Adrienne Canterna

It is no surprise that I have a soft spot in my heart for the commercial world. In Europe, I teach a lot of Contemporary Jazz classes and I love it. I have been searching for the right person from that world, to present at Interview En L’air. That leads me to this weeks artist, Adrienne Canterna. A fellow dancer with passion and a fellow parent! It is exciting to present someone with commercial and concert dance experience, but it is not so easy to find. That is what makes her unique. She has passion, and a beautiful presence! Not to mention the technique of a classical ballerina. I mean that. She could be a ballerina if she wanted to…even still now. She is just amazing.

Who doesn’t know this woman? Like Rasta I saw her everywhere! Every magazine or advertisement. She is a beautiful dancer and a great performer. I had the opportunity to meet her in Stuttgart. The Bad Boys of Dance were in town and she was performing with them as the Bad girl. After the show I met the Bad Boys at a restaurant for drinks and she was there. Adrienne and I have a few friends in common who happen to dance at the Stuttgart Ballet. It was nice to see Rasta again and to finally meet Adrienne. She has a great energy.

Kirov Academy of Ballet scholarship graduate Adrienne Canterna is the recipient of numerous national and international awards including the 1998 Women’s Junior GOLD Medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Other prestigious awards include winning the title of “Teen Miss Dance of America” and the “Grishko Award of Excellence in Ballet.” Adrienne has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean and more. As a Principal guest ballerina she danced the roles of Gamzatti in “La Bayadere”, the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker”, and Kitri in “Don Quixote” with the Universal Ballet in Seoul, Korea. She has also danced with the Washington Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet in NYC. She has appeared in numerous galas including the “Vail International Dance Festival”, the “Dance Open” in Russia and “Les Gala des Etoiles” where she performed “Le Corsaire” pas de deux with international ballet star, Carlos Acosta. She appeared as a soloist in “Placido Domingo, Tribute to the Washington Opera,” performing to “Stars and Stripes” in a segment directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen, airing on PBS.

In 2002, she formed American Dance Artists, a company of nationally and internationally acclaimed young dancers. Adrienne travels the world as a dancer, master teacher, choreographer and judge. She can be seen as a ballet soloist in the motion picture “Step Up”. Ms. Canterna is a “Messenger” for Mondetta Performance Gear and was featured in their international ad campaign. Adrienne is the choreographer & co-creator of the international hit dance show “ROCK the Ballet” and was a special guest performer with the BAD BOYS of DANCE on FOX TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”. In 2013 she created & choreographed the world premiere of Rasta Thomas‘ “Romeo and Juliet” in Europe to rave reviews from critics & audiences alike. Adrienne & the BAD BOYS of BALLET were Semi Finalists on Season 9 of the hit TV show “America’s Got Talent”. Adrienne is a proud ambassador for CAPEZIO. Find & Follow Adrienne Canterna on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Thank you Adrienne for your inspiration.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

Absolutely. Since I was 6 years old in The Nutcracker, I’ve wanted to entertain, dance, inspire, perform…

Adrienne’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

Well besides the staples of fresh fruit & vegetables (I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 16) it’s gotta be dark chocolate, dill pickle potato chips & hummus, roasted almonds, Italian, Indian, Thai & Mexican cuisines… I’m a super foodie. I love to cook & eat!

Favorite Books?

When I was a kid I had two… The Diary of Anne Frank and The Slave Dancer. Now I mainly read books about food or nutrition. Although I adore Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke and re-read it often. And I love anything F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Favorite Movies?

Far too many to name just one! I’m a sucker for anything Joe Wright like his Pride & Prejudice, Anna Karenina, Atonement… I adore the Harry Potter series & anything Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland… My list could go on forever.

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

Ugh! Again, I could go on forever! Well, I adore anything Matthew Bourne. My favorite ballet is MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet. I recently saw Book of Mormon on the West End and LOVED it. I’ve been seeing ballets & musicals my whole life so I can’t choose an absolute favorite!

I like dancers who…

are FEARLESS!

I am afraid of…

Failing as a parent.

A dance piece should…

Take you to another place. Beyond.

Something you like to do other your current job?

Oh my gosh, I don’t know! I’ll have to think on that one. Maybe a vegetarian chef!

One of the happiest moments in your life?

When my my daughter was born.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

Being a semi finalist on “America’s Got Talent” with BAD BOYS of BALLET this past summer. Live, reality TV is crazy!

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

I don’t embarrass easily!

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

My parents for sure. They are my everything. My husband Rasta. He’s a pretty influential guy & I’ve known him since I was 9 years old. 🙂 My daughter inspires me daily to be my best. And my dancers give me the energy & inspiration to create new work.

One of the hardest things about your job?

Being away from my daughter. She toured with me until she started kindergarten so I was spoiled. Now any time away from her is torture! I basically live on an airplane!

Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

Are you kidding! I have a new goal every week! As a woman, a mother, a dancer, a choreographer… I have lots of dreams.

A question you want to know the answer to:

I don’t have many questions like that. I have a strong faith that God will provide all the answers I really need.

A piece of advice for aspiring artists?

Don’t strive to be different… Strive to be authentic. And never stop being a student. There’s always a lesson to be learned.

Photo Journal

Have you worked with Adrienne? Have you seen her perform? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below. Thank YOU for reading!