Michael Blake

A lot of people don’t know this, but I auditioned for Juilliard twice. I didn’t get in straight out of high school and I was put on the waiting list. I went to purchase College for one year. I had some really cool teachers like Richard Cook, and Megan Williams and Stephanie Tooman. It was a great year for me, I learned a lot. There was also a lot of performance opportunities and that is how I met Michael.

Michael was in the Masters program during the same time I was in the bachelors program. There was an instant connection right away. The master students had to often produce little works of choreography. Michael chose me often to dance in his pieces. From the first moment we met he was always supportive of my dancing. He would always give me a big solo or pas de duex in his work. His style was easy for me to adapt to, very musical and above all… fun. We always had a good time with Michael. I don’t ever remember looking at the clock in his rehearsal. He was a good coach… very inspiring and honest. And his laughter is infectious! He would always have us giggling in the studio. I laugh so hard my cheeks hurt and then suddenly, with a stern face and a serious low tone “now let’s work diva!” And we did!!! …Lord knows we did.

Michael holds an MFA in dance from Purchase College, and a 2010 Besse Award for Dance and Performance. He began his dance career in the Murray Louis Dance Company where he danced from 1982-1984. In 1986 he joined the Jose Limon Dance Company, dancing principal roles until 1991. Michael danced with Donald Byrd/The Group from 1991-1998. He has also danced with the Joyce Trisler Danscompany, Shapiro and Smith, and Janis Brenner and Friends. Michael has appeared on stage at the Supper Club, NYC, the national tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat, and in the films The Adventures of Cri Cri, and Unsettled dreams. He has taught numerous workshops both nationally and internationally. Michael is Director of the Jazz and Contemporary Program at the Joffrey Ballet School and is also works with the HB Studio teaching the Art of Movement, and The Hagen Core Training Program of the Hagen Institute. He currently dances with PARADIGM Dance.

In those days, Michael did a lot more for me than he thinks. He helped my confidence and my courage. He believed in me… he saw me in the group of students and thought I was special… I guess all dancers want to feel that way at some point… I got the courage to audition for Juilliard again and this time I kept my head up.

Michael continues to inspire many students today. Thank you Michael for your love and inspiration!

 What did you want to be when you were growing up? Did you always want to do what you are doing now?

I didn’t long to be anything special until I found dance at 18 years old.

Michael’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

I eat anything that is age retrograding, and adds to the rejuvenation of my health. I don’t eat sweets, normally. I’m easy on the carbs, and I’m high on greens and proteins. I’m a fish lover! I have really learned to listen to my body, and it talks to me often, especially now that I’m 55 years old.

Favorite Books?

I love trash novels, and biographies. Not in that order, particularly. My taste in books is varied, really. I love to read, and really wish I had a second to do more!

Favorite Movies?

I love movies that make me cry and laugh. If my emotions are tickled, I’m thrilled with the movie. Real life is difficult and consuming. I watch movies to be driven to emotions that make sense to me.

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

That’s a loaded question. Can you imagine how many shows I’ve seen and done in my lifetime? I have sincerely enjoyed, thoroughly, something in everything I’ve ever seen and done. My favorite choreographer to ever work for is Donald Byrd. Hands down!

I like dancers who…

…Dance like it’s the last day on earth everyday!

I am afraid of…

…Educators not moving into 21st century pedagogic ideology.

A dance piece should…

…Move, inspire, and thrill.

Something you like to do other your current job?

I would like to produce large-scale creative, artistic events with many talents from many disciplines and countries.

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

Donald Byrd. I have never been more positively influenced by one person in so many wonderful ways. He has given me the wisdom of hundreds. Who can do that?

One of the happiest moments in your life?

When every student in my dance program here in New York wear’s the face of success and accomplishment.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

Owning my wisdom.

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

Leaving the stage in Johannesburg South Africa to gasp air from an oxygen tank. Then going back to finish the ballet with a huge gob of gaffers tape stuck to my ass.

One of the hardest things about your job?

Being a program director for an arts organization that is FOR PROFIT!

Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

Many. I think my adult life began after I stopped dancing full-time when I was 40. Those goals are stacking up. Ask me again real soon. There will be a litany of goals in progress.

A question you want to know the answer to:

Are we all ready to move our artistry to the 21st century while holding onto old school ideology?

Dear aspiring artists,

Don’t mark anything. Be generous, kind, and keep your minds open to new ideas. Libraries trump Google. Your intellect is your bank. Learn from everyone. Being judgmental is crippling. Know thyself. Our careers, like life, are fleeting.

— Micheal Blake

Photo Journal

Michael with Roxane D’ Orleans Juste

with Ruthlyn Salomons and Donald Byrd

Keith Sabado, Hope Clarke, Gus Solomons jr Carmen Delavallade, Dudley Williams, Valda Setterfield, and Michael.

Micheal with Gus Solomons jr.

Please feel free to share your stories about Michael in the comments below! For more information about Michael, check out his web page at www.michaelronaldblake.com.