Showing posts with label Ballet News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ballet News. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Don't Judge Him By His Tights
Male dancers are AMAZING! They are not sissies, they are strong and agile. Dancer Sascha Radetsky wrote an article for Newsweek called Don’t Judge Me By My Tights. I think every one needs to read it and learn to respect male dancers. (http://www.newsweek.com/id/120061)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Jeanette Kakareka-Vote Today!
Jeanette Kakareka is in the running for this years Discount Dance Model Search. She's already in the TOP THREE!
You can find her full biography and pictures at (http://www.discountdance.com/modelsearch/bio.php?modelname=jKakareka)
You can see her dance at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC_kr8gC_KI)
Some things in her biography that I thought stood out are;
Have you always wanted to be a dancer?
I loved dancing when I was little, but to be honest, I had my heart set on being a veterinarian, and I actually didn't even find ballet to be my favorite form of dance. It probably didn't help that my school's 'ballet' classes weren't classical in any sense. However, when I first went to take a class at Rock West, the Rock School's suburban school that also includes many other forms of dance as well as ballet, I looked in a window of some girls taking ballet class and it just hit me like a wall. I wanted to be a ballerina at the age of 11.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up at 5:00 in the morning, I get ready, eat some breakfast, pack my lunch, and my dad drives me to the SEPTA bus stop, which is about 20 minutes away. I take the bus to Broad & Carpenter, (approx. 1 hour ride,) where I walk a block down to Rock and at 8:00 I have RAPA, (Rock Academic Program Alliance,) which is the Rock School's partially online high school located on the 2nd floor of the building. I have school until 10:00 and then I have a half hour break to get ready and stretch out for my 10:30-12:00 technique class. The teachers change throughout the week, but generally, we have the same teacher for a certain class weekly. Afterwards, we have pointe class or, (once a week,) pilates for an hour and then I get a half hour lunch break. My afternoon tends to be different every day, but I normally have rehearsals at some point or a second RAPA session from 1:30 to 3:00. I then have an afternoon class at 3:30 that goes until 5:30. Afterwards, I might have another rehearsal or partnering class for an extra hour and a half, but not every day. I then go home on the bus again, and when I get home, I eat dinner and usually go to bed soon after. It's really crazy; you have to love it.
On any given day what can we typically find in your dance bag?
You can find a lot in my dance bag. Here's my typical list: cell phone, camera, iPod, make-up bag, Aleve liquid gels, (perfect to apply to sore spots,) a giant ball of thread, needles, travel-size scissors, corn cushions, 'squishy' tape, this really cool Japanese tape my friend Rina got me, stomach-pain relief chewable tablets, several ballet skirts, warm-up pants, Rock School shorts, a stretch band, my favorite mukluks, flat shoes, several pointe shoes, toe pads, extra ribbons and elastic, my wallet, my bus pass, a book, several lip glosses, and a lint roller and hand sanitizer, (because I'm a bit of a germaphobe meets OCD.)
What do you like most about dancing?
I love it the most when you get a certain combination from a teacher or something like that and you get that really fuzzy feeling of loving to dance because you find it so refreshing and makes you feel beautiful. Going on stage and getting the same feeling is even ten times better.
What do you think is unique about you and or your dancing?
I've been told I have stage presence, and have nice lines. I think that recently I've been learning how to be less nervous and therefore allow myself to show the audience more that I love to dance, which I hope comes across. I try not to down myself by worrying about perfect technique or tricks as much. I care much more about the emotion, the movement of everything, and musicality. I'm working on these things.
What has been your favorite dance moment?
I have two. Once when I was onstage doing snow corps and it was the end, with that beautiful music and the chorus singing, and I was just thinking, 'I love this.' Nutcracker Snow can do that to you sometimes. You get that fuzzy feeling I was talking about earlier, and you really smile. My other favorite moment was actually extremely recently. I was at YAGP and I went onstage to do my classical. I was really enjoying myself, when all of a sudden, my left heel nearly completely slipped off. Because we weren't allowed to use rosin, backstage I was trying to come up with creative ways to keep my heel on, but apparently it didn't work. I just thought, 'This is it. I'm over! I'm not even half-way through!' But I just kept going, and I told myself, 'Just smile and look like nothing is wrong. Forget about it.' When I made it all the way and I did my saut de chat I was just like 'Yes! Thank-you God!' and I went up into my arabesque and I was all smiles. I was just so glad that I made it through! I didn't know how well I actually danced; all I knew was that I was so lucky!
