Filed under: In The Studio
This year is the first year of the Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance. We asked Spencer Badesch, a trainee with Academy of Dance, what it is like at the new school.
en l’air: Where are you from?
Spencer Badesch: I was born in Columbia, South Carolina. Grew up in West Palm Beach, Fl and went to high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts. I like to consider myself from North Carolina
en l’air: Schools you’ve attended?
Spencer Badesch: Academy of Ballet Florida, The North Carolina School of the Arts, The Washington Ballet School, and the Joffrey Academy of Dance
en l’air: How many years?
SB: Like ten years at Ballet Florida, 4 amazing years at NCSA, and a year at Washington Ballet
en l’air: Summer Programs?
SB: Ballet Austin, The Harid Conservatory, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, ABT NYC
en l’air: What is your schedule like at Joffrey?
SB: Basic Day. Joffrey Ballet’s Trainees’ have class from 1 to 6 every weekday and 10 to 4 on Saturdays. We begin with techique class, followed by men’s class, partnering, contemporary, rehearsals, etc. The trainees take class with the company on a rotating schedule and when casted in a company production, rehearse with the company each day.
en l’air: Who are some of your teachers?
SB: At Joffrey we have Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev. The teachers that have meant the most to me are Donna Morgan, Christine Spizzo, Nina Danivola, Kee-Juan Han and Carlos Varcarcel. There is nothing better then finding a good teacher. My teachers not only taught me the fundementals of ballet, but also influced who I am as a person today.
en l’air: What is some repetory you have done this year in class? Unfortunately, I have spent the majority of this year sidelined by a knee injury. The Joffrey trainees get to learn tons of good rep. Once I get back to dancing, I hope to learn more Aprino ballets as well as anything classical.
en l’air: What is your Academic School status?
SB: I graduated North Carolina School of the Arts
en l’air: Favorite Male and Female dancer? Favorite male would probably be David Hallberg. His musicality, ability to make everything look so effortless, and the way be really becomes the chartacter he is portraying really make him stand out. Not of mention, he was blessed with a perfect ballet facility. I have many favorite female dancers! I love to watch anything Diana Vishneva dances. She is the definition of beauty. Also I really enjoy Tamara Rojo’s dancing. After I saw her dance MacMillian’s Manon this summer, I can’t get enough of her.
en l’air: Favorite ballet to watch?
SB:Classical.. it would be between Giselle and Romeo and Juliet. I also love to watch anything by Alonzo King or Jiri Kylian
en l’air: 6 Ballets you have to do before retiring?
SB: Albrecht in Giselle, Romeo and R&J, Siegfried in Swan Lake, anything by Alonzo King and Kylian, and many Chris Wheeldon ballets…
en l’air: Why do you like ballet?
SB: I feel free when I’m dancing, its so relaxing. I enjoy all the work that goes into making everything look effortless
en l’air: Most Played on your iPod recently?
SB: anything classical
en l’air: Things you like other than ballet?
SB: computers, politics, business, electronics
en l’air: What are you most looking forward to?
SB: hopefully joining a company soon
en l’air: Hardest part of being a student?
SB: dress code!
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I have seen Spencers talent on stage and off stage. He is dedicated, talented and a wonderful young man. He has given freely of his time and talent to help and inspire children in the community. A winning combination…………
Comment by Betty Brown March 14, 2010 @ 7:47 am