Jacqueline Green - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
NYCDP Questionnaire: Jacqueline Green, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer? JG: I would love to help families involved in domestic abuse. Something about this subject puts a fire in my heart and pushes me to want to help. What are your worst fears (professionally or personally)? JG: One of my worst fears as a professional performing dancer is losing my inspiration and feeling stuck as an artist. I make it my mission to get out and re-inspire myself so that I can be an inspiration to others. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could? JG: I wish I could dance with my Great Grandmother. She was the Rock of our family and would often go around dancing and spreading smiles. She died before I discovered my love for dance. But, somehow I think she knows and is smiling all the same. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be? JG: Always remember why you started and always redefine why you continue to dance. If you could be an animal, what animal would you choose and why? JG: If I could be any animal, I would chose a bird. They experience life from two different points of view: above or below us. I want to be able to fly and be ground. Most of the time birds are my dance spirit animals. What is your greatest indulgence? JG: My greatest indulgence is the "brownie obsession" at TGIF. My best friend and I made it a tradition going to TGIF before I leave for a major tour. OR - my greatest indulgence is shopping at vintage stows. I love finding pieces that no one has seen. What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you? JG: I always have - 1. an umbrella, which being a New Yorker has taught me is vital. 2. A water bottle - I have a strange fear of dehydration. 3. And gum, just in case. What career would your family have chosen for you? JG: I think my mom always wanted me to be a dancer. I am the 2nd child of 5, and my mom introduced each of her kids to a different field which we each have, in one way or another, made our profession. Also, looking back on my home videos, they always said I was destined to be a performer because I loved dancing in the spotlight. What is your idea of perfect happiness? JG: My idea of perfect happiness changes often. Not fearing the future and the future of those I love would bring me perfect happiness. Who would you like most to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)? JG: I would love to have a coffee with Michelle Obama. I would ask her if she ever thought her life would turn out the way it has, and to ask where she thought she would be today. What is your favorite city to tour to and why? JG: My favorite city is tied between Paris, France and Tel Aviv, Isreal. Paris is a favorite for obvious reasons, like it being the city of romance, croissants, the Eiffel Tower, great shopping, etc. Tel Aviv is a special city to me because I was baptized there in the Jordan river. What is your biggest mishap in a performance? JG: My biggest mishap was a costume malfunction. My straps on one of my costumes was lose and of course this was while I was performing a piece where I had to be in a backbend after backbend, which was stretching the front of my costume lower. My partner noticed this before I did and tried to adjust it for me throughout the duet. Is there a special meal you have before performances? JG: I like to eat light before performing, but I also need something to give me fuel to get through the performance. I'm pretty consistent with having some kind of juice from Juice Generation before hitting the stage. 
Hair and makeup by Juliet Jane
Clothing credits - from top to bottom: Dress - courtesy of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Net Cape by Epperson and bathing suit by Norma Kamali. Leotard and shorts by KeithLink. Photograph below - Bathing suit by Norma Kamali.