This conversation takes us to the comfortable confines of the new Ballet Memphis facilities. Steven McMahon is the artistic director of the company. We discuss the history of Ballet Memphis as well as his own journey through the art. We also get into what it takes to be a dancer and choreographer and to keep ballet relevant. If you enjoy this episode I suggest you go back and listen to our conversation with Ned Canty and Michael Sakir (Opera Memphis) in season 1.
1:40 STEVEN…it’s Steven. How Steven and Ballet Memphis came together? Retired? What do dancers do when they hang up their shoes. How do choreographers “notate” routines?
10:20 What is the typical career length for a professional? The FEAR! Its real.
19:15 Collaboration with James Dukes (IMAKEMADBEATS) and ballet in Memphis
26:10 Jonathan struggles through his “multi-layer” question. How to you view someone else playing your work and in general do you farm out your choreography to other companies. Guest choreographers at ballet Memphis.
31:20 Promoting Memphis in Memphis art
36:00 Thinking about a foundations of ballet pedagogy.
40:46 Thoughts on how the world consumes dance.
50:15 I’m sorry…”Shoe Manager” ?