Dance: The Language of the Stage
As I step onto the stage, the lights dim, and the music swells. My heart races with excitement, for I am about to embark on a journey that will transport the audience to a world of pure magic – a world where dance is the universal language.
You see, I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer versatility of dance. From the graceful twirls of a prima ballerina to the electrifying hip-hop moves that get the crowd pumped up, dance has the power to captivate and inspire in ways that words could never do. And as a performer who has been fortunate enough to experience the thrill of the stage, I can attest to the transformative power of this art form.
The Musical Theater Center has been my home for the past few years, where I’ve had the privilege of honing my craft and exploring the limitless possibilities of dance. It’s a place where I’ve not only discovered the joys of mastering various styles, but also the profound impact that dance can have on both the performer and the audience.
The Dancer’s Journey: From Gymnastics to the Great White Way
You know, my path to the stage wasn’t exactly a straight line. In fact, it all started with a passion for gymnastics, of all things. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was a competitive gymnast, tumbling and flipping my way to national titles. But as much as I loved the thrill of sticking the perfect landing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more out there for me.
It wasn’t until I attended a performance of the iconic musical “A Chorus Line” that my world shifted. I remember sitting in the front row, tears streaming down my face, as I watched the dancers pour their hearts into every movement. In that moment, I knew that this was my calling – to be a performer, to tell stories through the language of dance.
From that day on, I dove headfirst into the world of dance, training in a wide range of styles, from ballet and contemporary to hip-hop and tap. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. As Mike Baerga, a performer in the hit musical “King Kong,” aptly puts it, “It takes emotional and physical endurance to get through this career. Baby, it’s NOT EASY.”
But with each challenge I faced, I grew stronger, more resilient, and more determined to make my mark on the stage. And when I finally landed my first Broadway gig in “Miss Saigon,” it was a moment of pure elation, a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of being open-minded and versatile as a dancer.
Versatility: The Key to Unlocking Broadway’s Doors
One of the things that has always fascinated me about the world of musical theater is the sheer breadth of skills required to succeed. Gone are the days when a dancer could simply excel in one or two styles – nowadays, you need to be a true quadruple threat, mastering everything from singing and acting to juggling and acrobatics.
As the Discovering Dance chapter 11 flashcards note, “To prepare for dancing in commercial or entertainment settings you have to be versatile as a dancer. You must study social dance, folk dance, cultural dance, street dance, ballet, modern dance, jazz, and tap dance.”
And boy, have I taken that advice to heart. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in every style imaginable, from the graceful movements of classical ballet to the high-energy beats of urban dance. I’ve even dabbled in a bit of gymnastics and acrobatics, just to keep the directors on their toes (pun intended).
As the Discovering Dance as Entertainment article points out, “A job can be for a one-performance event or it might last for years such as a musical theater performance on Broadway or a yearlong touring show. Commercial dancers who go from job to job are called dance gypsies because their work is constantly changing from one show to another.”
And that’s exactly the kind of versatility that I’ve strived to cultivate. I want to be the kind of dancer that can seamlessly transition from a high-energy production number to a delicate, ballet-inspired pas de deux. I want to be the one that directors call when they need someone who can not only dance their socks off, but also sing, act, and even juggle while doing it.
The Art of Blending Styles: A Lesson from “King Kong”
One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had in my career so far has been my involvement with the Broadway production of “King Kong.” As Mike Baerga eloquently describes, the cast is “one of the most beautifully talented bunch of artists” he’s ever been a part of, with each performer bringing a unique set of skills to the table.
What’s truly amazing about this show is the way it seamlessly blends so many different dance styles and techniques. One moment, you’ll see the performers executing jaw-dropping acrobatic feats, and the next, they’re gliding across the stage with the grace of a prima ballerina. It’s a true testament to the power of versatility and the ability to fuse diverse vocabularies into a cohesive, mesmerizing whole.
