Interview: Hunter W. Foster Talks UNC CHARLOTTE SPRING DANCE CONCERT

UNC CHARLOTTE SPRING DANCE CONCERT, April 1-4, 2017, 7:30 PM, Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. This concert features Tracer and Esplanade by the American Modern Dance pioneer Paul Taylor, and works by E.E. Balcos, Rachel Barker, and AGA Collaborative. Tickets are onsale at Belk Theater Box Office, $18; $12 for faculty and staff; $10 for seniors; and $8 for all students.

I have admired HUNTER W. FOSTER, a student at UNC Charlotte, for his captivating graceful presence onstage. The joy Hunter has as a dancer, emanates, as if a halo is surrounding him onstage.

I took a moment to meet up with Hunter for this interview. His hair was pulled back and he was in a comfortable tee and jeans as he was in-between class and getting ready for tonight's SPRING DANCE CONCERT.

LAW: When did you start dancing?

HWF: I began dancing, first hiphop, when I was 12.

LAW: What training have you had that stands out the most in making you the dancer you are today?

HWF: I'd have to say, ballet training has been most influential on my technique.

LAW: What brought you as a student to the UNC Charlotte Dance Department?

HWF: I was a theatre major and I found I was drawn to the dance department and eventually [I] was convinced to switch majors.

LAW: What will audiences see in this show?

HWF: [Smiles] Well, I'm using all my abilities in this show from theatrical dance, solemn modern, to the high energy Paul Taylor work known as Esplanade.

LAW: What's your favorite number in this show?

HWF: My favorite number that I perform in is entitled Anthem for a Porcelain Generation, my favorite number that I'm not in is Faction 6-3-1.

LAW: How do you emotionally connect to the theme of the show and your character(s) in dance?

HWF: Through collaboration and the copious hours we spend in rehearsals together, I have developed intimate connections with all the dancers in all of the pieces.

LAW: Tell about a typical performance day, how do you prepare emotionally and physically to perform?

HWF: I eat a good meal, attend warm up and continue warm ups [that are] best for my own body, and then listen to my own music before the show and get ready with positive vibes surrounding myself. Before I go on stage, I take a moment alone and I make sure to feel the stage before the curtain rises.

LAW: What has been your best experience with this show?

HWF: The best experience for me has been coping to the fast quick changes and the amount of stamina that is required of me performing in three pieces back-to back.

LAW: What has been your best experience at UNC Charlotte?

HWF: My best experience has been performing in George Faison's Suite Otis, last spring under the directions of Professor Rachel Tucker.

LAW: Where is home?

HWF: My home is here in Charlotte for now, but my family lives in North Myrtle Beach.

LAW: What are your favorite things to do in both places?

HWF: My favorite thing to do in Charlotte is explore the city and my favorite thing to do back home is lie on the beach.

LAW: What are your plans after you graduate?

HWF: 'To move to NYC and dance.

LAW: What has been your worst experience as a dancer?

HWF: My worst experience as a dancer would have to be wanting to audition for something that I am not wanted for based on ethnicity, gender, etc.

LAW: Are you going out professionally yet?

HWF: I am currently sending out professional auditions, I did attend the So You Think You Can Dance audition in NYC this past month.

LAW: What will audiences take away from seeing the show and your performance?

HWF: I think they will take away all the dancers' commitment to the performance and I will take away strength, ability and growth, dancing in this show.

LAW: What's your greatest joy?

HWF: My greatest joy is dance. Being on stage performing, choreographing, watching, everything that involves dance. (He smiles) I am infatuated with it.