BWW Interviews: Christopher Stuart, This Dancer's Life

Something tells me Nashville Ballet's Chris Stuart is having a particularly good Tuesday. After a dark and stormy Monday in Music City, the sun is brightly shining, his team claimed the NCAA championship last night and, well, today (Tuesday, April 5) is his birthday. So if you should run into the talented dancer and choreographer, you might wish him many happy returns of the day and offer up some congratulations.

But judging from his general outlook on life in general and his life in particular, a special day like today may just be another day to him, judging by his always optimistic perspective on life: "I feel like I'm one of the very few who can say that their job is their passion and love. I love coming to work every day," he says. "It's hard, but that's what I love about it. You can never stop learning and growing as a dancer. I feel like up until I retire I will learn something new everyday, and that is amazing."

Who could ask for more? You can learn more about Chris Stuart (who studied ballet at the University of North Carolina's School of the Arts), his career at Nashville Ballet, his sense of humor and about "This Dancer's Life" in general, by reading his interview with us, which gives us all some insight into the man. Read and enjoy!

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form? I was doing musical theater at a local dance studio and was asked if I would like to try some dance classes.

What was your first real job as a dancer? My first real job was here at Nashville Ballet. I've been here ever since I graduated high school.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance? I knew I wanted to do this for a living the first time I stepped on stage and felt the energy that came over me. There's nothing better!

Who is your dancing idol? I have two actually - Desmond Richardson and Carlos Acosta - two totally different dancers but feel like I've learned a lot from them.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? I love working in this city because it is accepting of what I do - more so then some other city.

 

What is your dream role as a dancer? If you could dance any role...what would it be and why? I've danced two dream roles so far - the Young Warrior in Rite of Spring and Puck from A Midsummer Nights Dream. If I had to pick just one role to dance it would have to be the Prodigal Son or the slave in Le Corsaire. Those roles are just so powerful and have such strong presence. It also helps that I love the dancing!

 

What is the brightest spot on your resume...what role/work is your most favorite? I would have to say Puck or the young warrior in Rite of Spring. I've loved everything I've done so far in my career. I think this answer will probably change when I retire, because I feel like I have many more years and ballets to come in my career.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers? That dancers are not some of the smartest and brightest people.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? I'm not sure. Probably someone pretty funny and outgoing-let's go with James Franco!

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform? Anything by Jiri Kylian.

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? Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, and Wayne McGregor - I would love to just pick their brains about how they create such beauty.

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? I would say never let anyone make you feel like your dream is impossible. If you believe in it and want to, then that's all that matters.

Pictured: Christopher Stuart as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream/photo by Marianne Leach