How did you start dancing?
My family runs a small local dance studio in my hometown, so even before I could walk I was surrounded by dance. I started taking class with the “big girls” when I was about 2, had my first recital at 2 ½, and have been addicted to it ever since. I wanted more ballet after falling in love with Boston Ballet’s “Nutcracker” and started my real training at their school when I was 6.
Why do you dance?
I could never not dance. It’s so much of who I am.
What is the hardest part of being a dancer?
The instability of it as a career. The physical pain. The constant doubt of your abilities. The struggle for perfection. Pointe shoes. Adagio. I could go on…
What is the best part of being a dancer?
For me, it’s those few moments onstage where you stop thinking, stop hurting, stop worrying, and just dance. Giving everything in performance is so physically and emotionally gratifying. It’s really special to share that with the audience.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time? I enjoy writing, rediscovering New York City, catching up with old friends, watching “Friends”, and being online. I’m connected at the hip with my laptop, haha.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on stage?
In The Radio City Christmas Spectacular we have one scene called “Traffic,” where we’re hustling and bustling around the NYC street set onstage in heels. Just after I made my entrance during one show, the guy behind me stepped on the back of my shoe and it completely came off in the middle of the stage. I did the whole dance with one flat foot and one heel! Everyone was cracking up – it made that 4th show of the day a little easier! I have more stories like that...
What is something about you that no one knows?
I seem really quiet, but I’m loud inside!
What is your favorite indulgence?
Italian food!
What is something you learned as a dancer that would help other aspiring artists in their endeavors?
The only one you need to please is yourself. There are so many people out there ready to kick you down if you let them. It’s the easy way out to believe them and self-demolish your confidence. You have to accept the things you can’t change about yourself, and about your art, and then find ways to work with what you have. Determination, determination, determination.
Who taught that to you and what do you think of them?
I learned this on my own while working with my amazing teacher, Kat Wildish. She has helped me in so many ways, but mostly she inspires me to keep pushing for what I want when times are really, really tough. Personally and professionally she’s taught me so much and I’m so thankful for that.
Grab a cup and learn more about:
Taylor Gordon
Dancer
