Empowered Me Update 10/28/11

Wow! What a wonderful response we continue to get on this series! So amazing to be able to create art and affect people deeply and emotionally with it. I mean, that is what we strive to do as artists, create meaningful work. For me, I love to create beautiful, elegant art but also love to create content that stirs the emotions, moves you, leaves you feeling something. Empowered ME did that. Lucky is he who can achieve this! It is in this spirit that I have an announcement to make…

I am excited to inform you that we are moving into the next phase with this project! We will be transitioning out of shooting new work and delving into exhibits of what we have created! The end of November will mark the end of new shoots for Empowered ME. When I took this project on, I knew I wanted to do it for a definitive period of time, so I could get these ideas out of my head and onto dancers. I did not want to take on a new long term project which happens easily to me because of how excited and passionate I am about what I do. Artistically speaking, I want to ensure I am putting out content that I am proud and excited about and to make sure the work is original. I fear that if we continue, this will falter. So, to make sure we leave a lasting impression, we are going to stop “while on top.” We do have a few more shoots lined up for November and tons of unreleased images to present, so you will continue to see new images for a few months yet, I think!

As I said, its a new phase. We are now working to exhibit these prints. Our first showing will be in January of 2012 as part of Koresh’s Artistic Showcase in Center City Philadelphia. In addition, we are looking at other venues to exhibit the work, including cancer treatment centers. This is an exciting part of the process for me! This will bring a reality or tangibility of these images to people, which is just wonderful! Digital images can certainly move you, but seeing a print in front of your face offers you a connection, a realness, that you don’t get online. Hopefully, these brave families will see these images and feel a sense of hope or strength. Hopefully it will give them some sort of positive feeling.

I hope you all will stay with us on this journey and continue to support our efforts and images. We will still have updates and events, so fear not!

Thanks!!

My Superhero…

One of the things we are working with Dom on this year is more age and peer appropriate play and interaction. He loves his superheros. He also loves to role play and sport his cape. Generally, we would not let him out of the house with the cape – we are again trying to encourage more appropriate play for a 4th grader.

Yesterday, he was wearing his Green Lantern tshirt and put on his cape. It struck me to actually embrace his quirkiness this time and do a mini shoot with him while Michela was at dance. I wanted to shoot him against a red barn to make the colors pop but had to settle for the school which was nice anyway. It really helped keep the childlike feel to it.

I told him the other day that he was my hero and he just paused and looked at me in a very confused manner. He is my hero in so many ways for so many reasons. I owe a lot of who I am to him. He has helped make me the man I am today.

He very much enjoyed playing out his fantasy and having me document it. This was definitely a moment for me to cherish and not “fix!”

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We are family!!

Ok folks! The time is now to begin the first leg of our week long contest spree jimmy jammy thingy!

Since school starts tomorrow for my kids, I figured we would start by giving away a free family session. Now, this is for a family session, not a couples session or of just your kid(s). This one is for the full crew. This also is JUST FOR THE SESSION! You get no prints, etc, with this. However, you will have them BEFORE Christmas and you know Grandma (the one who DIDN’T get run over by a reindeer) LOVES pictures of her beautiful family for Christmas!! Very pretty LARGE print to hang over the fireplace. Plus, you get to be the smart one in your circle of friends because you will NOT be in the mall in November trying to get an appointment at one of “those” studios.

That is a self portrait of my family taken last year, October, actually. That can be your family! No really, it can – I am giving mine away, please take them! HA! I kid.

In order to enter this contest, you must comment on this blog posting with what you and your family do for fun or the funnest moment you ever had with your family! We will choose a random winner and announce it on Facebook! The contest ends at 7pm Tuesday night (tomorrow) and will be announced at 8pm on my Facebook page!

You MUST be able to travel to my studio in Phoenixville!

You MUST have a family! The family should be yours, btw.

You MUST schedule your session for the month of September.

You DO NOT get extra credit for multiple entries. I will delete and disqualify you and leave nasty rumors about you on Facebook. I’ve done it, its not pretty.

ALSO… THEY MUST BE TRUE COMMENTS!!! I DON’T WANT SOME SAPPY ROMANCE NOVELIST LEAVING AN EXCERPT THAT’S IN ONE OF HER BOOKS ON THE SHELVES AT WALMART! NOR DO I WANT A PIPE DREAM. I WANT REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD HERE FOLKS!

