Let’s be real, we are pretty much ballet (and dance in general) nerds. We love observing class, taking class, speaking with teachers about teaching, observing rehearsal, watching choreographers in their creative process and, of course, watching performances.
Atlanta Ballet dancers and Videographer AJ Paug. Photo by Allison Gupton.
We wanted to capture real people on screen and open the door for you to see how relatable all dancers, choreographers and teachers are to each other. We wanted our readers to see what goes on behind the curtain. We wanted to expose the real stories behind the creatives who make our art form so inspiring. Therefore, we created the Dance Informa Video Interview Series.
Erica Alvarado and Miguel Angel Montoya.
In November, we observed a class and a rehearsal that struck a chord and inspired us to begin this video interview process. Atlanta Ballet was in the midst of learning three shows at once — John McFall’s Nutcracker for 2017, Yuri Possokhov’s Nutcracker for 2018 and the ever-exciting Don Quixote. The energy in the room was serious, yet thrilling. We were instant fans of these beautiful men and women in the naturally lit dance studio at Atlanta Ballet.
Atlanta Ballet dancers and Videographer AJ Paug. Photo by Allison Gupton.
There is something about a ballet class and rehearsal process, where you see the struggles of finally getting a lift correctly, or have an issue with timing, or notice that the company members in the room took class for their body, not for show, that makes us appreciate the finished product on stage that much more.
Atlanta Ballet has 26 company members and six apprentice company members. Here, Dance Informa interviews three company members, Erica Alvarado, Sergio Masero-Olarte and Miguel Angel Montoya, about their dance backgrounds, their roles in the upcoming performances of Yuri Possokhov’s Don Quixote, and they answer some fun rapid fire questions.
For more information about Atlanta Ballet, head to www.atlantaballet.com. For tickets to Atlanta Ballet’s Don Quixote, which runs February 2-10, click here.
By Allison Gupton of Dance Informa.
Share this:
