Marguerite Donlon

There are always a few Juilliard kids that go to Europe to work. My best friend Zen Jefferson got a job with the Donlon Dance company in Saarbrueken, Germany. I went often to visit him and see performances in the little city of “Saarbrooklyn” as the dancers called it. The city is small , but the dance company is fantastic. The first time I saw a show, I was blown away by the cool program and the quality of the dancers! I remember sitting very quietly in the public watching Zen in a stage rehearsal. Stage rehearsals always have a bit of tension in the air, it was risky to watch, but I love the behind the scenes and what else do you do in Saarbrueken?

There were no other guest, just my wife Lisa and I. Maggie looked in our direction and we thought she was going to kick us out, because our silent sitting disturbs her artistic flow…. which DOES happen. Instead, she walked over to introduce herself! She knew we were friends of Zen and just wanted to say hello and find out a bit about us. Totally unexpected. So human. I mean she seemed busy enough… she could have totally ignored us and I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. For her it was just another hello, but it made an impression on me. What a difference a hello makes… She is the director of the Donlon Dance Company at the Saarlandishes Theater in Germany…………………….

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?

Yes. I always danced and before I began learning dance seriously, which was when I was 16, I used to choreograph little pieces. I used my friends and had a dance group called “Sinne” which means us. None of us learned any kind of dance except of course Irish dancing, hence the strong influence in my early works.

Maggie’s Favorite Things

To eat?

Fish, salads, sushi, and everything which is cooked for me with love.

Books?

I love books and I guess it would be impossible to pick just one. The last 50 lines of Ulysses is top of my list for the most sensual writing. Then there’s Flynn O’ Brians book called “The Third Policeman”, this has to be the one which sticks in my heart the most, it is such a trip to read.

Movies?

There are so many brilliant films, but a film like Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” is simply genius, I do also love watching “Happy Feet” with my daughter.

Ballets, Dance Piece or Musical?

Several years ago I saw a piece called “Wishing and Wanting” from Wim Vandekbus with an all male cast and I was really impressed. Several pieces from Jiri Kylian would also be top of my list.

 I like dancers who…

Enjoy going beyond with open curiosity and who respect themselves and others.

 I am afraid of…

the people I love suffering.

 Something you like to do other than your current job?

Drive my boat with my family and friends on board.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

The birth of our daughter was the highlight.

 A question you would like to know the answer to?

I prefer questions.

 Dear aspiring artists,

Realize that only you can make “you” happy. Work hard, have fun and keep a good amount of understanding, compassion and humor at hand. Never be afraid to walk away from an unhealthy situation. Have enough respect for yourself to know where the border is between what is acceptable and not acceptable for you in that moment.

–Marguerite Donlon

Photo Journal

Always time to be the clown. (Photo Bettina Stoess)

Maggie Donlon’s “Blue” (Photo Bettina Stoess)

Lucy and Randy in Maggie Donlons “Blue” for Donlon Dance Company.
(Photo Bettina Stoess)

Aoi Nakamura in Maggies “Sacre” (Photo Bettina Stoess)

 My Love. ( photo Oliver Moest)

To find out more about Marguerite check out www.donlon.deHave you worked with Maggie? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below. Thank YOU for reading!