How did you start dancing?
My Mom took me to a class at the YMCA in Philly (probably because I wouldn't stop twirling around and doing my own "choreography" everywhere!) When I came out I told her that God made me to be a ballet dancer and when I dance I feel His pleasure and that when I grow up I would be a ballerina... I had just seen Chariots of Fire an old movie about a runner and that is what he says about running. I was 4...
Why do you dance?
It is the very best way that I know to express myself and it feels absolutely right, like I was created to do it. I want to show one person each time I dance that I LOVE to dance and hope to inspire joy in someone's heart. Being on stage (in the good moments) is akin to singing the Hallelujah chorus at the top of my lungs over and over (but I am not a singer,so here is the second best thing)
What is the best part of being a dancer?
The joy it brings to myself and others on stage... little girls looking at the tutu and tiara and thinking they are in a fairy-tale...seeing my mom cry in the audience...bringing dance to people who may never have had the chance to see it...the rehearsal process and pushing yourself each day harder than the day before and surprising yourself...the beautiful music...the other dancers you meet.
What is the hardest part of being a dancer?
Trying not to gain weight over Christmas! Just kidding... the hardest part is the audition process and the constant rejection it can sometimes bring (especially in NY) learning how to rebuild yourself after truly putting yourself out there and being shut down... as an artist it feels as if your heart has been broken each time... also during the rough times it is hard to remember that you love this.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, cook, walk my dogs in the park,watch movies, talk to friends and family.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on stage?
Finishing a sequence of turns as cupid in Don Q dream sequence and then feeling so relieved that I toppled over as I was kneeling:)...tripping over a candlestick left on stage in the Nutcracker
What is something about you that no one knows?
When I walk the dogs in the park I almost always sing to them and they smile! I am a horrible singer but I sing Christmas carols in the winter and recently I have been singing Amazing Grace (my favorite hymn) but I was singing Lady Gaga the other day so nothing is off limits.... I also have a tendency to laugh at myself(out loud) and it feels really good!
What is your favorite indulgence?
A long walk in the park with my dogs, being alone with my own thoughts and a nice hot cup of coffee... living in the city it can be hard to be alone and sometimes I really need that to recharge.
Tell us about your experience with Exit 12's emotional repertoire.
It has been an amazing experience, bringing together the harsh reality of life with the beauty of ballet...it has been so meaningful and I have been so blessed to be a part of this company and have such important works to put on stage.
What is something you learned as a dancer that would help other aspiring artists in their endeavors?
Not to take yourself or life too seriously, but work as hard as you can in the meantime and the result will be so much better.
Who taught that to you and what do you think of them?
Must be a combination of all of the amazing people I have worked for and with in my life... also my family and friends. Of course I respect and appreciate everyone who has touched my life.
Grab a cup and learn more about:
Lara Vilches
Ballet Mistress/Dancer
