neville dance theatre

Today we have an interview with Brenda Neville from Neville Dance Theatre…

Copyrighted Leah Brizard Photography — Photo by: Leah Brizard

1. How did the idea for Neville Dance Theatre come about?

Over the course of my own professional dance career, I had the privilege of studying and performing a wide range of dance styles – from classical and contemporary ballet to musical theatre productions, Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Irish Step dance and many more. I started off in the Milwaukee Ballet School and went on to dance classical roles, modern works, musical theatre roles, and a variety of world/ethnic dances, performing internationally for over 10 years.

I quickly found, however, that when I would be with a company performing, say, world dance, I would begin to long for and miss elements of ballet, or the spectacle and narratives of theatre, and vice versa, etc. So, the longing for a company that could present and bring together all these different styles and elements in theatrical ways was secretly germinating in me for many years before I established Neville Dance Theatre. Eventually, in 2005, the company I was then performing with suddenly closed, and so I felt the time was right to start NDT. Since then, NDT has been creating and presenting a wide array of works drawing from a variety of dance styles in both traditional and innovative ways!

2. How would you describe the company to someone who has never seen them perform?

Theatrical, contemporary ballet with world dance infusions.

3. There is a definite cross-cultural aspect to the company—can you expand on why you decided to focus in on that?

By fostering an artistic exchange of styles, outlooks and attitudes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the similarities and differences of one another’s cultures, nationalities and expressions, as well as for the world in which we live and the beauty, value and significance of dance as a living art form. Who wouldn’t want that?

4. What do the dancers themselves bring to the company?

Copyrighted Dale Langdon photography — Photo by: Dale Langdon

Every dancer has their own unique story, background and especially nowadays, versatility. While all my dancers must have an exceptionally strong, ballet background, I am just as interested in what else they can bring to the company regarding other areas of specialty, whether it be Middle Eastern dance, hip-hop, flamenco or even Capoiera. And then it gets really interesting, cause as we all begin to learn from each other, a very real appreciation begins to take hold, not just for the varying styles of dance, but for each other individually as well as culturally, and THAT is really the heart of it all!

5. What is on the immediate horizon for Neville Dance Theatre?

Right now we are preparing for a ‘sneak preview’ performance & reception fundraiser of some of our newest works at the Manhattan Movement Arts Center in New York City on Saturday, June 2nd.

Copyrighted Rachael Neville photography — Photo by Rachael Neville

6. Where do you see the company five years from now?

Continuing to create and present works in the New York area and in theatres and festivals across the country and beyond!

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