Postcards from dancers brings you news from Australian dance artists travelling for work.
This week we hear from Kevin Jackson, principal artist with the Australian Ballet, who writes about his recent guest performance with American Ballet Theatre. Jackson played the role of De Grieux in the company's production of Manon, at the Metropolitan Opera House, on 4 and 6 June.
This is my third week here in New York City and it's been more than I could have ever hoped for. My time at the American Ballet Theatre has been enriching, exciting and enjoyable in so many ways.
I always knew I would be in awe of the special guest and principal company dancers such as Alina Cojocaru, Olga Smirnova, Julie Kent, Gillian Murphy, Roberto Bolle, Danil Simkin, James Whiteside, Vladimir Shklyarov and Marcelo Gomes to name a few, watching their shows and rehearsals they did not disappoint. But it was the ABT dancers themselves that were truly an inspiration, their work ethic and passion for the art form is electrifying and their positivity energy not only translates to the stage but in rehearsals and classes as well. I felt extremely honoured that I was accepted as one of them in such a short time. After my first full call of second act in Manon the company erupted into applause after my solo, I was very touched by this! Then before my first show, Julie Kent wished me Merde and the company who were in morning class stopped, clapped and wished me all the best, I was absolutely taken back and felt extremely supported and respected as an artist while making my debut onto the Met stage.
My rehearsals have been enlightening having the director Kevin Mackenzie and Keith Roberts coach my partner Xiomara Reyes and I. Both have given me so much of their knowledge regarding musicality, phrasing and stage craft as well as furthering and pushing my partnering skills to new levels. The process was very rewarding.
Xiomara Reyes has been a treat to work with; she's a passionate, caring and communicative dance partner and allowed me to feel comfortable to voice my opinion on steps and character development. I was so impressed at our quickness to go from just meeting to portraying this incredibly deep and dramatic ballet of Manon. Our shows were so full of real emotion; we fall into the story so completely that I didn't even notice until curtain calls that I was at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. I will never forget the chemistry that was gathered between us in such a short amount of time and the mind blowing feedback from dancers, staff, back stage crew and the audience about our show.
While soaking up New York I have seen Kinky Boots and Matilda, La Bayadere, "Classical Spectacular", Don Quixote, rehearsals of Coppelia, Cinderella and a graduation performance by Ellison Ballet. It is so wonderful that this city embraces the arts in such high regard.
My time here has been the highlight of my career and I'm extremely thankful and honoured for the opportunity from both David McAllister and Kevin Mackenzie. I took my Australian Ballet family with me on this adventure in my heart and I felt like they were there every step of the way. I certainly hope this is a continued relationship between these two great companies and I'm incredibly proud I could be part of it.
- Kevin Jackson
Top: Kevin Jackson with co-star Xiomara Reyes. Middle: Waiting in the wings at the Met. Bottom: Checking out NYC. Photos: Courtesy of Kevin Jackson.