As Baerga shares, “It takes my breath away. I am a member of the Kings Company who along with an idol group called the Voodoos operates the King Kong puppet on TOP of dancing in the rest of the show. It’s a lot to say the least. It’s so rewarding to dance, tumble, and sing my butt off as a solo performer with this lush choreography by the phenom Drew McOnie and then surrender my voice to join the other 10 members of the Kings Company to create the shape and embody the beastly spirit of Kong. It’s definitely the most selfless and most amazing feeling.”
This kind of synergy and collaboration is what makes the world of musical theater so captivating. It’s not just about individual talent, but about the ability to come together as a ensemble, to blend your skills and passions into a cohesive, awe-inspiring performance.
The Importance of Mental and Physical Wellness
Of course, with the demands of the Broadway stage, it’s crucial for performers to maintain optimal physical and mental well-being. As Baerga emphasizes, “Rest is number one. Number two for me is injury prevention and this comes in so many forms. I personally have a regimen before every show I switch back and forth between cross-training and cardio at the gym and a full-body warmup at least an hour before my half-hour, combining yoga, meditation, gymnastics, floor-barre, and ballet in the back of the house.”
And it’s not just the physical aspect that requires attention. Baerga also stresses the importance of mental health, noting that “having a healthy and focused mind is one of the toughest parts about this business.” He advocates for stress management techniques, like logging off social media and taking time to decompress after a long week.
For me, maintaining that balance has been crucial to my success and longevity as a performer. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion is a surefire way to end up injured or burnt out. That’s why I make sure to prioritize self-care, whether it’s through a rigorous warm-up routine, a relaxing yoga session, or simply taking a day off to recharge.
After all, the stage is a demanding mistress, and we owe it to ourselves and our craft to show up at our best, both physically and mentally.
The Power of Community: Finding Your Support System
One of the things that has struck me most about the world of musical theater is the sense of community that permeates every aspect of it. As the Discovering Dance as Entertainment article notes, “Surrounding yourself in this city with a good group of people is invaluable. The beauty of this city is very little of its population are actually from the city originally. But with the bulk of our community moving from their hometowns with hopes of pursuing a career, we create our own families here.”
And that’s exactly what I’ve experienced. When I first arrived in New York City, fresh-faced and full of dreams, I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed. But it didn’t take long for me to find my tribe – a group of fellow performers who, like me, were chasing their Broadway dreams and supporting each other every step of the way.
Whether it was sharing tips on the best dance studios or commiserating over the trials and tribulations of the audition process, this community has been an invaluable source of strength and inspiration. And as Baerga so eloquently puts it, “I would be nowhere if it were not for the amazing connections and friendships through this community.”
It’s this sense of camaraderie and mutual support that truly sets the world of musical theater apart. We’re all in this together, pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves, and celebrating each other’s successes as if they were our own.
Advice for the Next Generation: Embrace Your Unique Voice
As I look back on my journey, from those early days of tumbling in Houston to my current role on the Broadway stage, I can’t help but be filled with a sense of gratitude and awe. The path has been anything but linear, but that’s what makes it all the more rewarding.
And if there’s one piece of advice I could impart to the next generation of aspiring performers, it’s this: embrace your unique voice and don’t be afraid to let it shine.
As Baerga so eloquently states, “In an industry that has us performers boxed into types and in a constant state of comparison, it is essential to bear in mind that everyone has their own path. You may not be able to battement as high as Jessica, sing a high C like Tommy, or cry on command like Bethany-Lynn from Kansas, but you have your own uniqueness, your own story, and THAT is your biggest secret weapon.”
So embrace your quirks, your passions, your unique blend of skills and experiences. Because it’s those very things that will set you apart and make you a truly captivating performer. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one inspiring the next generation of dancers to follow their dreams and take the stage by storm.
After all, the world of musical theater is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, and there’s always room for fresh voices and new perspectives. So let’s raise the curtain and see what magic we can create together.