SO… good luck and get writing!!!

Special Day for a Special Friend!

Believe it or not, I met Lisa through Craigslist. No, it wasn’t a personals ad. I was looking for some dance models to shoot for content for my book. I did not want to go through the main companies. I wanted to find a diamond in the rough. Boy did I find just that and more. It wasn’t that quick though. Lisa was one of two girls who responded. She forwarded me some pics she had but nothing ever came about from it.

About a year later (2008), Lisa reached back out to me on Facebook. She was asking if I still needed models. At that time, I was happy with my content and had no particular projects going on. But I recalled an experience I had on Model Mayhem where I was to be doing a TFP with a local model and by the time we got our schedules working, she was looking to charge me and no longer doing TFP. I remember feeling quite put off by this, especially since we had already been talking about doing it. Recalling that disappointment, I told Lisa that we would work together! Little did either of us foresee the friendship that would soon be forged.

Lisa and I chatted on Facebook at least once a day, every day, for I think months. She worked at a cyber school. We chatted about dance, ballet, technique, etc. It was almost routine – we would talk before and after lunch, as the internet there crashed due to usage. We did manage to set up a date to shoot.

The day of the shoot was the first day we actually met but since we talked so much and so often, it felt like old friends when she arrived. I guess for all intents, by that time, we were. We had chatted for a few months before we actually met. The shoot was very fun and very laid back. We joked. We laughed. We drank beer and ate pizza. We took amazing pictures and we took fun ones. She took pics of me. We took some partnering shots. This was the first of quite a few times we would shoot in my studio.

Lisa and I met when I was on the verge of a career explosion. I do credit her for part of it. Her lines are beautiful. Her grace and poise are pristine. Her legs and feet are strong yet elegant. Perfect form and great arches. Again, our meeting and subsequent shoot were at the doorstep of what would be a whirlwind ride for me in my craft, which has not stopped.

Shortly after our first shoot, I had Lisa back in studio a couple more times. One of them were for Tutu.Com run by my dear friend, Claudia. We were shooting along with Erin Royston, who is also now engaged. The very last shot of the night was one that was conceived by Lisa. It was a very simple shot, but was so effective and impactful, it wound up being in Pointe Magazine as an ad for Tutu.Com.

I don’t recall when, but Lisa left the charter school and we were both busy with work, so we werent talking as often. We would check in with each other to see what was what. I think it was that next year (2009) that Lisa got engaged to her HS sweetheart, Dave. I knew or at least hoped, that I would be the photographer for this event.

The following year was a big year for Lisa. Aside from planning her wedding, she auditioned for and got a dancing job with a professional company here in Philly! OMG!!! I was soooo thrilled for her. I got to see her dance onstage which was just such a treat for me! She also decided to go back to school for graduate studies in dance so she could teach on a collegiate level. I was excited for her and also helped her on her application thesis.

So, wrapping this longwinded ramble up… It is because of all of this, that this wedding was a very, very special day for me. It was an honor to be a part of this special day for a very special friend.

their wedding dance:

Kat hitting the hardwood, ruffling the neighbors!

Kat and I kinda met in February when she was one of the performers for the first ever Tap Teaser on Tour, to benefit my program, Hope Dances. Our second encounter came when Pamela Hetherington asked me to do the promo shots for her and Kat’s upcoming Fringe show, “Too Darned Hot.”

I actually was behind Kat in the coffee shop two doors down from my studio, but since I had only seen her once, I wasn’t sure it was her, so I said nothing. However, as I was checking FB while waiting for my java, our dialogue began. Apparently, she messaged me while SHE was in line, asking if I wanted something. I saw it and responded when I was in line.

So anyway, the shoot was a blast. At the end, Kat and I spoke about working together again. I don’t shoot a lot of tap so I am still uncertain of it. I don’t have the same confidence as when I shoot ballet or hip hop. But I wanted to shoot more, for the fun and challenge!

We finally locked in a date and time and met at my studio. She started by just dancing and I would capture as I saw things. She was going full out. My studio is an old building in downtown Phoenixville and you can hear EVERYTHING from floor to floor.