What challenges do you face as a dancer?
I have a body that doesn't naturally build muscle up but is very flexible; I got that from my mom. I've been working really hard on building up muscle and strength for my jumps, and I think it's improving. Recently, it hasn't been an issue because I think I'm almost done growing at 5'6 ¾', but before I had growth spurt problems. I would gain my balance only to lose it all over again; it was extremely frustrating.
What are you most proud of about yourself as a dancer?
I'm proud of myself because I've learned to calm down this year. When I was younger and had nothing on the line, I was never nervous, but now that I'm getting older, every performance counts. I'm learning how to keep my nerve and just enjoy. I'm also glad because I feel like I'm learning not to just be a 'slow' kind of dancer. I don't want to be, but that's what's natural to me. So, I'm trying to push myself more this year.
What highlights of your dance life touched you most?
One of my highlights that have touched me has been getting to do the Dying Swan variation. I was coached to do this for the Orchid Society's reception at Longwood Gardens this fall. It wasn't about being technically correct, but instead it was about what I felt like; that I truly got into it, and I'm so grateful that I got to do something so beautiful and emotional. I also really enjoyed being given the part of Snow Princess and Lead Princess of Persia, (Arabian Lead,) in the Rock School's Nutcracker this year. It was amazing to work further on partnering this year!
Who has most influenced you or had the greatest impact on you in regards to dance?
Well, I would definitely have to thank my family, teachers, and my friends for their impacts in my life as far as dance! My mom and dad have carted me around for so long, taking me to classes and rehearsals. I've annoyed them and inconvenienced them many times because of this, so there's a really large 'thank-you' right there. Then they've always been there for moral support too, of course. They sometimes need to tell me not to over-analyze things, because that's what I do, I over-analyze. Although often forgotten, I need to thank my two younger brothers a lot because they've put up with having their lives, countless times, being put on hold so that I can do what I need to do. Further, I want to thank my grandparents for coming to everything and being so very supportive. I also have to sincerely thank my teachers at Rock for coaching me and teaching me so much. I'm so grateful I also have a favorite dancer that has influenced me a lot, Alessandra Ferri! Whenever anyone asks me for my favorite dancer I pretty much shout it. I love her way of having pristine technique, but at the same time, having such dramatic quality. She has such deliberateness, too, in everything she does. Making just a rond de jambe beautiful. I also admire her because, (arguably,) she was the best Juliet ever known, and Juliet is my all-time dream part. I also have to thank my friends for helping me de-stress and giving me such amazing memories that I'll always remember. It's amazing how tight of bonds you create with your ballet peers; the fellow camaraderie gets us really closely knit. It's not like a normal job or school; it's a lifestyle and it creates something like a second family among your ballet friends. In addition, I also want to thank everyone who will vote for me for this! It means so much to me! Thank-you! And of course, thank-you Discount Dance Supply, for giving me this wonderful and unique opportunity.
If you could choose one dancer to perform with, who would it be, and what production would it be?
It's hard to choose, but I would love to work with anyone of Angel Corella, Ethan Stiefel, or Daniel Ulbricht. They're all such amazing dancers and I would be so honored! (Of course, this is in my dreams!) If I got to choose a production I wanted to be in and what part, I would want to be Juliet in Romeo and Juliet! I love Juliet so much because she would be such an amazing character to develop throughout the ballet. First, she's youthful, innocent, and being forced into a marriage she doesn't necessarily want, and then she falls in love with Romeo, and then she's distraught and very emotional. The first time I saw the balcony pas with Alessandra Ferri and Wayne Eagling, I was in love. I was like, this is it!
Can you describe the feeling you have when you are in the wings, waiting for your cue, and you hear the music and you enter the stage?
