BWW Interviews: Christopher Mohnani, This Dancer's Life

Since arriving in Nashville from his home in the Philippines a few years back, Christopher Mohnani has gained quite the glowing reputation, first as a dancer for Nashville Ballet, then as a choreographer and arts administrator for the relatively young Dance Theatre of Tennessee. Now in its second full season of offerings for Middle Tennessee audiences (as well as througout the southeast), DTT is already looking forward to its third season even while in final rehearsals for its full-length production of Cinderella, which plays this weekend at the Tucker Theatre on the Murfreesboro campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

The series of Cinderella performances will begin at 10 a.m. on May 6 with an exclusive event for Rutherford County elementary students, and will open to the public at MTSU's newly renovated Tucker Theatre on May 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The final show will be a special Mother's Day performance on Sunday, May 8, scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, and may be purchased at the Tucker Theatre box office on the days of the events, over the phone by calling (615) 494-8810, or online at http://www.mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre.

Amazingly (and without much arm-twisting), the ever-charming Mohnani was able to find time from his harried schedule to take a look at our list of questions and to give us an insight into "This Dancer's Life." Read and enjoy...

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form?

As a young boy growing up in the Philippines, I loved to entertain. My mom's co-workers, my dad's extended Spanish family, and even my teachers during recess kindly served as supportive audiences. My first introduction to a formalized classroom instruction was when I was waiting for my sister to finish her dance class and I was wondering why she couldn't do a certain step, I went in the room, did the step for her and found myself coming back the next week as a student!

What was your first real job as a dancer?

During one of those family gatherings. It was my paternal grandma's big 75th birthday and I was I believe five, I had gathered all my cousins and choreographed a little number to "I'm So Excited." I got paid by my dad 50 pesos (probably around $1). After, I even had the chance to join a popular national group known as WEA Twins plus 1 - guess who was the "plus one"? My first job as a ballet dancer was after high school, I auditioned and got a job at Philippine Ballet Theater.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance?

I was watching some dancers on TV when I was a little boy and I told my mom, "I think I can do better than those people." I knew then, I probably would end up as a dancer.

Who is your dancing idol?

I loved Fernando Bujones growing up as everybody loved Baryshnikov and, yes, Baryshnikov was phenomenal, but so was Bujones. Besides, I didn't want to be like everybody. Julio Bocca was another idol. I saw him perform his Don Quixote on tape during his very first international ballet competition. He was so good that he slipped during his dance and still ended up with the highest title! Of course, Rudolf Nureyev will always be there!

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here?

The people here are very welcoming. They have embraced me and what I am/was able to offer since I first came and they remember you and your performances. That is very gratifying. Also, the arts scene has progressed so much in just the last 10 years. Nashville is one of the few cities that has multitudes of performing arts groups be it dance, theater, symphony, opera, etc.

What is your dream role as a dancer? If you could dance any role...what would it be and why?

I have been fortunate enough to be able to dance my dream roles. I have always loved performing Prince Seigfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. It was nice to have been able to perform these roles outside of Nashville as well. I have always wanted to dance Solor from La Bayadere (I was to debut it in Manila but was unable to due to commitments here in Nashville) and the Son from Balanchine's The Prodigal Son.

What is the brightest spot on your resume...what role/work is your most favorite?

Perhaps the world premieres I was fortunate to do and lead. Also, performing in Russia is something that I will always cherish.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers?

That dancers have eating disorders, all of them are gay, they are all vain and our life is very glamorous.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story?

Enrique Iglesias, except he can't dance.

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform?

Traditional classical ballet - nothing beats the beauty when Swans do their first entrance in Swan Lake Act 2 or when Shades do their first entrance in La Bayadere Kingdom of the Shades Act 3. The simplicity of it is breathtaking! Balanchine's Serenade is ethereally beautiful. Nacho Duato's Remanso is poetry in motion. Jiri Kylian's Petit Mort and William Forsythe's In The Middle Somewhat Elevated are powerful, powerful pieces!

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the world of dance, who would you choose and why?

I would love to chat with Nureyev although it might be a really long dinner. Sit down with Agrippina Vaganova and ask her why ballet is so hard. Balanchine and ask him how he chartered his vision.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own dream...what would you say?

Never stop learning. What will make us evolve and become better artists is because we are perpetual students. There will always be something that you can learn from someone, something, no matter how small it is. Keep asking questions and never settle for second best. Work hard and have no regrets. Keep it real and stick to what you know best. Always be thankful - grateful for your talent, grateful for the experience and grateful for the opportunity to pass it on.