Well, in no time at all, I was engaged in a multi floored chat with my neighbors upstairs who were trying to paint as Kat was hoofing. It was one for the books for sure! “What’s going on down there? It sounds like someone is tap dancing!” “They are!” “why?” “I’m doing a photo shoot!” “While someone is tap dancing?” “Yes! I’M A DANCE PHOTOGRAPHER!” “Well, its hard to focus on painting with the dancing.” “SORRY!!!” Epic to say the least!

So, from that point on, we stopped dancing and just started to hit poses which actually worked out well! I had such a great time working with Kat! She is such a sweet person and just a wonderfully fun talent. I think we got some great images!!

Here are some of our faves!!!

Barre Boys ~ Boston Ballet Second Soloist, Jeffrey Cirio, talks lighthouses, family and Boston… of course!!!

1) What age did you start taking dance classes?

I started classes right before I turned 10 years old. My sister, Lia, had decided to study at CPYB, and we moved to Carlisle from outside of Philadelphia. I had been really into soccer and tang soo do. But when I saw other guys dancing at CPYB, I asked if I could try a class.

2) Was ballet first?

Oh, yeah. That’s what CPYB is – solid ballet training. But I’ve always loved other forms of dance. Everything from hip-hop to tap to Irish Step. I have a great respect for all of it.

3) Do you draw upon other forms to better your own artistry? How does it help?

I relate to hip-hop, so I do use some of it in my choreography.

4) You are lucky – you are in the same company as your sister. That must be comforting! Does she help you with your dancing at all?

Lia has always been an inspiration to me. She worked so hard to be where she is, and she really takes her dancing to heart. We help each other. It helps to know that there is someone who really wants the best for you, who is always looking out for you.

5) Outside of the season and any tours, post season, do you do any other performing as a guest or galas? If so, with who?

I have been so lucky to meet people through my travels and competitions who have given me opportunities to guest or perform in galas. I do the LifeChance Gala in South Carolina every year with Columbia Classical Ballet. This is a charity gala. I love being able to “give back” through dance. I also have had the opportunity to work with Peter Stark again. Peter was formerly with Orlando Ballet and was my coach. He now has a new “apprentice” company called Next Generation Ballet. I will be doing the Nutcracker with them, performing the Snow King. There have been other guestings and small galas. I have to admit, I would really like to do more of this kind of work.

6) What are your interests when you are not performing? What are your hobbies or what do you like to do on a day off? I imagine rest has to be high on the list.

I love music, so I listen to a lot of it. I really want to learn to play the guitar, and I’ve been thinking about taking some classes. I also have developed an interest in photography. There’s just not much time to do everything. Usually on days off, I am trying to spend time with people and get some rest.

7) Talk to me about your conditioning. What do you do to stay in shape and healthy? Exercise? Diet?

Well, last year I injured my shoulder, so I have worked this year on developing upper body strength. We have a small conditioning room, where I do some lifting every other day. As far as diet, I try to eat healthy, but for me right now the goal is to just keep weight on, so I don’t really have to watch what I eat.

8 ) Do you pursue any off season coaching or development to stay at a high level?

Actually, yes, I do and will continue to pursue coaching through the summer. I try to always go back and work with Peter Stark when I can. Taking class with someone who really knows you and wants you to excel is important. Peter has been giving Lia and me opportunities to teach and perform, and those opportunities have helped to make us better dancers.

9) You have done some choreography for the company as well as IBC competitors and more. How is that for you? Is it something you aspire to do more of?

I love choreographing. I was really blessed to do a piece for the company’s ball last year, and then a piece this year for BBII. I have also choreographed six or seven competition pieces. I do have another opportunity coming up in January to choreograph for a school in New York City, for which I am really excited. I would definitely like to explore this more.

10) What is your process for doing choreography? How are you inspired and then create?

It’s been different each time. Mostly, inspiration comes from music. What does the piece of music do to me? What do I think of when I hear the music? I don’t usually have a theme for the piece until I start the choreography. The dancers give me the theme, actually. One time, it was an exploration of the fear of losing people, one time it was the exploration of what an instrument would look like if it were to dance, one time it was a play on shadows, and another time it was what autumn movement might be. I don’t really have a choreographic voice yet – it’s all still an exploration for me. I am just glad I’ve been given opportunities.

