Christopher Hemmans

Every morning when I have my coffee, I am hoping that Chris has already posted his status update, so that I can apply it to my day… “Yogabro”, as he is known on Facebook, fills his posts with inspirational messages. Sometimes they are LOUD and funny. Sometimes they are touching and deep………… but overall they are meant to make you move your a**!

I first met Chris at the Gärtnerplatz Theater. He was a dancer in the musical productions and he would take training with the company everyday! He would come often to see the Ballet performances. My friend and colleague, Loni, introduced me to him one day after a show. We “clicked” right away. Soon after I was cast as an understudy in “Marylin Das Musical” and we finally got to share the studio in a rehearsal. Chris is a fellow Juilliard dance grad. He is upbeat, supportive, and one of the most positive brothas I know. He is incredibly honest, friendly, intelligent and very giving.

Chris was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up on Staten Island. He attended the Julia Richman performing arts school in Manhattan, where he majored in dance. He was a scholarship student at the Martha Graham School and the Nanette Beardon Contemporary Dance Theater. Chris was a scholarship student at the Juilliard School where he studied dance and graduated in 1990. While at Juilliard, he performed with the Avodah Dance Ensemble and other independent choreographers. Months before graduation, he joined the Rebecca Kelly Dance Company, which led to a performance tour of Germany and Poland. His last performance in America was at Lincoln Center “Out of Doors” with Gus Solomons.

Chris was one of the first Juilliard kids to make the move to Europe. He supports all young American dancers in anyway he can. He speaks fluent German and has been living in Europe for many years now…which has been a big help. Hell… I still call him if I really need help with “official German Letters” I receive every once in a while. “Armando, in Germany, just don’t throw away anything you get in the mail. One day you will need it” I thought…How ridiculous! ……..He was right, of course.

In 2000, Chris ventured into the world of musical theater. Since then, he has appeared in The Lion King, Porgy & Bess, Dreamgirls, Hair, West Side Story, The Life, Chicago, Little Shop Of Horrors, Kiss Me Kate, Satchmo-The King Of Jazz, and Crazy For You. Chris is currently appearing in the world premiere of “ROCKY-the MUSICAL” in Hamburg, Germany. In the spring of 2012, he became a certified Bikram Yoga teacher.

Over the years I kept in touch with Chris, I went to visit him in Berlin, and he came to visit us in Stuttgart… But, it is Facebook that keeps me connected…I am a huge fan of his Facebook status updates! As I was having a coffee one day I wondered if Chris knew how much his words have inspired me. I knew this series would not be complete without him. I think it is great that he uses his words to inspire others, and he has been inspiring me for many years now. Thank you Chris!

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?

When I was little, I have to honestly say that I already knew that I wanted to be on stage. I had no qualms about getting up and telling a story, jokes or dancing at block parties and family get togethers. I took part in all school activities that were possible. School plays, chorus practice…you name it. But, my real passion was for dance. Saturday afternoon usually meant watching the karate movies on Channel 5. One day, instead of running the karate flicks, they ran “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS”. I was never really fond of musicals as a kid. My mother was a huge Barbara Streisand fan so every Saturday before the karate flicks was usually spent cleaning the house to the Broadway recording of FUNNY GIRL. Jesus!!! She was pumping me with show tunes before I even knew what ‘gay’ was. In any case after having watched Gene Kelly and Leslie Carrone dance their brains out in that film; I knew that I was hooked.

Chris’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

I’m a big breakfast person. I would probably say ‘eggs’ because that is the 1st thing that I learned to cook.

Favorite Books?

The time of our singing by Richard Powers.

Favorite Movies?

I’m going to go ‘Old School’ on you. “It’s a wonderful life.”

 Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

Oh dear…That’s a hard one, but I will have to say that Forsythe’s In the middle somewhat elevated is really choreographic genius!!! Especially…if you have dancers who can pull it off.

I like dancers who…

…are versatile. I admire dancers who can take a choreographer’s vision, embody it and bring it to life.

I’m afraid of…

…the day when I won’t be able to bring the goods. I guess that happens to us as we get older.

A dance piece should…

 …be able to touch the masses. It should make you leave the theater or the performance space moved somehow.

Something you like to do other than dancing?

Other than dancing I found my love in practicing and teaching yoga. I love the whole aspect of going inside. No competition. No stress. Just the working together of body, mind, and spirit.

 One of the happiest moments in your life?

When I got the phone call from The Juilliard School back in 1986, a few days after my audition. They told me that I had been accepted to the school and that I’d granted a full scholarship. WOW!!! I was still doing a summer job at the Staten Island Mall at the time. So I felt like I’d been saved.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

When I did my 1st European tour. It was with a small downtown New York based company called, “Rebecca Kelly Dance.” We toured Poland and Germany. A young dancer’s 1st European tour is always something special.

 One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

I was in the original German production of RENT. I was an ensemble singer with a cover of the roles (Collins and Benny). One night during a performance at the Deutsches Theater in Munich my voice cracked during a solo line. OK…this happens sometimes. But the whole ensemble and the audience did not (could not) stop laughing through out the song. PRETTY EMBARRASSING!!!

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

Well there have been many. All of my teachers have been very important to me. All of my students have been very important to me. Anyone that has ever danced with me or anyone who I have ever choreographed on has been important to me. But…if I have to break it down I would have to say that I learned an awful lot from the German based choreographer and directress, Melissa King.

One of the hardest things about your job?

Staying together psychologically and physically. It’s a hard thing when you go from “I want to do this to I have to do this.

Do you have any goals you still hope to accomplish?

I have to choreograph more on a larger scale. After my knee operation a few years ago and the year before that finding out that I had Type 2 Diabetes, I fell into a psychological hole. I’m finding my way back to searching for new movement. I have the feeling that when I officially transition from the stage to behind the table…it will be comfortable.

Three words to describe yourself….

A reliable guy.

Dear aspiring artists,

Commit to being a well rounded performer that everyone wants to work with. Especially, while you are young and able. Especially, while that light is still illuminating your soul. It is also important to stay in training and keep up the search for new inspirations. And as for the “after-life”…try to keep your eyes on things connected to what you can do when the tides of change come along and erase the picture that you have drawn in the sand. I also think that it is important to live and enjoy every experience to the fullest in your professional career. Take pictures. Keep a log. This life is short, but lovely and incredible all the same if you can surrender to it.

–Christopher Hemmans

Photo Journal

Have you also been inspired by Chris’s Inspirational Status updates? I know it cant just be me! Share your stories in the comments!

Main photo : © Jansen Folkers

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