i BALLI di PRIMAVERA: The Spring Show and an Inside Look at the Choreographers

by Caleigh Carlson
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NJDTE’s upcoming Spring performance i BALLI di PRIMAVERA (The Dances of Spring) will feature some of the New Jersey’s most talented pre-professional dancers, who will be performing works by renowned international choreographers. We had the opportunity to catch up with highly sought-after choreographer Breton Tyner-Bryan about her new work, 
​Pyrite, for Level 4 NJDTE dancers. 

​This is your first time choreographing for NJDTE! Tell us about your work; What was the inspiration for Pryite, is there a theme or movement of the work?
​The inspiration for this piece began in the summer during a 2-day creative process with NJDTE dancer and guest dancers from Israel.
​I was inspired by the contrasting cultural approaches to movement and the fundamental similarities between human beings, regardless of their history or upbringing. The piece is a bridge between earth, grounded existence, and the stars. It reflects on how we navigate our time on earth, despite challenges both as individuals and together. 

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“Dancers today have to be so versatile in order to survive. Exposure to all styles allows dancers to learn about themselves, and connect with a piece of themselves they didn't know.”
​–Breton Tyner-Bryan

​Do you feel the experience of working with various choreographers contributes to NJDTE dancers’ overall education and their capacity to work with professionals in the future?
Absolutely! Everyone has their unique process and contribution as a choreographer, collaborator, or director. Learning to work with different choreographers, styles of communication, and value systems makes our experience as artists stronger. Appreciating one another's differences strengthens the ability to work with all kinds of people, as it is the best preparation for having a professional career as a dancer.
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“I've really enjoyed working with the dancers of NJDTE because they all have such different personalities and points of view, and are willing to share their individuality and artistry from the get go. This makes the room and creative process more rich and inspiring for me."
​–Breton Tyner-Bryan

Breton Tyner-Bryan teaching class at NJDTE

​What are your thoughts on NJDTE as a pre-professional dance school and ensemble that prepares dancers for a successful professional career in dance? 
NJDTE is a very special environment because there is an energy and excitement for learning that all of the dancers possess. The artistic staff represent the best of the NYC dance community, all of whom are actively engaged in their craft, while maintaining a healthy approach to nurturing young artists.
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​Breton Tyner-Bryan possesses a multitude of  prestigious choreographic experience. She had much to say about our pre-professional program and which elements contribute to success. What are your thoughts after reading about her endeavors in the artistic world of choreography? We would love to hear in the comment section below!