NYC Dance Project congratulate Lloyd Knight to Principal dancer and Abdiel Cedric Jacobsen to Soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company! We would also like to congratulate Mariya Dashkina Maddux who was also promoted to Prinicpal dancer and we hope to have the honor of working with her in the near future.
Abdiel Cedric Jacobsen
NYCDP Questionnaire:
DANCER: Abdiel Cedric Jacobsen, the Martha Graham Dance Company
What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer? AJ: I would be an educator. What is your worst fear (professionally or personally)? AJ: Professionally: I’m most afraid of getting seriously injured to a point where I won’t be able to dance again or have longevity. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could? AJ: Cyd Charisse. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be? AJ: This is not a glamorous career, as many think. You must be ready to work very hard, be disciplined, and sacrifice many comforts and pleasures. Dance is a reflection of life; there will be many moments of excitement, fear, great joy and great pain, but as in life each moment brings it’s own blessings…. so does dance. If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why? AJ: Cheetah! I have always been intrigued by the feline species. They have a presence and a certain way of moving that is profound. I had the opportunity of walking with an adult alpha cheetah in South Africa, awe-inspiring! What is your greatest indulgence? AJ:I have a major sweet tooth, so anything decadently sweet! What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you? AJ: Lacrosse ball, kinesio tape and headphones. What career would your family have chosen for you? AJ: Doctor or missionary. What is your idea of perfect happiness? AJ: To be loved, to do what you love and sharing that love and the love you have received with others. Who would you like most to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)? AJ: Eartha Kitt What is your favorite city to tour to and why? AJ: Athens and Tel Aviv. I love the water, the sun and the beaches are the best! Also both have great food and countries of great ancient historical sites. Tel Aviv is also home to my favorite fashion designer, Kedem Sasson, where I love to buy his clothes. What was your biggest mishap in a performance? AJ: Pants ripped open and I flashed the audience. Is there a special meal you have before performances? AJ: Protein bar, FAGE 0% fat yogurts and sourpatch kids candy!
Jeff Styles - Stylist