I try to stay calm back stage. I get rolls of calm, excited energy, and then quick bursts of, 'What if this happens? I'm going to mess this all up! I'm going to fall!' Then, when it's my cue, I get a moment of absolute nervous-wreck, and then a complete wash of joy to be on stage. It's such extremes, it really is hard to describe.
If you were to give one piece of advice to aspiring dancers, what would that be?
Listen to your teachers, be sure you want this, and if you want it, you have to prove it! You have to work hard, but on the other hand, know when you're injured or are overly stressed. You need to love this so, so much or else you'll hate every second of it. And please also remember; this is an art, not the Olympics! It's not about how high you can jump, or how large your developpe is, or how arched your feet are, or many turns you do. (I would also say to believe in yourself, but everyone says that!)
WHAT/WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE
Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Will Smith, Julie Roberts, and Anne Hathaway.
Singer: I really like Tom DeLonge, Axl Rose, and Adam Levine. It's hard to say, however.
Color: Sometimes yellow, sometimes light pink, sometimes purple, sometimes aqua. It largely depends on the day.
Place To Visit: The same beach house my family and I rent every year in Avalon, New Jersey. I haven't been going recently, however, because of summer intensives conflicting. There's a lot of great family memories there, and I miss it. I also love New York City, but who doesn't?
Memory: I have a lot of really great memories of my family and friends, and then of course, my dancing. I can't pick just one.
Animal: My kitty, Angel!
Magazine: Pointe, Teen Vogue, and Seventeen.
Song: 'I Don't Want To Miss a Thing' by Aerosmith.
Holiday: Christmas and Easter.
Dancer: Alessandra Ferri!!!!!!
Movie: Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, National Treasure (1 and 2), You've Got Mail, The Dark Knight, and Hitch. Ballet movie? The Royal Ballet's Romeo and Juliet featuring Alessandra Ferri and Wayne Eagling, of course!
Outfit: Something feminine but not 'girly', however, that's hard to do everyday since I'm getting up so early every morning and dancing all day so sweats are more practical sometimes.
Hairstyle: I've always wanted curly hair, so I sometimes give myself waves, but I naturally have a really straight brown hair. I tend to pull it half-up half-down.
Jewelry: If you know me, you know I love rings and earrings!
Fragrance: I just got Betsey Johnson perfume for Christmas and I love it!
Shoes: On my 'someday wish list' I really want some Ed Hardy sneakers.
Dancewear: I love my new Natalie leotard that I wore in the photo shoot that's metallic silver! I also have a red leotard that I love.
Dance Catalog: Discount Dance Supply, of course!
Dance Competition: Youth American Grand Prix!
Last summer Jeanette attended Pacific Northwest Ballet School's summer intensive on a full scholarship. This year she will be attending San Francisco Ballet School's summer intensive on a full scholarship. She dances at the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA.
The winner of the contest receives an individual photoshoot, the chance to be on the cover or in an ad for DDS, and a $500 gift certificate. Jeanette will use the money for much needed pointe shoes! (she goes through a pair every 2-3 days).
***You can vote 5x a day per computer*** (http://www.discountdance.com/modelsearch/bio.php?modelname=jKakareka)
Thanks for reading and please VOTE TODAY!
You can find her full biography and pictures at (http://www.discountdance.com/modelsearch/bio.php?modelname=jKakareka)
You can see her dance at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC_kr8gC_KI)
Some things in her biography that I thought stood out are;
Have you always wanted to be a dancer?
