BWW Interviews: Jennifer Drake, This Dancer's Life

Jennifer Drake is one of the leading lights of the relatively young - and Nashville-based - Dance Theatre of Tennessee, taking on major roles for the company throughout its short history. Most recently, she was featured in the company's midwinter repertory Aspects of Love, performed at The Harpeth Hall School.

DTT's women were, as expected, front and center throughout Aspects of Love, with particularly noteworthy performances from the gorgeous trio of Drake, Marian Faustino and Ea Marie Torrado, whose skills were showcased to perfection through Brian Williamson's completely theatrical choreography for the piece.

Contrasting the lighter nature of Aspects of Love was the provocative and altogether stunning work that closed out the first half of the program: Ea Marie Torrado's expressive Two of You which featured the laudable work of Drake, Faustino, Williamson and Jayson Pescasio.

With a couple of weeks off to stage company auditions around the country, DTT this week begins rehearsals for their upcoming production of Cinderella, and Jennifer Drake took time off from her busy personal schedule to answer our questions and give us some insight into "This Dancer's Life." Read and enjoy...

 

 

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form? I, at three years old, wasn't "born to dance" when I took my first ballet class. I looked like a linebacker with baggy tights and a bun that looked like a door knob. When I had continued dancing into my early teens I saw a gala performance and for the first time saw The Dying Swan. I had never seen anything so beautiful. I knew at that moment that what I had been introduced to was more than a hobby, but what I'd chase for years to to come.

 

 

What was your first real job as a dancer? As a senior in high school I was asked to dance with The Cincinnati Ballet in their production of George Balanchine's Serenade as they had seen me in an audition and wanted to see how I'd perform with the company prior to offering me a position.

 

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance?

Besides that show of The Dying Swan, I got to perform Marie (Clara) in The Nutcracker when I was 12. On the car ride home, as I was sleeping, my parents looked at each other and said "Dance isn't what she does...it's who she is'...and I felt that way.

 

 

Who is your dancing idol? Sylvie Guillem. Perfection.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? The city is full of surprises. It's young, creative, and eclectic. I think a dance community can only but thrive if the city is able to offer those things. The company I am in (DTT) is young, creative, eclectic and full of promise.

What is your dream role as a dancer? If you could dance any role...what would it be and why? I've always dreamed of dancing Odette/Odile in Swan Lake...or for contemporary a piece called Petite Mort by Jiri Kylian...and then naturally...Dying Swan.

What is the brightest spot on your resume...what role/work is your most favorite? I got the chance to do one performance of Mytha from Giselle while with The Cincinnati Ballet. I wish I could perform it as an older dancer, but it was an amazing opportunity when I did it at 20.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers? Possibly with media and movies that every dancer smokes, is homosexual, or has an eating disorder.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? Well, I've been told Cameron Diaz, but it'd probably if it were possible, Dory from Finding Nemo.

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform? As a whole when it's done right, with lights, costumes, and choreography...Carmina Burana. I performed this piece with my former ballet school Tuzer Ballet in Texas.

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? Satchmo (Louis Armstrong) cause I simply love his music. Audrey Hepburn, I can only hope to be as beautiful as her on the inside, even though she had obvious outward beauty, style, and grace, as well. And again, Sylvie Guillem - perfection.

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? Follow your heart: everything will always work itself out if you stay hopeful, grateful, and holding on to your blessings. Give yourself a fighting chance even when you don't feel you have anything else to give. Some of the scariest things are the most worthwhile in the end. Always learn - and never, never, ever stop dreaming.

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