11) What is your dream theater or stage to perform on?

I have always said that it would be Covent Garden, but lately I have felt that there isn’t a dream theatre for me – that it’s more about my journey.

12) Dream role?

Basilio in Don Quixote, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet

13) To me, there seems to be a lot of similarities between Boston and Philly. They both have that small town, blue collared heart feel to it. What’s it like for you?

Although I am from outside of Philadelphia, I don’t know the city very well. We moved to Carlisle when I was nine, so that Lia could study ballet. I have not lived back in Philly since then. So, in reality, Boston feels more like home to me. And, yes. Boston has a small town feel, nothing like NYC, for example. How do I feel about Boston? I love this city. The thought of ever leaving it makes me sad.

14) Describe the feeling you experience when you are on stage.

There’s really no way to describe the feeling on stage. If I had to put it into words, for me, it is freedom and an adrenaline rush. I think you have to experience it to know how it feels, and to understand what I am saying. It’s like a zone, it’s not in slow motion, but it almost feels that way.

15) With you being so busy with the company, etc, how do you keep up on the other companies out there?

I don’t really do too much to keep up with what’s going on in other companies. My mom actually tries to read the ballet news and tells me when there is something I should know. I also try to watch stuff on youtube when I get a chance.

16) You have done well in competitions, what are some of the highlights for you there?

The whole competition thing sort of just happened. My parents thought I should try doing one to give me a focus. I did YAGP as a junior and won the Grand Prix in regionals and, much to my surprise, a gold medal at the finals. People were urging me to go to Jackson, and I didn’t want to. I wanted to just go and watch. But, I happened to meet Rasta Thomas at the time, and he said that it was, by far, one the best experiences he had. He and Rolando Sarabia encouraged me to go, and I did. Jackson really is an amazing experience. Winning a bronze medal there, as a 15-year old, was unbelievable for me. I did other competitions, mostly by invitation. I loved it. I felt that each time I got ready for and performed in a competition, I gained so much.
The only other goal I had in terms of competition was to go to Helsinki. I received a gold medal there. That was the last one I did.

17) What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

That’s difficult. All of my accomplishments have special meaning for me. There are a few that stand out in my mind. One is something that many might find insignificant. When I was studying at Orlando Ballet School, I was given the Fernando Bujones scholarship. Fernando is probably the reason I am a ballet dancer, so it meant so much to me. Also, taking part in NFAA Arts Week and winning a silver level award was awesome. I loved being around all of the other artists there. And the other is winning the Princess Grace award in 2009, an honor that also means so much, especially in the ballet world. But, I have much to still accomplish, so I don’t feel that I am there yet. I’ll let you know when it happens.

18) Do you plan to do any more competitions?

In reality, I’d like to do one more. I won’t say which one because I don’t know if it will happen. Once you are in a company, it’s hard to get ready for a competition. It takes so much time and effort to be ready. We will see.

19) You and Lia went out and got tattoos together. She got an elephant. What did you get and what’s the symbolism behind it?

Lia got an elephant because she collects them and they mean a lot to her. They are a symbol of luck in many cultures. And they are really amazing and beautiful creatures. I got a lighthouse. Since I was little, I have loved lighthouses. I have a collection of them at home. For me, the lighthouse signifies the Lord’s light in a world of darkness.

20) How much of an impact does your family have on your life and career? Aside from dancing in the company with your sister, I know your parents, especially your mom, travel frequently to see you and Lia.

More and more, I am realizing that family is everything. Without my family’s sacrifices, I would not be doing this. Without their ongoing support, it would be a tough road. Whatever happens in the future, I know I am blessed because I have a family that loves, cares and prays for me. What else could I need?

For more images from our session with Jeff, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=241572&id=256421562292

Fore more information on Boston Ballet, please visit:
http://www.bostonballet.org

Barre Boys ~ 10 Questions with TMP’s Dylan G-Bowley

1) At what age did you start ballet training? when start dance classes?

I started training at the age of 5. I was in a combo class where we would do ballet for 30 min then tap for 30 min. After that I just kept adding more classes and hours.

