazy affair. It's an amazing form of exercise, and there's definitely an art to it!

Tell me about your work as a guest Ballet Master.
 

The guest ballet master side of things came about via a glorious chain reaction of events. There is a wonderful ballet guru, Jeff Edwards, who took me under his wings when I first came to NYC. He recommended me for a teaching position at Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Things went well there, so he put me forward to apply for a full-time Ballet Master position with Royal New Zealand Ballet. Ethan Stiefel was the Artistic Director at the time. I made it to the final round, which included going to New Zealand to interview and teach. I didn't get the job. I was pretty bummed, but went forward with life. A few months later, Ethan emailed me with an offer to guest ballet master for a few months in New Zealand. He also asked me to Ballet Master a new television show he was choreographing, which ended up being Flesh and Bone. It was a pinch me moment!

Shortly after Flesh and Bone wrapped, I headed off to New Zealand. While there, I met Daniel De Andrade, a Ballet Master with Northern Ballet. We hit it off and he invited me to Slovakia to work as Ballet Master for his first full-length commission.

What inspired you to produce your instructional ballet video, Find Your Fifth? 

While working with Royal New Zealand Ballet, I taught some outreach classes to students in the various cities we toured. After a class in Auckland, a little boy came up to me and thanked me for "bringing a slice of New York to New Zealand." On the plane ride home, I penned the idea of an instructional video shot like a Hollywood film; complete with bustling scenes of New York City and a group chat session at the end with our dancers. My hope was to give folks an idea of what it's like to live and dance in "The Big Apple." Hence, Find Your Fifth was born! We're in six countries now and I couldn't be happier. (see below for information on Find Your Fifth)

The Cast of Find Your Fifth (Photo: Shane Ohmer)

Do you see yourself freelancing forever? 

Absolutely not. I'm trying to scale back these days for the sake of work/life balance. I love my job and I love new experiences, but it's very easy for work to become all-encompassing. I'm a domestic-type by nature and I want to find a home. Also, I'm ready to put the knowledge I've gained on the road to use. With that said, I want to make sure that home I find is a right fit, so I’m taking my time. Anyone want to hire me?! 

What work do you have coming up?
 

More teaching, and more creating! I have a ballet being performed at a benefit for the United Nations in June. Additionally, I'm traveling to Anchorage, Miami, Zurich, and Las Vegas to teach. I'll also be teaching at CPYB's summer course.

Any advice you would offer for artists considering a career as a freelance instructor/coach?

I think it's all summed up with the answers above. But in a few words; don't rush, enjoy the process, and be good to yourself. Things will happen when the time is right. 

Matthew Powell (Photo: Brian Jamie)

For More Information on Matthew Powell, His Work, and His Find Your Fifth DVD:

Website: www.MatthewPowell.org

Instagram: @matchoopowell

Find Your Fifth Website: www.findyourfifth.com

100th Post - 100 Things That Inspire Me

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.

What has inspired you to become who you are?