Can you believe that the end of another year is quickly approaching? Time can go so fast, and rather than let it fly by and think ahead too much to 2019, it’s nice to sit and reflect on the past year – all that you’ve accomplished, people you’ve met, dance and personal events, and global happenings. Here, Dance Informa hears from some professionals in the industry about their favorite highlights of 2018.
Chase Johnsey, first artist, English National Ballet
“The highlight of the year was dancing The Sleeping Beauty at English National Ballet in the female ensemble, and realizing how many people related to me and what I was doing. I never realized that by following my dreams, I was making other people’s dream possible. Through finding my own voice, I now realize that I can make a difference, I can liberate people to be who they are, and I can make things possible for other people that were never possible for me.”
Mandy Moore. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Mandy Moore, choreographer
“I would say that winning an Emmy was pretty awesome.”
Kevin Ortega-Rojas, artistic director/choreographer, wandering movers
Kevin Ortega-Rojas. Photo by Keith Fung.
“My favorite highlight of the year would have to be all of the work I’ve seen from other New York City-based artists. From Kyle Abraham to MICHIYAYA, Teddy Tedholm, Bryn Cohn and so many others. I am as inspired by their work as I hope audiences are inspired by my own. I am grateful to be in a city that fosters so many talented dance artists.”
Chyrstyn Mariah Fentroy, second soloist, Boston Ballet
Chyrstyn Fentroy and Roddy Doble in William Forsythe’s ‘Pas/Parts 2018’. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet.
“For me, 2018 was filled with highlights! I joined the corps of Boston Ballet in the 2017/18 season, and that alone was a major checkpoint in my life. In February, our artistic director, Mikko Nissinen, informed me that I was going to be promoted to Second Soloist for this season – another highlight! I performed in my first William Forsythe ballet, Pas/Parts 2018, in which I learned a lot about myself as a person and as an artist. But I’d have to say my all-time favorite moment of 2018 was getting the opportunity to learn and perform the role of the Siren in George Balanchine’s The Prodigal Son. This is an iconic role that I still cannot believe I was given the chance to dance for a company like Boston Ballet! I can’t wait to continue this journey into 2019.”
Joe Lanteri and Carol Paumgarten. Photo courtesy of Lanteri.
Joe Lanteri, founder/executive director, NYC Dance Alliance (NYCDA)
“I am blessed to say I have had a few stand-out moments this year: the growing scholarship award through our foundation never ceases to be emotional, the impending 25-year anniversary of NYCDA, and serving as the director and executive producer of the Chita Rivera Awards. But the biggest highlight is becoming the co-owner and executive director of Steps on Broadway. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead this global institution into the future. I am grateful to Carol Paumgarten for her partnership, confidence and support.”
Sara Mearns and Joshua Bergasse. Photo by Perry Vaile Photography and Brides Magazine.
Sara Mearns, principal, New York City Ballet
“The highlight of my year and life was getting married to Joshua Bergasse on Sunset Beach on November 3. The most magical, perfect, surreal, love-filled moment I have ever experienced or will experience. The most important people in my life were there and/or involved.”
James Whiteside, principal, American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
James Whiteside. Photo by Matthew Murphy for the Joyce Theater.
“2018 was a wonderful year for me! I was lucky enough to launch my own Capezio shoe (the MR), attend Harvard’s Crossover Into Business program and choreograph for ABT’s incubator program. I’d have to say my highlight of highlights is getting to work on and perform in The Tenant by Arthur Pita for The Joyce Theater. I’ve never done anything like it, and I hope the people who saw the show hadn’t seen anything like it! I’m so grateful for these incredible opportunities.”
Lynn Parkerson, artistic director, Brooklyn Ballet
Lynn Parkerson. Photo courtesy of Parkerson.
“The highlight of my year was participating in a 12-week residency in Munich, the place in 1979 where I began to make dances. It was an inspiring return to friends and colleagues, culminating in a magical performance at the Schamrock Poetry Festival. I performed four decades of movement material in a 40-minute set, with Abbie Conant (trombone), Augusta Laar (poet) and Kalle Laar (guitar and electronics).”
Dusty Button, international guest artist
Dusty Button. Photo by Mitchell Button.
“Once every day, I ask myself, ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’ Doing something for the first time is liberating because it is new territory. Being the first to do that something is in a small way playing a part in history that will live beyond us. The highlight of my year was being the first aerobatic ballerina when I took flight with RedBull Air Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
Justin Boccitto. Photo courtesy of Boccitto.
Justin Boccitto, tap dancer, choreographer and teacher
“This October, I decided to hire REDO U Web Design to do a complete rebranding of my online presence. Working with Danielle Hernandez and REDO U was so easy and fun. She made me aware of the importance of my Google search, social media posts and overall design aesthetic. My website, www.justinboccitto.com, looks amazing, and I highly recommend her! Taking the time to focus on these details has brought a new confidence to my work, and I’m excited to see what 2019 has in store.”
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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