2) Do both of your sisters dance? I know Whitney does…

Both my sisters danced when I was younger and that’s how I got into it. Now my oldest sister Leeanne has her own dance company in Queens called in-sight dance. My other sister Whitney still dances and does a bunch of different projects in NYC.

3) How did you wind up in Boise?

I moved to Boise to join Trey McIntyre Project. Before Trey asked me to join the company I had never heard of Boise. It’s funny I didn’t even find anything out about Boise till after I took the job. Now after living there for 2 years I am in love with the city.

4) Do you have any pre-show rituals?

My pre-show prep changes with the rep we do. However just like before I take class I have to be sweating before I feel like I can start moving well.

5) Career goals?

I really look forward to dancing a wide range of pieces in my career. I love all different kinds of movement and want to do a ton before I stop. My only goals right now are to dance a lot and have fun doing it.

6) Any interest in dancing classical ballet?

I am interested in doing classical ballet especially earlier on in my career. I started my training with ballet before I went into modern and contemporary so I don’t want to lose that. I also think it would be really fun and a challenge to do a story ballet at some point.

7) Relationships for an artist in dance can be challenging even moreso when dating another dancer. Your girlfriend is a principal in another company on the east coast. That must be tough, how do you make it work?

It is tough…the time difference is one of the hardest things. When she is going to work I’m still asleep and when I’m having dinner she is getting ready for bed. I do get to visit quite a bit. TMP has a week off about every month so I fly out to see her and take class with the company. I’m racking up the frequent flyer miles! The thing that helps the most is that we are both really busy and focused on our dancing so the time between visits goes by pretty fast.

8 ) How does dating another dancer affect your artistry? I know she is more of the classical content vs the contemp stuff you do. But I would think it helps some?

Having another dancer who you can totally trust and respect is wonderful. We both have different training and experiences that we share with each other. It helps to add a whole other level to our dancing and even push one another into new territory. We always have someone who is close who can understand the commitment and passion that dance requires.

9) What has been your favorite place to perform and why?

It is kind of a tie between Hungary and Boise. Performing in Europe for the first time and having the audience love the dance was something I won’t forget. Whenever we perform in Boise it is like a rock concert. The city is so supportive and really loves TMP. The house is packed with real fans of dance and the work we do. When things get hard I think about the energy the Boise audience gives and it reminds me why this art form is so amazing.

10) Aside from the company itself, what is your favorite part of being in Boise?

That’s a hard one. Boise seems to always be full of sunshine and great weather. It really makes waking up everyday a pleasure. But I think my favorite part is being able to ride my bike everywhere. When we got back from our summer break I drove my car twice in a month. It is just faster, easier, cheaper, and more fun to ride your bike in the beautiful Boise summer.

To learn more about Trey McIntyre Project, please visit:

http://www.treymcintyre.com/

To see more images from our shoot, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=237650&id=256421562292

Barre Boys ~ NYCB Principal, Jon Stafford, talks Carlisle, sisters and the big apple!!!

1) You come from a sort of dancing family with 2 sisters in the biz, tell me about that.

My younger sister started dancing first and I slowly became more and more interested in ballet as I saw some classes and performances. My other sister and I soon started and, that was that, we were all hooked.

2) What inspired you to start ballet?

I really liked the athleticism of it. I remember watching the older guys and thinking that what they were doing was so cool. I wanted to be able to fly around the stage.

3) What age?

I was 8 when I started.

4) What was ballet like in Carlisle, with having one of the most prominent instructional institutions there?

Well, at the time, we didn’t know how prominent CPYB was. We only started to realize, as we got older and started attending summer programs, that CPYB was a very good school with top-notch training. CPYB has a very intensive training program that is very tough. But if you love ballet and are committed to learning as much as you can in your time there, it is a great place to study.

5) You left cpyb and went into SAB then saw some rapid growth in the ranks of NYCB, talk to me about the transition from Carlisle then dancing with Balanchine’s co.

There was definitely a transition from small town to big city and from small school to big school, but I had a lot of friends up here that made it as smooth as possible. I also had to get used to performing on a much bigger stage with a lot of pressure and learning dozens of ballets at the same time. But the intense schedule and the high standards we were held to at CPYB certainly set me in the right direction. At any level as a dancer, you have to be committed to working hard and constantly trying to improve if you want to succeed.

