Michel Nunes

BWW Dance Interview: JELKO YURESHA Reflects On His Past and The Dancers of Today

At 78, Jelko Yuresha has come to resemble a lion in repose. I recognize him immediately as I enter the lobby -- I am early, he is even earlier -- and what strikes me more than his subtle smile is his eyes. They are the eyes of a man who retains a zest for life though it is evident that little amuses him. This comes as no surprise. After all, he has seen much and traveled far. As we begin the dance of exchanging pleasantries, it becomes apparent that behind the guise of a charming gentlemen I am speaking to the dance version of James Bond -- as played by Sean Connery.