AN INTERVIEW WITH
DOMENICO LUCIANO
ORIGIN COLUMNIST | Dominic Walsh
Although I experience these differently now that I’m more seasoned, it’s exciting to see Domenico and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater’s new star Stefania Figliossi partake in these thrilling, career-changing events. I’m delighted to have Domenico share his experience with us.
A
ADDIE: I’m so excited you’re back from Beijing, and curious to hear all about it!
DOMENICO: It was much better than the first time. [Laughs] I was first there in 2006, for two weeks. Roland Petit invited me to guest with The National Ballet of China in his Carmen, which was exciting, but I was sick from jetlag. They were destroying the city for the Olympics and I was working nonstop. This time I was there only 3 days so I didn’t have time to get into the rhythm of the city. When you travel a long distance but only stay a few days, it’s better not to get too acclimated to the time change.
We didn’t know much about the event, only that we were dancing in a gala on Saturday and Sunday. We danced the Ho Messo Via duet from Certe Notti, and the duet from Come Un Respiro, both by Mauro Bigonzetti. Eventually we learned we were the closing event of a week- long dance and choreographic competition, First Beijing International Ballet and Choreographic Competition.
ADDIE: What’s a gala?
DOMINIC: In dance a gala is usually a one-time event that brings together dancers and dance works to showcase exceptional talent. Traditionally, the focus is on pas de deux and solos from classical repertoire. Now, there’s often a combination of styles that showcase newer choreographers and more versatile dancers.
ADDIE: How’d you get invited?
DOMENICO: Stefania was invited and needed a partner so she invited me. We were the only Italians invited, which was exciting. Besides representing Italy we were the only contemporary couple of the evening.
DOMINIC: What do these events provide an established dancer?
DOMENICO: The value of the experience I had dancing at such an important event is the same value I get watching and learning about the other dancers.
DOMINIC: How were the competition dancers?
DOMENICO: We shared the evening with the winners of the competition. It was inspiring to see young talents from all over with such high level. I wasn’t near as ready at that age.
ADDIE: How old were you when you were ready?
DOMENICO: [Giggles] I was a late bloomer. I started at 13, so early to mid-twenties.
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OriginMagazine.com September/October 2011
highlight of my career—both as Principal with Houston Ballet and after I left to build DWDT—were opportunities I received to travel and perform in International Dance Events, or Galas.
DOMINIC: It depends what kind of dancer you are and what the profession needs. At a young age Domenico had great understanding of his physique and how to move through classical technique with the quality of accuracy and thoughtful line as well as great partnering instincts.
ADDIE: What was the event like?
DOMENICO: The first part was the competition. The second part was the gala - dancers coming from all over doing a variety of things. I was excited about the high quality of dancing as a viewer, to see so many established dancers in one place. The chance to meet people you know by name, watch on youtube, see in magazines. Now you travel on the same bus, go to the same hotel, attend the same class. It creates a very great energy.
ADDIE: What’s it like working with Stefania?
DOMENICO: She’s very special. You feed off her talent and beauty and strength and power. And that’s just in the rehearsal process. I learned on stage it gets even better. You know on stage it’s going to be fireworks. She’s fantastic. She’s technically good so you don’t have to worry if she’s on her leg, knows where she is, etc. And she’s artistically, emotionally very present so it’s fun and challenging.
For more about Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre visit
www.dwdt.org.
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