6) I understand you have been named dancers’ chair for the CPYB stars gala in July. How amazing that must be for you… your hometown & your alma mater. How excited were you?

I am excited about the event and honored to be a part of it. It is always good to help raise money for my old school and get a chance to see my family.

7) What’s next for you? What are your goals? Any plans to choreograph?

I am very excited to say that I have been on the faculty of the School of American Ballet for a few years now. I love teaching and do see myself continuing with that in the future. I am also taking classes part-time at Fordham University, which is also something I am excited about. I would like to stay in the dance world in some capacity after I am done dancing so we’ll see where it all takes me. I have choreographed one ballet and enjoyed doing it, though I don’t see choreography as one of my main goals for the future.

8 ) What are your pre-show rituals?

I will pretty much always eat a sandwich and a banana so that I have energy for the show and I always take a good amount of time to get myself warm and ready. Other than that I don’t really have anything that I feel like I have to do before a show.

9) Is there a particular style of music you like to listen to as you are warming up?

I like to warm up backstage and I always just listen to whatever ballet is on the program before me. We have such amazing music in our rep and it always helps me get going. If I am in the first ballet, I just chat with the other dancers who are also getting ready.

10) When you were coming up through the ranks, which dancer inspired you in dance?

I have been inspired by all of my colleagues at NYCB. We have such a demanding schedule and all of the dancers really work their butts off night in and night out. I love watching and being around such amazing artists and am constantly inspired by all of my colleagues.

11) Who are some of the dancers that were at CPYB at the same time as you, that we may know?

There were so many talented dancers during my time at CPYB and many have gone on to companies. A person just needs to read the bios of any major dance company’s roster to find some CPYB alumni.

12) What do you like to do for fun or to release and unwind in between programs?

I love watching sports and reading books. I also love watching movies and I like to get out and play some golf when it’s nice out.

13) During a program or leading into one, give us an idea of your day. When does it start, what’s it like? How long?

We always have a rehearsal period before each season where we learn most of the ballets that we have coming up. We will rehearse the rest of the ballets during the season since they are long seasons. The day runs from class at 10:30 AM until 7 PM. Each day is different and I could have 6 hours of rehearsal or none. If I don’t have a really hard day, I will go to the gym and work out.

14) What is a day like for you during a performance season, both show days and the days leading up?

Since NYCB has such a huge rep and we do a different show every night, we are constantly rehearsing. Even if I have a hard show that night, I like to have a rehearsal or two to really get my body going after company class in the morning. Those rehearsals could be spread throughout the day so every performance day is different. I do try to make sure that I eat enough so that I have energy throughout the day and I try to get off my feet at least a little. We always start at 10:30 AM with class and the performances are either at 7:30 or 8 PM every night.

15) You have been with NYCB for 12 years now. Obviously, there are some pieces you have done countless times. After all that time, how do you still “get up” for a piece, to keep the energy level up and not show a “gosh, I have been doing this piece for 12 years now…”

As you progress through the company, you get to do so many different parts at every different level. The parts I am doing now as a principal are mostly new for me and I’ve only been doing them for a few years. The way that I approach the few that I have done for a long time is that every time I do a part, it will be a different experience than the last show. That’s the beauty of dance, we can always find something new in a part that we have done for many years.

16) Are there any pieces that you have done countless times that you still love or get excited to do?

The only part that I would say I have done countless times is the Sugar Plum Pas de Deux from the Nutcracker and I actually do love performing it. I might get sick of rehearsing it, but it is always fun to dance.

17) What’s been your favorite role?

I really love the waltz boy in Serenade and the male principal in Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2. I also really enjoy doing many parts, but those are probably my two favorites.

18) If there is one role or ballet you haven’t done yet but would love to before you hang up the tights, what is it and why?

I would love to do Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake because it is such an amazing part both dramatically and technically. The music is amazing and it would be so fulfilling to dance a full length like that.

19) How often does your family get up to see your performances?