I loved dancing when I was little, but to be honest, I had my heart set on being a veterinarian, and I actually didn't even find ballet to be my favorite form of dance. It probably didn't help that my school's 'ballet' classes weren't classical in any sense. However, when I first went to take a class at Rock West, the Rock School's suburban school that also includes many other forms of dance as well as ballet, I looked in a window of some girls taking ballet class and it just hit me like a wall. I wanted to be a ballerina at the age of 11.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up at 5:00 in the morning, I get ready, eat some breakfast, pack my lunch, and my dad drives me to the SEPTA bus stop, which is about 20 minutes away. I take the bus to Broad & Carpenter, (approx. 1 hour ride,) where I walk a block down to Rock and at 8:00 I have RAPA, (Rock Academic Program Alliance,) which is the Rock School's partially online high school located on the 2nd floor of the building. I have school until 10:00 and then I have a half hour break to get ready and stretch out for my 10:30-12:00 technique class. The teachers change throughout the week, but generally, we have the same teacher for a certain class weekly. Afterwards, we have pointe class or, (once a week,) pilates for an hour and then I get a half hour lunch break. My afternoon tends to be different every day, but I normally have rehearsals at some point or a second RAPA session from 1:30 to 3:00. I then have an afternoon class at 3:30 that goes until 5:30. Afterwards, I might have another rehearsal or partnering class for an extra hour and a half, but not every day. I then go home on the bus again, and when I get home, I eat dinner and usually go to bed soon after. It's really crazy; you have to love it.
On any given day what can we typically find in your dance bag?
You can find a lot in my dance bag. Here's my typical list: cell phone, camera, iPod, make-up bag, Aleve liquid gels, (perfect to apply to sore spots,) a giant ball of thread, needles, travel-size scissors, corn cushions, 'squishy' tape, this really cool Japanese tape my friend Rina got me, stomach-pain relief chewable tablets, several ballet skirts, warm-up pants, Rock School shorts, a stretch band, my favorite mukluks, flat shoes, several pointe shoes, toe pads, extra ribbons and elastic, my wallet, my bus pass, a book, several lip glosses, and a lint roller and hand sanitizer, (because I'm a bit of a germaphobe meets OCD.)
What do you like most about dancing?
I love it the most when you get a certain combination from a teacher or something like that and you get that really fuzzy feeling of loving to dance because you find it so refreshing and makes you feel beautiful. Going on stage and getting the same feeling is even ten times better.
What do you think is unique about you and or your dancing?
I've been told I have stage presence, and have nice lines. I think that recently I've been learning how to be less nervous and therefore allow myself to show the audience more that I love to dance, which I hope comes across. I try not to down myself by worrying about perfect technique or tricks as much. I care much more about the emotion, the movement of everything, and musicality. I'm working on these things.
What has been your favorite dance moment?
I have two. Once when I was onstage doing snow corps and it was the end, with that beautiful music and the chorus singing, and I was just thinking, 'I love this.' Nutcracker Snow can do that to you sometimes. You get that fuzzy feeling I was talking about earlier, and you really smile. My other favorite moment was actually extremely recently. I was at YAGP and I went onstage to do my classical. I was really enjoying myself, when all of a sudden, my left heel nearly completely slipped off. Because we weren't allowed to use rosin, backstage I was trying to come up with creative ways to keep my heel on, but apparently it didn't work. I just thought, 'This is it. I'm over! I'm not even half-way through!' But I just kept going, and I told myself, 'Just smile and look like nothing is wrong. Forget about it.' When I made it all the way and I did my saut de chat I was just like 'Yes! Thank-you God!' and I went up into my arabesque and I was all smiles. I was just so glad that I made it through! I didn't know how well I actually danced; all I knew was that I was so lucky!
What challenges do you face as a dancer?
I have a body that doesn't naturally build muscle up but is very flexible; I got that from my mom. I've been working really hard on building up muscle and strength for my jumps, and I think it's improving. Recently, it hasn't been an issue because I think I'm almost done growing at 5'6 ¾', but before I had growth spurt problems. I would gain my balance only to lose it all over again; it was extremely frustrating.
What are you most proud of about yourself as a dancer?
I'm proud of myself because I've learned to calm down this year. When I was younger and had nothing on the line, I was never nervous, but now that I'm getting older, every performance counts. I'm learning how to keep my nerve and just enjoy. I'm also glad because I feel like I'm learning not to just be a 'slow' kind of dancer. I don't want to be, but that's what's natural to me. So, I'm trying to push myself more this year.
What highlights of your dance life touched you most?
