Answers4dancers founder and award-winning choreographer, Grover Dale, was recently interviewed by Patrick McGilligan of Bright Lights Film. The conversation focused on one of Grover’s favorite projects, The Young Girls of Rochefort.
Young Girls of Rochefort is a musical film directed by Jacques Demy. Grover starred alongside Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Jacques Perrin, and George Chakiris … And with Grover’s dance idol, Gene Kelly. It airs quite often on Turner Classic Movies. You can even find several clips from the movie on their website.
Grover reflected on the film, ‘Dancing in the streets of Rochefort was the best performing experience I’ve ever known. Reacting to real sunshine, breezes, cafés, and streets was miraculous. My emotions suddenly became as accessible and real as the world around me. I wished I could dance on location forever.’
The full interview is currently available on Bright Lights Film. It’s a great read and a celebration of so many highlights from Grover’s career. Check it out to whet your appetite for the upcoming release of his highly-anticipated book, A Boy Like That, coming soon! Watch for details!
READ GROVER'S INTERVIEW WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS FILM >
WATCH OPENING SCENE OF THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT >
*Grover is sitting in the truck’s passenger side and is wearing a blue shirt with blue tie.
When the pandemic hit, my sister Lenaya Faustman and I used the downtime to create our own choreography company, LTCreatives. We shared our work with connections we made as performers over the years. Premium Group became interested and wanted to keep us in mind for future opportunities.
Fast forward to 2022. We received a message that Premium Group needed choreographers for performances at HIYA International Airport for the FIFA World Cup. And they wanted us!
It all happened very quickly, as they do in Qatar. My sister couldn’t join me on this journey because of a ship contract. My best friend Sophia Bebyck and performer/choreographer stepped in to take her place. We were on a tight schedule had to start creating, casting, and choreographing at a distance until I could arrive. We used video calls, WhatsApp messages, and mood boards to begin creating.
Our first performance was the countdown to the World Cup, 100 Days to Go until FIFA.
We will be creating shows once a month to be performed at the Airport. Once the World Cup officially kicks off in November, we’ll have performances twice a day for passengers arriving from all around the world to embrace the soccer spirit. Our contract will run until mid December, choreographing and creating all the shows as well as embracing the World Cup in Qatar.
Throughout my years as a dancer, training, performing, auditioning, and travelling, I have learned, it’s so important to keep connections with industry professionals. It sometimes comes down to who you know. Work hard and leave a memorable mark. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, showcase what you’re creating, so if an opportunity comes around, they remember you, and think of you for these moments.
Congratulations Taryn. This is exciting and we look forward to hearing more from you. And we had one last question for her… How has Answers4dancers helped in your career?
I joined A4D back when I was 19. It’s a beautiful place to network and join forces with fellow performers. It’s great to know there are other dancers out there who are feeling the same way you do… after all, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. A4D is a great way to learn and gain more insight into this crazy career we all love!
