Desmond Richardson

Where do I start?….I never thought… in my whole career… that I would have to introduce Desmond Richardson to anyone.

I have spent countless hours of my early training, watching videos of this phenomenal artist. But videos do him no justice – you must see him live.  Desmond is probably one of the greatest contemporary dancers alive. What attracted me to Desmond besides his insane high legs, his freak-like musicality, his “textbook” classical technique, or his god-like stature… was his versatility. Desmond can make any step look like it was made for him. I saw him do a cartwheel once and I was like, “Damnnnnnnnnn!” Amazing. It didn’t matter if it was Chicago on Broadway, the Ailey Company, or American Ballet Theater – Desmond is a natural. Even next to Michael Jackson, he is fantastic.

I first met Desmond at LaGuardia High School. He came by sometimes to say hello to faculty and peek in on Penny Frank’s Graham class. He was always so polite and encouraging to the students. I met him again at Juilliard, when Larry Rhodes organized a workshop with Desmond. I remember Desmond walking in and introducing himself… something like, “Hello… my name is Desmond Richardson.” My colleagues and I, totally starstruck, looked at each other like “……we know.” After the workshop, he spoke with all of us and it was very inspiring. A friend of mine tells a great story of going to an audition and seeing Desmond walk in. After a big collective sigh from all the men, Desmond pulls out a newspaper article about him and puts it on top of a big stack of resumes on the table…that’s it….that’s his resume.

It has been over ten years since we have last seen each other. When I wrote him to ask for this interview, I was very nervous that he wouldn’t remember me, and that maybe I was getting a bit ambitious.  Instead, he answered right away AND thanked me for including him! He never fails to impress. He has had a huge impact on not only me, but many young and established artists all over the world. More people than he knows. I am happy to share this with you all……………………

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 wanted to be a lawyer . To stand up for people and community moved me. I discovered dance by seeing some girls in my neighborhood learning to Pop-Lock and I was hooked. Wanting more exposure to dance I had the great opportunity to view the Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev documentary on PBS and was instantly transfixed on Nureyev. How he moved , his incredible masculine sculpted lines and his raw passion inspired me, thus me changing gears and knowing instantly that I was chosen to express and communicate through this art form and wanting and hoping to inspire and engage people around the world.

Desmond’s Favorite Things

To eat?

Juicing Vegetables , Chocolate , Plantains, Fish , Ritz Crackers.

Books?

Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged, The power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci , Paulo Coelho The Alchemist & any  Kahil Gibran writings.

Movies?

The Bourne Identity , The imitation of Life , Inside Job ( Documentary)

Ballets, Dance Piece or Musical?

There are so many great dance pieces that I adore , Like Alvin Ailey’s ” Ready’ & Wade in The Water from Revelations, Dwight Rhoden’s ” Growth”, William Forsythe Herman Scherman .
Bob Fosse solo from the film the Little Prince ” Snake in the tree”.

I like dancers who…

…are fearless

 I am afraid of…

…Nothing!!

Something you like to do other than your current job?

Sing, write songs and record in the Music studio.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

Getting my first commercial gig with Michael Jackson in his video “Bad “, becoming a Principal dancer with ABT and starring at the MET in the title role of “Othello”.

A question you would like to know the answer to?

The question of life and all it’s many facets.

Dear aspiring artists,

Investigate , focus and persevere in your particular art form ,allowing your passion and humility take you towards your goals. All the while reaching back and inspiring others to soar from viewing your work ethic and professionalism.

–Desmond Richardson

Photo Journal

© Nikolay Krusser

© Torsten Blackwood

© Nikolay Krusser

© James Houston

© Andrea Mohin

Congratulations to Complexions Contemporary Ballet on celebrating their 19th year anniversary! To find out more about Desmond check out www.desmondsrichardson.com and www.Complexionsdance.org