[infobox]After a year of collecting interviews, Interview en l’air is finally here!  For more information on my idea for this series click HERE[/infobox]

For my first interview, I present to you TONY RIZZI.

When I first joined Ballet Theater Munich, Antony Rizzi had already chosen his cast for his creation for the next program. I was disappointed. I was fresh out of Juilliard, new in the company — I wanted to dance! A few weeks later, I heard he was coming back as a guest teacher…so I emailed him begging him to take a look at me in class. It was risky and felt a little awkward, but Phillip (Artistic Director) was supportive. Tony took a look at me in class and he put me in the piece! I was so happy! I learned a lot while working with him. His ‘no bullshit’ way of working is exactly what I needed. Just watching him move is inspiring……………..

What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

I wanted to be a movie critic or a priest. And then a chef, then a photographer (became that one), then an actor (became that too) and finally got into dancing (became one too).

Tony’s Favorite Things
Favorite Food?

Veal liver with onions fried in french butter, and with pears and sage … Or pancakes with maple syrup.

Favorite Book?

A Director Prepares: Seven Essays on Art and Theatre by Anne Bogart

Favorite Movie?

The Hours by Stephen Daldry

Favorite Ballet?

Cafe Muller by Pina Bausch

 I like dancers who…

…go to that scary unknown place and well… I also love dancers who have a musicality that just comes from within.

Dear aspiring artists,

You will never be famous, you will never make money, you will never be satisfied. You will have a great time. I have been performing and making art works now for 30 years . It has been such an honor to work hard for this very special art-form and get to connect with so many other artists. To know you are part of a never ending web just makes me smile.

— Tony Rizzi