Catching up with the Company: Eila Valls
Posted: March 31, 2016 Filed under: Behind-the-Scenes @ BH, Dancers, Performances, The Joyce | Tags: Ballet Hispanico, Bury Me Standing, Eila Valls Leave a commentName: Eila Valls
Age: 24
Hometown: Gandia (Valencia), Spain
What are you most looking forward to about this Joyce season?
This will be my first season both at the Joyce and with Ballet Hispanico and it’s a special moment for me. I’m really looking forward to sharing my art with everyone whose support and love for dance have helped me be where I am now.
What motivates you to dance?
The immense feeling of freedom I experience every time I get to reinvent myself to become a new character in a piece. That, and the strong connections we share everyday in rehearsals and even more in performances.
If you could describe BURY ME STANDING in one word, what would it be and why?
Passion. This piece is a portrait of the gypsies. It opens a window to their intense traditions, feelings, and culture.
“I always make sure I hug my partners for a little while before going on stage. It’s an exchange of energy, like a way of saying I trust you, we’re together in this.”
Do you have any pre or post-performance rituals? Lucky charms?
I always make sure I hug my partners for a little while before going on stage. It’s an exchange of energy, like a way of saying I trust you, we’re together in this. The whole company also makes a circle of energy on stage, and finishes by kissing the stage floor a few minutes before the show starts.
Think back to your first day (ever) with the Ballet Hispanico company. How’d you feel? How do you feel now?
I felt so grateful, inspired and welcome, it was a dream come true. The great thing is that I still feel the same excitement of the first day, every time I go to rehearsal, but without the uncontrollable nerves…
If you weren’t a dancer, you would be a:
Psychologist.
Catch Eila on stage at the Joyce Theater during our 45th Anniversary Season April 5-10! More info here: bit.ly/1kG2Kfu