In a special effort to raise awareness about the Braswell Arts Center Virtual Benefit Gala, we are proud to present this years featured artists.

Who are you? And a bit about your training and experience?

My name is Julian Nicosia and I am a choreographer.

I used to be a “rock acrobatic” dancer for many years when I was a kid. I did a lot of international competitions and I have won several titles. After a back injury when I was 17 years old, I had to stop my competition season and stay in bed for a few months to be able to recover.

A few months later I stumbled upon the movie “White Nights” starring Mikhail Baryshnikov that made me want to try classical dance. I asked my mother if she knew a teacher. The next day I was taking my first ballet class and I never went back to the rock acrobatic competition again.

A year later, I was auditioning for the Superior Conservatory of Music and Dance of Lyon where I studied for 4 years.

As a professional dancer, I had the chance to dance for five years at the Ballet de l’Opera de Lyon and two years at the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company.

What inspires you?

All the dancers. I am fascinated by the way people move and why they are moving that way and not in another way. It makes me curious about their past, environment, and education.

Tell us about the work you are presenting or dancing in?

“LESLI” is one of the first works that I did a few years ago. It is interesting for me to see it again because it shows the direction that I wanted to take at the time and how it has evolved. Like every young choreographer, I had to do a multitude of different jobs in order to show my work. In this video, I had to dance, choreograph, film, edit, and even install the dance floor.

Hardest part of your job?

Be patient and able to adapt quickly.

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

My brother because he was my coach when I was a rock acrobatic dancer. He is someone who pushed me to the limit and gave me a love for hard work.

The choreographer who influenced me the most during all these years is

William Forsythe. Why?! Because he is too good 😉

The dancer that influenced me the most is Riley Watts. Why?! Because he is too good 😉

Something you like to do other than dance?

Playing piano.

Your wildest dreams for the dance world?

That’s a secret!

Something you would change in the REAL world?

More empathy.

Please help us raise awareness about the Braswell Arts Center Virtual Benefit Gala, we need your support to reach our campaign goal for the new Braswell Arts Center at Aeschenplatz. Join us if you can!