same reason why I like to be used as a canvas for others, because they will do something for me very diff erent than I would do for myself.” All skaters experience highs and lows during their competitive years, and Ward was no exception. He has learned from his person- al experiences and gladly shares those lessons with others. “T e best thing I can say to that is to train the way you want to perform,” Ward said. “When you are on tour and have rehears- als, it is always full out — no marking and no attitude to be shown for mistakes or bloopers. “I wish I would have learned that as a
skater; even though your coaches always say that, it’s diff erent when you have lights, sets — the whole shebang. All of my students know that there is no giving attitude. You re- spect your craft and your gifts.” Ward draws on many diff erent sources in
creating, from everyday living to other artists themselves. “I am truly inspired by life experiences: living, learning, watching, growing, strug- gling and loving,” he said. Specifi cally, Ward is inspired by the Al- vin Ailey American Dance T eatre, a ground- breaking modern dance company based in New York City. T e young, African-American troupe was formed in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, a pioneer in American modern dance. “T ey are absolutely amazing,” Ward
said. “I have some friends that are in the com- pany and I have taken classes with them in New York. It was the most eye-opening thing I had ever seen and done.” Brown can speak fi rsthand to just how
gifted Ward is as a choreographer. T e two began working together in 2008, and Ward has created every competitive program for the 2014 U.S. silver medalist ever since. “Rohene is so incredible at highlighting
what I do best,” Brown said. As he prepared for the 2013–2014 sea-
son, Brown knew he would need an Olym- pics-worthy program if he was selected for the team. Ward knew exactly which music would emphasize Brown’s strengths of exuberance and ability to play to the crowd — selections from the Irish theatrical show Riverdance. “When we started working on it, I
wasn’t sure if it was the right program for me,” Brown explained, “but Rohene insisted,” Brown said.
“He told me to trust
him. We started working on a section and I immediately fell in love with it.” When Brown performed the program at the 2014 U.S. Championships, many skating insiders and fans felt it was the most exciting and electric performance of the entire com- petition. To date, the program has more than 4.4 million views on YouTube. “Riverdance means the most to me,”
Brown said. “I’ve never worked so hard to get ready for a program. It left me emotionally and physically exhausted every day when I left the rink.”
Ward was known for his choreography and showman- ship during a long and successful competitive career.
Brown was introduced to Ward through his longtime coach Kori Ade. T e partnership between Ade and Ward is one of mutual re- spect and a shared vision of taking their stu- dents to the top level of the sport. “Choreography is only as brilliant as the
skater wants it to be,” Ade said. “It’s up to the skater to embrace the vision. Jason’s a per- fect example. T is year both of his programs showed what Rohene is capable of. If he is giv- en the right canvas, Rohene can produce great work; he’s absolutely brilliant.” And while his choreography is world- class, so is his ability to set a good example for his students. “Rohene has a huge heart and integrity,”
she said. “He’s honest, giving and cares about the people around him.” Ward’s gift of support doesn’t go unno-
ticed by his students. “Rohene believed in me,” Brown said.
“He knew I was capable of being a senior-level skater and on the Olympic team. He is a great encourager and has a way of making you feel that you can do anything.” As Ward continues to develop as a chore-
ographer, he continues to evolve as an artist as well. He fi nds a lot of freedom in this particu- lar phase of his life. “T is is my time, my feelings and emo- tions that I am willing to expose to others,” he said. “I have been able to express myself without judgment and without care of what others will think.” With the next competitive season just
around the corner, Ward is already working to create signature programs for his students. And when a skater and creativity collide, it can be good — very good, he said. “If the canvas takes what you give them and makes it their own, that’s when you really have magic.”
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