One of my highlights that have touched me has been getting to do the Dying Swan variation. I was coached to do this for the Orchid Society's reception at Longwood Gardens this fall. It wasn't about being technically correct, but instead it was about what I felt like; that I truly got into it, and I'm so grateful that I got to do something so beautiful and emotional. I also really enjoyed being given the part of Snow Princess and Lead Princess of Persia, (Arabian Lead,) in the Rock School's Nutcracker this year. It was amazing to work further on partnering this year!
Who has most influenced you or had the greatest impact on you in regards to dance?
Well, I would definitely have to thank my family, teachers, and my friends for their impacts in my life as far as dance! My mom and dad have carted me around for so long, taking me to classes and rehearsals. I've annoyed them and inconvenienced them many times because of this, so there's a really large 'thank-you' right there. Then they've always been there for moral support too, of course. They sometimes need to tell me not to over-analyze things, because that's what I do, I over-analyze. Although often forgotten, I need to thank my two younger brothers a lot because they've put up with having their lives, countless times, being put on hold so that I can do what I need to do. Further, I want to thank my grandparents for coming to everything and being so very supportive. I also have to sincerely thank my teachers at Rock for coaching me and teaching me so much. I'm so grateful I also have a favorite dancer that has influenced me a lot, Alessandra Ferri! Whenever anyone asks me for my favorite dancer I pretty much shout it. I love her way of having pristine technique, but at the same time, having such dramatic quality. She has such deliberateness, too, in everything she does. Making just a rond de jambe beautiful. I also admire her because, (arguably,) she was the best Juliet ever known, and Juliet is my all-time dream part. I also have to thank my friends for helping me de-stress and giving me such amazing memories that I'll always remember. It's amazing how tight of bonds you create with your ballet peers; the fellow camaraderie gets us really closely knit. It's not like a normal job or school; it's a lifestyle and it creates something like a second family among your ballet friends. In addition, I also want to thank everyone who will vote for me for this! It means so much to me! Thank-you! And of course, thank-you Discount Dance Supply, for giving me this wonderful and unique opportunity.
If you could choose one dancer to perform with, who would it be, and what production would it be?
It's hard to choose, but I would love to work with anyone of Angel Corella, Ethan Stiefel, or Daniel Ulbricht. They're all such amazing dancers and I would be so honored! (Of course, this is in my dreams!) If I got to choose a production I wanted to be in and what part, I would want to be Juliet in Romeo and Juliet! I love Juliet so much because she would be such an amazing character to develop throughout the ballet. First, she's youthful, innocent, and being forced into a marriage she doesn't necessarily want, and then she falls in love with Romeo, and then she's distraught and very emotional. The first time I saw the balcony pas with Alessandra Ferri and Wayne Eagling, I was in love. I was like, this is it!
Can you describe the feeling you have when you are in the wings, waiting for your cue, and you hear the music and you enter the stage?
I try to stay calm back stage. I get rolls of calm, excited energy, and then quick bursts of, 'What if this happens? I'm going to mess this all up! I'm going to fall!' Then, when it's my cue, I get a moment of absolute nervous-wreck, and then a complete wash of joy to be on stage. It's such extremes, it really is hard to describe.
If you were to give one piece of advice to aspiring dancers, what would that be?
Listen to your teachers, be sure you want this, and if you want it, you have to prove it! You have to work hard, but on the other hand, know when you're injured or are overly stressed. You need to love this so, so much or else you'll hate every second of it. And please also remember; this is an art, not the Olympics! It's not about how high you can jump, or how large your developpe is, or how arched your feet are, or many turns you do. (I would also say to believe in yourself, but everyone says that!)
WHAT/WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE
Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Will Smith, Julie Roberts, and Anne Hathaway.
Singer: I really like Tom DeLonge, Axl Rose, and Adam Levine. It's hard to say, however.
Color: Sometimes yellow, sometimes light pink, sometimes purple, sometimes aqua. It largely depends on the day.
Place To Visit: The same beach house my family and I rent every year in Avalon, New Jersey. I haven't been going recently, however, because of summer intensives conflicting. There's a lot of great family memories there, and I miss it. I also love New York City, but who doesn't?
