Born in Cuba, Adiarys Almeida defected from her home country and later stepped away from company life and Boston Ballet with her partner on stage and in life, Joseph Gatti, becoming a freelance guest artist. She talks about the transition and her dream role in this interview with A Dancer’s Days’, Rhiannon Pelletier.
interviews
A Short Chat with Dancer Rick Long
Rick Long has worked with artists Lisa Lisa, Daddy Yankee, Salt-N-Pepa, and more. Specializing in Dancehall, Jazz and Hip-Hop, he recently appeared in Step Up 3D and is a teacher. He answers 5 questions about his career in our Pro Dance Profile series.
What The Ailey School’s Melanie Person Knew When She Was Twelve
Co-Director of The Ailey School, Co-Chair of The Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program, and former Dance Theatre of Harlem ballerina, Melanie Person answers ten questions: on leg extension, encouraging ballet students, what studios could do to better prepare students for college, and what she knew when she was twelve.
The Nutcracker: Unwrapped
Ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes of The Nutcracker in one of America’s largest ballet companies? From 7000 lbs of hand-torn snow to tangled flying cooks, take a peek, as we talk with Production Director, Tom Boyd and Wardrobe Manager, Laura Lynch.
Who Inspires You?
I’ve been given a blog award but I’m announcing it with a twist and a shout out. Meet my nominator, Jean who blogs 52 Weeks of Ballet, and Melissa, the young blogger behind the award. They got to ask me questions too in this post that covers everything from first dance solos to returning to ballet as an adult.
Grace Makes Beauty Out Of Ugly Things
Four years ago, a young dancer, Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. Melinda talks with DA about cancer, her book, and her future plans.
