Jade Payette: Life at The Washington Ballet

1. What are your impressions of the company?

When I joined this company, it was the first season that it was operating as a part of the dancers union so my impressions of this company are always changing, just as the company is. I can say for certain though that the dancers are some of the most inspirational, talented people I have ever met. No matter what is going on behind the scenes, these dancers keep their cool and will put on incredible performances. Its a small company with huge talent and I'm happy to be here and be a part of shaping the future of it.

2. What ballets are you being cast in and what ballets are coming up for your company? From these, what roles are you enjoying most and which are the most challenging? Is the company touring this year? Any broadcasts or performance dates we should be aware of?

In the past two years Some of the ballets I've been lucky to be a part if are Christopher Wheeldon's "Morphoses", Paul Taylor's "Piazzola Caledrea", Twyla Tharp's "In the Upper Room" as well as a long list of our Director, Septime Webre's choreography and George Balenchine's "Serenade". Its hard to pick just one role that I've enjoyed most because with each role I've performed, I've taken another step in my career. If I had to narrow it down, my favorite pas de deux was "Stetit Puella" in "Carmina Burana". It hurt but there's nothing like dancing with a live soprano on stage behind you. Being able to play Tamara in Trey McIntyre's "Queen of the Goths" was great because I really got to become a character. I have to say though that being cast in Morphoses was definitely the biggest accomplishment for me personally. I got to meet and work with Mr. Wheeldon and since there are only four people in the ballet, it gave me a chance to really put myself out there. Unfortunately I don't think that we will be touring any time soon and we don't really broadcast anything, as far as performance dates, I'll keep you posted.

3. Where do you see yourself in the next 4 years?

It's so difficult to look that far into the future because you never know what's going to happen. An opportunity could present itself that could take you around the world or an injury (hope not) could prevent you from even continuing. In 4 years ideally I'd love to join a larger classical company because I'm getting experience here with lot of contemporary and more american styles of dance. Classical is what I grew up with and what I truly love to do and hopefully someday I'll be able to go back to it.

4. What things do you remember or cherish most about Southland?

Southland has so many memories for me. I know this will sound crazy but I miss meeting up with everyone at the studio at about 6 in the morning to drive and do outreach programs for Nutcracker; they were the earliest and most eventful days without a doubt. (Don't tell anyone but I still have the entire narrated version memorized!) I miss how Salwa can take any step in the ballet dictionary and somehow turn it into food. Performing Group, the spring productions, summer camp, the June Recital especially Peter Pan when they flew me into the window, ouch. Putting on the snack bar so we could afford to go to the first YAGP. I really cherish the private lessons I had with Salwa at 3 in the afternoon. Whether I was having a bad day or being a bit stubborn she always knew how to snap me out of it and get me really dancing. Some of the best corrections and advice I've ever received came from those half hours. I remember everything about Southland: the way it looked and smelled and all of my friends. The truth is, I cherish it all.

5. Do your parents or friends ever get to see you anymore, or see you perform?

Ruth stopped by for a day when she was over here which was awesome, though she hasn't seen me dance yet. My Dad has come over to catch Nutcracker and my mom always comes to visit me in the fall and sometimes in the spring. I wouldn't have been able to do this if she hadn't been the one that had driven me or supported me financially for all these years and when she is able to stop by and see a show there is nothing more rewarding than dancing for her. Other than that I'm usually at home around the holidays or summer and that's when I get to spend time with my friends and the rest of my family.

6. What comments or corrections are you getting now, either in class or rehearsal, that remind you of, or make you grateful for your training at Southland?

I've always been complimented about my ability to dance from my heart and Southland, more specifically Salwa, is definitely where I got that from. Correction wise, still being told to work on that darn turn out and extension. Thank goodness for corrections, when you stop getting corrected, what do you have left to work for?

7. What are your impressions of D.C.?

To be honest at first I wasn't a big fan, the transportation isn't great and there's definitely no beach. But it has grown on me over the years. I love the fall, there is some good shopping and all in all its really a nice place to live.

8. What is it like dancing among such great talent and is there anyone is your company that you admire or look up to?

It is absolutely motivating to be working among these people. You can always learn something form the people that are more experienced then you and there is nothing these people haven't experienced. I honestly admire each one of them the same because they each have something about them that makes them a truly incredible artist.

9. How do you think you have changed, personality wise and as a dancer, since you started dancing in D.C.?

I have changed a lot since living in DC. Since getting here there has been a string of events that have led me to be a lot more aware of what I am doing with my life. I am definitely more responsible and organized personally and dancing wise. Coming from the royal ballet school, this place really loosened me up and let me find my own style. Its hard to be a student; to be told exactly how someone else wants you to move each fragment of your body. Since being here, I think I've really developed, or I'm developing, my own style and of course trying each day to get stronger and progress.

10. Do you have any time outside of dance and what do you like to do in your free time?

The only time I have outside dance is if we are not performing and have weekends or nights of. Usually I take yoga, go shopping, make my way to the gym, go to have dinner, hang out with my friends. things I'd do at home really. But to be honest most of the time I just come home, cover my body in ice, and watch a movie.

11. If you could tell an aspiring student one thing that would get them into a professional company, what would it be?

As an aspiring student I'd say if you want it , go for it. But really go for it; get yourself out there do competitions. Not to compete but to get feedback from others and to learn from fellow dancers. Do workshops and summer programs away from home so that you can get exposed to as many styles of dance as possible and so that you can really forget about everything and concentrate on you. Dedicate yourself and work harder everyday than you did the day before and above all, believe in yourself. You can do it.