NYCDP Questionnaire:
DANCER: Gabrielle Salvatto, currently filming Flesh & Bone to be aired on Starz, air date to be announced What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer? GS: If I were not dancing, I would do something involving writing. I've always loved to write - maybe a journalist or a columnist (perhaps post-dance, a critic). What is your favorite ballet and why? GS: George Balanchine's Seranede. To me, it is the epitome of everything beautiful in ballet. I can watch this ballet anytime - the music is breathtaking, the costumes move beautifully with the movement and of course, Mr. B's ingenious choreography makes this a timeless ballet for me. What is your dream role that you hope to dance one day? GS: My dream role would have to be Swan Lake. Cliché I know, but the technique and character demanded are definitely something I am working towards and greatly admire in other dancers. I adore the music as well. (I'm still working on my fouettés) Describe your first experience onstage with DTH: GS: I was in Alvin Ailey's Lark Ascending in Louisville, Kentucky. I just remember being so excited and nervous because it was my first principal role in a professional company. Performing Lark was very challenging because we learned the grounded Horton based movement on pointe. Finding the right balance between control and freedom was not an easy feat. What is your favorite role or ballet that you have danced? GS: I love performing the Pas de Deux in George Balanchine's Agon. I love the energy behind the movement and the non traditional partnering dynamic. It was actually a dream role of mine, before I got the chance to perform it! What is your proudest achievement? GS: It is a rather recent one - teaching the children in a master class on our trip to Tegulcigalpa, Honduras. They were so eager to learn (and very talented) despite their lack of exposure to professional dance and "less than idea" classroom settings. Many came up to me after the class to ask for corrections and feedback and their dedication and passion was so inspiring! What is your proudest achievement? GS: My proudest achievement would have to be graduating from Juilliard. It was an amazing experience but pretty stressful at times. I considered leaving a few times, questioning whether I should be out in the world dancing, but I'm so glad that I completed my 4 years and got my BFA. What is your daily routine? GS: My daily routine (not on a performance day) consists of waking up at about 7:45am (and snoozing until 8) I have a quick breakfast, yogurt and tea usually and head downtown at 8:45. Class starts at 10am followed by a 6 hour rehearsal period that can end anytime between 5:45 and 7. I take the train home and usually just chill out for a few minutes when I get in. Feed my dogs and make dinner, maybe watch a mindless show or read a little while stretching and then (try to) head to bed around11:30.
Red skirt: Body Wrappers Tutu: Chacott by Freed of London