Alphonse Poulin

It was hard for me to write this interview. I’ve written and deleted it so many times. I felt as if nothing I could say could possibly do this man justice. But…I’ll try my best…………

Alphonse Poulin was my main ballet teacher at Juilliard. He is one of the most influential people in my life and career. He is a great mentor and friend. A unique soul, I was instantly drawn to his passion. He is very straight-forward, which I appreciated from a ballet teacher. He has a great sense of humor and can get along with anyone. Mr. P (as we called him) has a great eye for talent. He is experienced, but not stuck-up… full of compassion. He is a master teacher, a great artist, aannnddd we share the same birthday!!! So, it must be destiny…

From the very beginning, he believed in me. He pushed me from the start. “Juuuuuuump Armando!!!” or “You can keep turning if you want.” or “Play with the rhythym.” It was nice to be challenged. He knew exactly what to say to keep me engaged. It was always so much fun. His class is filled with challenging combinations and interesting dynamics. He is the most musical ballet teacher I have ever had. He has such a connection with the pianist, often speaking in proper musical terms and giving her exact time signatures. Mr. P’s class moved! Never too long at the barre and not too much talking. “Don’t talk about it, do it!” He was strict, but fair. He told you when you were good and when you were bad.

He gave us freedom to make choices in the movement. “That is also a valid port de bras, Armando… I’ll take that.” You changed his ending?! Risky…but could be fine if it was well done. And if you know what’s good for you, do not walk off his floor! Finish the combo every time please, don’t quit in the middle. I would also just like to mention that we never faced the mirror in the entire 4 years of Juilliard. “Please face me, not the mirror… I am your public!” Who could forget him shouting, “Enjoy your life!” before we start the grand allegro?

Mr. P understands nine languages and speaks five fluently. He was engaged as Ballet Master at Grand Théâtre de Genève in 1981, where he also directed the dance department at the Conservatory of Music until 1994. Mr. P has choreographed 33 opera productions in 16 opera houses throughout Europe and the U.S., including Boito’s Mefistofele at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He continues to work as guest ballet master for Nederlands Dans Theater, National Ballet of Madrid, Batsheva Dance Company, Gulbenkian Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Cullberg, Bale da Cidade de São Paulo, and Bale of the Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.

Aside from that, Mr. P is also one of the top male knitters in America. I am the proud owner of a few beautiful pieces…my children as well. He has mentored me now for over 11 years. He taught me to dance with confidence. To take risks. To dance with my heart. He made me feel like I was good enough…but could always be better!

At Juilliard, I sometimes felt much poorer than my colleagues. Most had picture-perfect families and backgrounds…money in their pocket. Poulin saw my head down about it one day and said to me “It’s not how much you have, Armando…but how little you need.”

Thank you, Poulin, for believing in me.

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?

I always wanted to be a dancer. Never wanted to be anything else.

Favorite things to eat?

Brazilian rice and beans. Good everyday food for the people.

Favorite books?

Wow…Jesus….so many. I don’t have a favorite. Right now I am reading 1001 Nights. I have read about… 350. I am very into it. I guess 1001 Night is my favorite for the time being.

Favorite movies?

Madame Rosa by Émile Ajar. It’s about a woman who survived the concentration camps… In her older age living in Paris… she is very crazy.

Favorite ballets?

Probably Serenade by George Balanchine. Or Symphony in C. I like those great choreographic, academic, not classic, actually they are Neo – Classic.

I like dancers who…

Dance with their hearts and with much generosity. Dancers who dare. Who are not overly careful. Dancers who just go for it. Of course, provided they have had good training, and they can dominate the vocabulary… I like dancers that don’t make it nicely. You know… I don’t care if they make it and it looks dull. I like to see them sometimes not make it. It’s more exciting.

I am afraid of…

I am afraid of growing old, grumpy, and hateful…….I am afraid of losing my joie de vivre…….or lust for life.

Something you like to do other than your current job?

Other than my current job, I love the art and craft of knitting…….I particularly love to teach and pass the craft and techniques to others.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

I have had a lot of mentors and people who have helped me in my career….Sydney Leonard, ( my first ballet mistress from Boston Ballet……..Oscar Araiz who is a terrific choreographer from Argentina……Iracity Cardoso from São Paulo, Brasil.

Dear aspiring artists,

Be rigorous! Pay attention to the details and to linking the dots. How to go from A to B. I always liked the links. I love the links. Mr. B worked on the links. He made ballets on just pas de bourée. It’s nice to be able to go away from the academy…providing you know it. –Alphonse Poulin

My son, Noah modeling Poulin’s knitting!

I watched Poulin’s class at Juilliard while visiting NYC in 2013. Still as inspiring as I remembered.

First meeting with my son, Gabe, in 2013.

With my son, Noah, in 2010.

We visited Poulin in Paris in 2009.

He gave us this amazing blanket he made for my kids.

Visiting Poulin in NYC. Summer 2008.

Armando wearing a Poulin original in 2005 at Juilliard!

Patrick Stewart plays Mr. Poulin in “Match” !!!

Mr. P is currently on the Faculty at the Juilliard School where he continues to inspire many other students. Thank you Mr. Poulin!