Memory: I have a lot of really great memories of my family and friends, and then of course, my dancing. I can't pick just one.
Animal: My kitty, Angel!
Magazine: Pointe, Teen Vogue, and Seventeen.
Song: 'I Don't Want To Miss a Thing' by Aerosmith.
Holiday: Christmas and Easter.
Dancer: Alessandra Ferri!!!!!!
Movie: Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, National Treasure (1 and 2), You've Got Mail, The Dark Knight, and Hitch. Ballet movie? The Royal Ballet's Romeo and Juliet featuring Alessandra Ferri and Wayne Eagling, of course!
Outfit: Something feminine but not 'girly', however, that's hard to do everyday since I'm getting up so early every morning and dancing all day so sweats are more practical sometimes.
Hairstyle: I've always wanted curly hair, so I sometimes give myself waves, but I naturally have a really straight brown hair. I tend to pull it half-up half-down.
Jewelry: If you know me, you know I love rings and earrings!
Fragrance: I just got Betsey Johnson perfume for Christmas and I love it!
Shoes: On my 'someday wish list' I really want some Ed Hardy sneakers.
Dancewear: I love my new Natalie leotard that I wore in the photo shoot that's metallic silver! I also have a red leotard that I love.
Dance Catalog: Discount Dance Supply, of course!
Dance Competition: Youth American Grand Prix!
Last summer Jeanette attended Pacific Northwest Ballet School's summer intensive on a full scholarship. This year she will be attending San Francisco Ballet School's summer intensive on a full scholarship. She dances at the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA.
The winner of the contest receives an individual photoshoot, the chance to be on the cover or in an ad for DDS, and a $500 gift certificate. Jeanette will use the money for much needed pointe shoes! (she goes through a pair every 2-3 days).
***You can vote 5x a day per computer*** (http://www.discountdance.com/modelsearch/bio.php?modelname=jKakareka)
Thanks for reading and please VOTE TODAY!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Boston Ballet-Melanie Atkins and Jared Redick Retire
After seven seasons with Boston Ballet, soloists Melanie and Jared will retire from the stage to pursue new paths with Boston Ballet. Redick will continue as Principal of Boston Ballet School's Norwell Studio and Aktins will begin as Children's Ballet Mistress of Boston Ballet School. Both will make their final performances in Ballets Russes. Read their final interview below.
What is your favorite memory at Boston Ballet?
(Melanie Atkins) I have so many wonderful memories at Boston Ballet it's impossible to pick just one! Dancing one of my favorite ballets, Duo Concertant, with my husband (Sabi Varga) is definitely a highlight. Also traveling to Washington D.C. to see the company perform Jorma's Brake the Eyes was great - I felt so proud to be part of such a wonderful group even though I wasn't actually dancing! Our tour to Spain was unforgettable - I could go on for ages about favorite memories. I'm definitely grateful to have so many!!
(Jared Redick) I have so many excellent memories of my seven years here. The one that stands out is when Reed Anderson came to work with us on Onegin, duing my first season. Working with him was an experience that I will treasure; that ballet is a special ballet.
Another highlight was opening night of (Jorma Elo's) Plan to B. It was one of those truly unique moments in the theater where we finished the ballet and there were two or three seconds of silence. And then, like a rock concert, the audience exploded. That was awesome for us as a cast.
What is your earliest memory as a professional dancer?
(JR) My earliest memory would definitely be the first time I did Sleeping Beauty. It was my first year with San Francisco Ballet. We went on tour to Washington DC, my hometown. The role that I was given was one of the musicians that stands in the back, followed by carrying the guns across the stage. All the older dancers got a good kick out of that.
(MA) I was hired out of SAB to dance for Fort Worth Dallas Ballet in Serenade - the company needed two more corps dancers. I've always had a special place in my heart for that ballet, and have danced it many times since. The feeling of standing on stage waiting for the curtain to go up, bathed in blue light and listening to the gorgeous Tchaikovsky music come up from the pit was magical. The role I've danced most recently in Serenade is not a part of the opening moment - even so, I get the same shivers hearing the music while backstage waiting for my first entrance.
What would you like to say to all your fans and supporters?