They come pretty often, since Carlisle is not too far away. They do try to coordinate it so that they will see both Abi and I, but they will come up anytime either one of us is doing a big part for the first time. They have been incredibly supportive of us over the years and it means so much to me when they are in the audience.

20) If you weren’t a dancer, what occupation would you see yourself in?

Dance has been such a huge part of my life and my development as an adult that it is hard to see myself doing anything else. I love golf, but don’t know that I would have been good enough to make it in that field. I love to teach so maybe I would have been a teacher or instructor of some kind. Who knows….

For more images from my shoot with Jonathan, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235806&id=256421562292

Fore more information on NYCB or CPYB, please visit:

http://www.nycballet.com/nycb/home/

http://www.cpyb.org/

Barre Boys ~ One step closer to a dream!

Aaron Smyth, the talented dancer from the Gold Coast of Australia began his ballet training at the age of 12. Aaron knew, however, if he wanted to reach his goals of traveling and dancing professionally, with any company really, he had to come to the states. Leaving Australia, Aaron had one big dream – to dance in ABT!

In pursuit of his dream, Aaron began training at the JKO School (training facility for ABT) and eventually landed a spot in ABT2. Unlike some other second companies, ABT2 is not just a studio company. ABT’s second company offers dancers an opportunity to tour, stateside and abroad as well as dance Principal roles, which Aaron cites Romeo from Romeo & Juliet and Basilio in Don Q as his favorites!

His charisma, stage presence and pure talent have also led Aaron to many notable competitions in his career, including IBC Jackson with his partner Alys Shee and the prestigious McDonald’s Ballet Scholarship where he was a finalist performing at the Sidney Opera House!

If not ABT, what other companies would he be interested in? e cited that outside of ABT, his dream companies would be either San Francisco Ballet or Paris Opera Ballet. Though quite different than the slow pace back home, Aaron is finding the hustle and constant bustle of the big city, very fun and is hoping to stay a while!

To see images from our shoot, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=221315&id=256421562292

Barre Boys – Boston Ballet Principal, James Whiteside, talks Ballet, JBDubs and all that Jazz…

1. You did not start off in ballet. At what point did you start ballet and why?

I started jazz first and my teachers said “if you want to keep your
scholarship, you have to take ballet.” So, I did. Gradually, my interest in ballet grew and it lead me to inquire about ballet boarding schools.

2. Did you know that you wanted to come to Boston? How long have you been here? How long ago did you get promoted?

No, Boston was a surprise. I went to the Summer Dance Program and Mikko Nissinen offered me a BBII position with a little encouragement from my former teacher Raymond Lukens who would be directing BBII the upcoming season. This is my ninth season with Boston Ballet and I was promoted to Principal in 2008.

3. What’s your favorite role or ballet?

Albrecht in Giselle is my favorite role so far. It’s cliche but nothing else
has come close to making me feel as much as Giselle did.

4. What is your dream role?

I don’t know enough about dance to know what my dream role is. I only know that it was a dream after I’ve danced it.

5. Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Yes. I take a shower, blast music (usually a playlist I create specifically
for that program), apply makeup, take a ginseng shot (sometimes before but usually in between acts), and do a barre.

6. I understand you are an award winning jazz dancer, tell me about that.

My first dance school (D’valda & Sirico Dance Centre) had an amazing youth dance company and competition group. We travelled internatinonally to perform in festivals and competitions. I feel I’ve gained an edge from all those years of hardcore jazz training and competition and I’m eternally grateful for the experience those teachers gave me.

7. What music gets you pumped up to dance.

I love high energy pop and dance music before a show. Top 40 style music gets me really jazzed up.

8. Speaking of music… Who exactly is JBDubs? People in Boston say he is Bish!

JbDubs is my ferocious pop star alter-ego. I make all the
music/beats/melodies/lyrics and choreography/costumes for the live shows. My friends and co-performers have a lot of input too. I’m working on my latest music video with Scalped Productions (scalpedproductions.com ) for my song “So I Cry” which is currently available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jbdubs/id382653904).

9. What are your career goals at this point?

I want to have enough experience and influence to be able to work on
multiple creative projects. Ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, modern, music, and art. I want to be able to dabble in many art forms. I refuse to limit myself.

For more images from our shoot, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=209892&id=256421562292