1. How did you first become involved in dance?
I first became involved with dance through the Polynesian side of my family. My mother was a hula dancer, along with her brothers and sisters growing up, and as they all began to have kids, they started the next generation of performers.
It was also part of our culture to pass on these traditional dances to your family. I did not start my formal dance training until I was basically 17. Hip hop was originally what I intended to train in, but after taking jazz, tap, and ballet, per the requirements of the studio I trained at, I fell in love with more classical forms of dance.
2. When/how did you realize you wanted to become a professional dancer?
I knew I wanted to be a professional dancer after seeing a Janet Jackson music video. “If” and “Together Again” were the ones that really sparked my interest to start taking dance classes. My goal was to be a backup dancer for her.
3. Was there ever a time when you thought of quitting dance or second-guessed your decision to pursue a professional career? If so, what helped you through that time?
Through my 20 year career, there have been many times where I questioned whether dance was a sustainable way to make a living. I never questioned whether dance was right for me, but I often question whether I am good enough for dance.
Dance has always been a way for me to express myself, my passion for movement, and my desire to inspire emotion in those who may be watching me dance.
Many times, still to this day, however, I wonder if I am enough. I question if what I have to offer, as a dancer, artist, and performer, is good enough, meaningful enough, thoughtful enough, or will be enough to please an audience. It is the bane of being a dancer, or artist for that matter.
Making a living through dance, that is fulfilling, and not just repetitious, will always elicit those questions as well.
My way of getting through these moments, has always been to push myself out of my comfort zone, remain the student, and always be training. My love of dance, and celebrating great dance has always kept me inspired, and, for the few times when I have gotten really burned out, I take a break.
The company I danced on for 18 years had a season that kept my summers open, so I was always able to try new things, pick up company work, and move in new and unfamiliar ways, with oodles of new people.
4. What do you love most about dance?
The thing I love most about dance is how it makes me feel, in the moment, as I am living and moving through it. It requires me to be present, to zone into myself, my surroundings, and the physical sensations my body is receiving. It is such a rush! Especially when what you have just done felt like the execution was what you hoped it would be.
5. What is the best advice you’ve received about dancing?
The best advice I have received lately about dancing was from Wade Robson: “Don’t forget to play.” We can get so caught up in the seriousness of dance that it can quickly become the enemy. Something that once brought us so much joy can incite stress, pain, fear, frustration, anxiety. His simple reminder really struck a chord with me.
He also left us with a quote by Rumi, which, as a dancer, I found so poignant. It says, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” At my age, and stage in my career, joy can easily be lost, but this reminder to play and find that childlike curiosity is a way to stay far away from the fear that can become a part of everyday dance life.
6. What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your dance journey so far?
Some of proudest accomplishments in my dance career so far…
Being able to say that I have been a professional dancer for 20 years is probably my most important one. It has not been easy, but worth every minute of it!
In 2010, I was honored to receive the award title of Best of State Individual Dancer in Utah, and take my mom to the Best of State dinner as my guest. Having her there was priceless!
I am proud of the fact that I have worked as a dancer, in the concert dance world, and commercial dance world. I have been in films, performed on stages all across the world, and even played Macavity in an Equity production of CATS. Sharing a stage with well-known dancers who are respected and accomplished has also been some of my most memorable dance moments. Performing at the 2010 MTV VMA’s for Florence + the Machine was also a highlight of my career.
7. What are some things you’d like to explore in your dance career in the future?
As my career moves forward, I would love to continue to explore the world of choreography and dance making. The ideas of constructing worlds and themes, through movement and the human ability is exciting and intimidating all at once. Starting from nothing but a thought is a task, but it is always amazing to see where the end of a process lands. I have been creating dance movement for almost as long as I have been dancing, but only recently have been really diving into finding my own process and voice.
8. How did you first become involved with SALT Contemporary Dance?
I first became involved with SALT Contemporary Dance after seeing their Spring Concert.
I was at a point in my 18th season with the company I was dancing with, and very unhappy with how my body was feeling, and the direction the company was headed.
After the SALT concert, I bravely walked up to Michelle and told her that I wanted to dance with her company. After she laughed it off 3 times, she realized I was serious and told me she would be in touch.
Within the next 4 months, I quit the company I was working with, including a nice weekly salary and the promise of moving into a director role, to dance with SALT.
Michelle and I decided I should just be a guest artist for our first show, in case I didn’t fit in with company, or that I didn’t like it, but within 2 weeks, I asked if I could please just be a company member. I loved it! I have ever since!
9. What draws you to contemporary dance?
I am drawn to contemporary dance because of the freedom and life it gives to dance form. I love the abstract quality and blend of techniques that are required to really be proficient with your body. There is a richness of dynamics and textures, subtlety, elegance, and need for the dancers to be authentic in how they move to really embody contemporary dance. It requires exploration and willingness to be interested, constantly, in what you are searching for from the movement.
10. What are you most looking forward about performing in SALT Contemporary Dance’s Spring Concert?
For our upcoming SALT Concert, I am most looking forward to the versatility this program offers. Every piece has its own shape and distinct point of view, and truly showcases the depth and maturity of the dancers and the company. It is one my favorite programs I have done with the company so far!
Eldon Johnson and the artists of SALT rehearse Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s “Stand By Me”
“SALT in Concert” runs April 18-20 at the Jeanne Wagner Theatre in Salt Lake City. The program features new works by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Banning Bouldin, Katie Scherman, Eric Handman, and Joni Tuttle McDonald. Tickets are $25. Purchase here.
Disclosure: Rachel Hellwig serves as marketing director for SALT