(JR) Do I have any? (laughs) Thanks a million. It’s such a privilege to dance in front of the audience in this company. To have people who are there almost every program and supporting you, is truly a blessing. I am deeply grateful.
(MA) Thank you, thank you, and thank you! It's been wonderful to finish my performing career where I grew up. The Boston audience welcomed me immediately on joining the company - I will always be grateful for the support both on and off stage. Boston's ballet community is unique in that they really take an interest in their dancers. The audience is proud, as they should be, to have a world-class ballet company and they show their appreciation on many levels.
What are you most excited to do next?
(MA) Well, I think most people will guess the answer to that question: one word - Sophie! I'm so excited to be a mother. I look forward to bringing her to the ballet and introducing her to this crazy wonderful business that I've been a part of for so long. Of course, I'll still be around - definitely backstage, and who knows, I might show up as an evil witch in a future production...
(JR) Hopefully get some sleep! I’m looking forward to exploring different things now, both within the field and outside of the field. I have lived and breathed being a dancer for so many years, almost 30 years, that to now have a little bit of time to explore new things is a little overwhelming but definitely very, very exciting.
What is your favorite memory at Boston Ballet?
(Melanie Atkins) I have so many wonderful memories at Boston Ballet it's impossible to pick just one! Dancing one of my favorite ballets, Duo Concertant, with my husband (Sabi Varga) is definitely a highlight. Also traveling to Washington D.C. to see the company perform Jorma's Brake the Eyes was great - I felt so proud to be part of such a wonderful group even though I wasn't actually dancing! Our tour to Spain was unforgettable - I could go on for ages about favorite memories. I'm definitely grateful to have so many!!
(Jared Redick) I have so many excellent memories of my seven years here. The one that stands out is when Reed Anderson came to work with us on Onegin, duing my first season. Working with him was an experience that I will treasure; that ballet is a special ballet.
Another highlight was opening night of (Jorma Elo's) Plan to B. It was one of those truly unique moments in the theater where we finished the ballet and there were two or three seconds of silence. And then, like a rock concert, the audience exploded. That was awesome for us as a cast.
What is your earliest memory as a professional dancer?
(JR) My earliest memory would definitely be the first time I did Sleeping Beauty. It was my first year with San Francisco Ballet. We went on tour to Washington DC, my hometown. The role that I was given was one of the musicians that stands in the back, followed by carrying the guns across the stage. All the older dancers got a good kick out of that.
(MA) I was hired out of SAB to dance for Fort Worth Dallas Ballet in Serenade - the company needed two more corps dancers. I've always had a special place in my heart for that ballet, and have danced it many times since. The feeling of standing on stage waiting for the curtain to go up, bathed in blue light and listening to the gorgeous Tchaikovsky music come up from the pit was magical. The role I've danced most recently in Serenade is not a part of the opening moment - even so, I get the same shivers hearing the music while backstage waiting for my first entrance.
What would you like to say to all your fans and supporters?
(JR) Do I have any? (laughs) Thanks a million. It’s such a privilege to dance in front of the audience in this company. To have people who are there almost every program and supporting you, is truly a blessing. I am deeply grateful.
(MA) Thank you, thank you, and thank you! It's been wonderful to finish my performing career where I grew up. The Boston audience welcomed me immediately on joining the company - I will always be grateful for the support both on and off stage. Boston's ballet community is unique in that they really take an interest in their dancers. The audience is proud, as they should be, to have a world-class ballet company and they show their appreciation on many levels.
What are you most excited to do next?
(MA) Well, I think most people will guess the answer to that question: one word - Sophie! I'm so excited to be a mother. I look forward to bringing her to the ballet and introducing her to this crazy wonderful business that I've been a part of for so long. Of course, I'll still be around - definitely backstage, and who knows, I might show up as an evil witch in a future production...
(JR) Hopefully get some sleep! I’m looking forward to exploring different things now, both within the field and outside of the field. I have lived and breathed being a dancer for so many years, almost 30 years, that to now have a little bit of time to explore new things is a little overwhelming but definitely very, very exciting.
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