BWW Interviews: Faith Kelm, This Dancer's Life

Faith Kelm, clearly, is one of Nashville's most versatile dancers, able to take on any role and make it her own. That much was obvious the very first time I saw her onstage, playing Carmen in Circle Players' production of Fame, The Musical during the summer of 2009.

At that time, I wrote, "The real 'star' among the students is Carmen Diaz (Faith Kelm), whose fiery Latin persona belies her insecurities while providing the foundation for her dreams of becoming famous. While Carmen seems likely to come to a tragic end, it's very clear in this production that Kelm someday could be a very big star. Quite simply, this young woman is amazing. She is an accomplished singer and dancer who, with further experience and seasoning, can be an accomplished actress. (I'd love to see her 20 years from now as Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman, or ten years hence as Velma Kelly in Chicago.) That she is able to give the performance she does now at this age (she's a high school junior) is absolutely mind-boggling."

She's only gotten better since then. Now in college, pursuing her education (she's a musical theater major at Pittsburgh's Point Park University) as she pursues her dreams, she still makes time for visits home, to see friends, to perform in shows and, of course, to dance. Recently, she took time to answer our questions and to give readers a glimpse inside "This Dancer's Life"...Enjoy!

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form? Well I actually started dancing by accident! When my mother and I moved to Tennessee I was in softball...yes, I know, shocking! My parents had recently gotten a divorce so my mom wanted to get me into some sort of group activity to get my mind off of things and focused on something else. So then my mom saw an ad in the paper for a singing company. Well, I was the little girl who stood on top of tables and sang at family events, so my mom decided she should take me to audition. I auditioned and made it in, but in the middle of the audition Laura Carroll and Ann Carroll asked me if I could dance. I had never taken a class in my life. (At this time, I was 13) So they decided to have me try a ballet class that very moment! I didn't have shoes or anything - I was not even in dance clothes. But I saw it as an adventure and went into the class bravely. I loved it instantly. I didn't care how goofy I looked or anything; I felt at home on the dance floor. When I came out of the class, Ann and Laura asked me if I was sure that I had never danced before! I immediately enrolled in several classes and became part of the company.

What was your first real job as a dancer? I danced at Canada's Wonderland my second year of dancing. Toronto is absolutely beautiful.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance? I knew the moment I danced that I wanted to do it the rest of my life. Dancing is inspiring and that is what I want to do for people. To inspire and take them away from the world for an hour or two

Who is your dancing idol? I would have to say Mia Michaels and Erica Sobol because the way they move is like no one else on this planet. Their dances are always so intense and have a powerful story behind them. I also loved Frank Hatchett because he brought the funk to Jazz style of dancing. And one of my fondest memories was dancing for him.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? There is such an overwhelming scene in Nashville for dance. There are so many talented dancers here. It makes for good dances and good people to learn from. When you surround yourself with the best you become the best.

What is your dream role as a dancer? If you could dance any role...what would it be and why? I honestly have no idea I just love performing.

What is the brightest spot on your resume...what role/work is your most favorite? Well, being a dance teacher is honestly one of my favorite things on my resume because I am passing on my passion to others. But dancing in New York and Canada is a close second.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers? That they are snooty, overconfident, and that all guy dancers are gay. It is just not true. There are many of those types, but most dancers are very sensitive. We put our whole selves on the line for people to see and judge - making us very giving people. Sometimes we are so vulnerable that we put up a façade of over-confidence to hide the truth. And there are many guy dancers out there that bring a whole different aura to dancing. Audience members just have to be open to it.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? If I was not old and decrepit by that time I would! If I was, then it would not be someone famous. If there was a movie about me then I am assuming I would be famous by this time, so I would want someone who is not famous so that they could truly capture what becoming famous feels like - making the movie more real and giving another person a chance to pursue their dreams.

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform? I can't ever pick favorites. I always find different thing I love in every performance and they are all so different.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the world of dance, who would you choose and why? Bob Fosse, Mia Michaels and God. (he is part of dance cause he created it (and knows everything about it) and I would want to know why he did what he did.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own dream...what would you say? Never give up. Take criticism as compliments and don't let them bring you down. Thrive in proving the impossible and people who say you can't do it wrong. Put yourself out there whenever you can. Meet people and make connections. Talent is only 25% of what you need...determination and hard work make up the rest. Don't be afraid to look stupid or mess up because everyone does, we are human. You will be told no...a lot. There will be many auditions you don't get. Don't let that hinder you. Remember why you perform at all times because it is your passion and your life. And I would say "Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you will land among the stars."

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