On the Road

As the dancers return from their whirlwind tour of California, I thought it would be interesting to find out what touring is really like for the dancers. The dancers of the Joffrey are no strangers to touring: The Joffrey Ballet has the most extensive touring schedule of any classical ballet company in the country, and on this trip alone they performed in six different venues in California and Colorado. Performing on tour comes with a whole new set of audiences, excitements and obstacles. Here I sit down with Derrick Agnoletti and get his take on the ins and outs of touring.






Q. Do you notice a difference in the audiences when you are on tour? Are their reactions different?

A. Audiences in each city differ quite drastically. I notice that we are aware of the public’s reaction, whether it be during the bows or in the duration of a work being performed. This California tour, the audiences were very vocal. While dancing on stage there were moments when you could audibly hear a "oooh" or a "wow". Works like Age of Innocence and Reflections have moments in them where I feel as an audience member, you can't help but gasp and start clapping. What I love most about these moments, particularly in Arpino's Reflections, are the reactions to each female variations. They are super difficult but the audiences seem to enjoy the ladies soaring through them with such musicality, ease and poise.



Q. How does preparing to perform on tour differ than preparing on your home turf?

A. I think many of us approach it the same as we would at the Auditorium Theater. My preparation for performance is usually to stop thinking and lose myself in the work. I am usually a little more relaxed on tour. I can't quite elaborate why, maybe it’s because each place we go is like a fresh new show on a different stage with a completely different audience. Each time you get out there, you are able to dive into the work with a new approach, taking different risks or playing with the music, or engaging with your fellow dancers on stage. I like dancing on stages of different sizes; it can totally change your movement quality depending on the range or space you absorb on stage.



Q. What do you look forward to most when you go on tour?

A. Being with my fellow dancers, even though at times we get sick of each other. Many of them have very busy lives outside of work and so going on tour, we get to really catch up with each other, sometimes this means just sitting in our PJs chatting. I also love going out to eat with my fellow dancers. I love eating at restaurants, even if they are chain restaurants. It just makes it fun and on tour that is usually what we end up doing after shows.



Q. What is your least favorite part of touring?

A. The bus and the packing. I always pack too much and the buses always hurt my neck.



Q. Is it difficult to perform in new theater?

A. No, I personally don't think so. I think if you just stay aware of your spacing and the quality of the floors (some are harder than others) you learn how to approach each stage differently and that makes the journey fun.



Q. Travelling the country on a tour bus has you in pretty close quarters. Is there anything weird that you learn about each other? Any strange habits you’ve picked up?

A. Hmmmm, I wouldn't say weird but there are definitely things you start to understand about each other that you might have not known before. Some people are very quiet on tour that you wouldn't normally expect to be. Others really come out of their shell. When Anastacia Holden and I were apprentices, we started a game called "bounce house.” What we do is actually jump on the beds and take snapshots of us mid-air like we are floating. It provides hours of laughter and entertainment. We try and still commence a "bounce house" session here and there on tour.



Q. Do you get any free time when you’re on tour?

A. When we are touring and performing for over 7 days, we get a "free day". Everyone does something different. I have done just about everything on a free day, from sleeping in and getting brunch late, shopping, museums, exploring each city, visiting family that is nearby, renting a car and driving somewhere, surfing, hanging out with other people’s family, working out, catching up on emails and phone calls, it all depends on what each dancer wants to do with the free time.



Q. What did you like most about being on tour in California?

A. I was born and raised in California so it was nice to have family and friends attend the shows. My parents got a room in the hotel we were staying at in one city and spent time with all of us. They always love to stay up late and have a glass of wine with the dancers and chat. The weather was amazing, as usual, so I think I just like everything about touring through California.



Q. What are the most important things to pack?

A. Always an extra pair of ballet shoes, a swimsuit, extra razor, enough clothes to last you for the time you are away. I also always think it’s smart to bring IB Profen or whatever pain killer one likes, because touring takes a huge toll on your body and sometimes you need it.



Q. Did you forget anything?

A. Yeah, a razor. ;)



Q. When you have to fly, what do you make sure to always keep in your carryon?

A. I’m that person that is so OCD, I carry everything in my backpack, from toothbrush and toothpaste (I’m the son of a dentist), to IB Profen, cologne, lip balm, gum... you name it I probably have it in my backpack.



Q. Where was your favorite place to go on tour?

A. I think I love anywhere in California but I also love going to Washington DC. I love the Georgetown area and performing at the Kennedy Center. It holds a special place in my heart.



Q. What’s your favorite memory of touring?

A. I love the dancing part, It’s what I live to do. If I had to choose something else, my fondest memories of touring were my beginning days in the company and meeting these amazing patrons that bring us into their city. I remember Mr. Arpino saying that we would be absolutely nowhere had it not been for these people who host, support and love us. Through them and their familiarity of the company over years you learn so much about the history of The Joffrey Ballet and how unique and incredible this ensemble is. I have a lot of pride in being in The Joffrey Ballet and to be able to represent the company on stage in other cities is an honor.




For more information about The Joffrey Ballet's touingi schedule, visit www.joffrey.org/ontheroad.