World-renowned choreographer prima ballerina Tiler Peck is set to make her London debut at Sadler’s Wells with Turn It Out With Tiler Peck & Friends, running from 9 – 11 March. This programme marks the first creative partnership between Peck and acclaimed choreographer William Forsythe, featuring music created by London musician James Blake. Peck is assembling an array of dance artists to perform her own selection of works, demonstrating that ballet can happily coexist with various forms of dance.
After a triumphant return from a near career-ending injury, she has since become one of New York Ballet’s most established stars, receiving the Princess Grace Statue Award in 2013 as well as being named one of Forbes 30 under 30.
The Indiependent spoke to her about her upcoming show, the challenges of choreography and her biggest creative influences.
The Indiependent: What can you tell us about the show and what we can expect from it?
The show is a love letter. It is a vision of how I see ballet and all that it can be. I believe there is a way to propel ballet forward while still keeping it true to its foundation. Nothing great comes from playing it safe, and I want to continue to push boundaries and innovate this beautiful art form.
The show features a mix of ballet and tap, what are the challenges each of these dance styles presents?
The one thing all these styles of dance have in common is musicality. If all the dancers are listening and hearing the same thing, that is all that matters. The music is the guiding force that braids the components of each piece together seamlessly.
What made you decide to pursue choreography and what are the challenges it poses?
I decided to pursue choreography because I was given an opportunity at the right time. As a ballerina I had previously felt I didn’t have enough time to devote to choreographing whilst having such a demanding dancing career. The thought of having to stand in the front of the room while choreographing one hour, and the next hour rehearsing Swan Lake in pointe shoes seemed daunting; the time management seemed impossible. However, it only takes one person believing in you to give you the confidence and saying, “now is the time”. In reality, I had been choreographing at my mother’s dance studio since I was a teenager, but I had never choreographed anything on professional dancers. I was lucky to have a wonderful champion in my corner to encourage me to say yes and take on the challenge.
Do you think we are seeing more of a lenience towards contemporary ballet as opposed to classical ballet nowadays?
I have noticed that most new works created for ballet companies lean towards more contemporary ballet. I love contemporary ballet but I would love to see new works created that are classically based. Look at Balanchine as a perfect example, of course, he is one of a kind and a genius, but all his works were rooted in classical ballet and still look as current today as any of the new contemporary works do.
What does a day in the life look like for you?
I usually wake up around 9:30am to have breakfast before making it to our New York City Ballet 10:30am ballet class. I take an hour long class, then on my longest days, rehearse from 12-3pm, have an hour off and then rehearse again from 4-6pm. Then, if I have the show, I normally take a little nap and then start my hair and makeup 2 hours before I go onstage.
Which dancer/choreographer has been the biggest inspiration to you?
There are so many! At the moment, I would say William Forsythe. He has really changed my outlook on ballet and choreography. Working with him on The Barre Project felt like I was getting a free master class in dance and choreography every day. Lucky me!
What advice would you give to anyone who is aspiring to be a ballet dancer/ choreographer?
The biggest advice I would say is you must love it and you must have the discipline to stick with it. There are so many talented dancers/choreographers that never make it professionally because they don’t have that serious dedication. I absolutely love to dance, and I think it is one of the best feelings in the world! It took a lot of determination and sacrifices to get here, yet I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Words by Katie Heyes