PODCAST 150: Alessandra Corona
Release Date: 2.6.23
TO DOWNLOAD PODCAST OR LISTEN:
A Legacy of Dance with Alessandra Corona
Today’s episode is sure to inspire you! Joining us in conversation today, we have a joyful spirit, Alessandra Corona. Tuning in, you’ll hear about her time as a principal dancer for Ballet Hispánico, overcoming a language barrier, and falling in love with modern dance. Alessandra shares how Ann Reinking was a revolutionary influence on her, and invited her to join the international Fosse tour. Alessandra’s life took an unexpected twist when she started her own dance company, Alessandra Corona Performing Works; hear the story of what motivated her to take the plunge, how her dancers made it possible, and so much more during this motivational episode. Thanks for listening!
“Fosse was something I never expected would happen in my career. All I wanted to be was a concert dancer, that’s it! In the modern company I was obsessed with contemporary work and modern work, but I was not thinking about Broadway!”
Key Points From This Episode:
- The story of how Alessandra first became interested in dance.
- Going to Rome alone to pursue her dream after attempting to study to be a dance teacher.
- Why modern dance is her number one favorite way to perform.
- Auditioning for Ballet Hispánico.
- Moving to New York, learning English, and how dance saved Alessandra.
- Why Ballet Hispánico was so challenging and why she loved it.
- The influence that Ann Reinking had on Alessandra and joining the international Fosse Tour.
- What motivated Alessandra to start a company.
- Dancing at the age of 60 and the many different ways you can be on stage.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Alessandra Corona Performing Works on Instagram
Alessandra Corona Performing Works on Facebook
BIO: Alessandra Corona is from Cagliari Italy (Sardinia) and was trained in ballet at the national Ballet Academy in Rome.She toured internationally for 5 years as a principal dancer with Renato Greco Dance Company at prestigious theaters such as Brooklyn Academy of music in New York. After moving to New York, Alessandra was a principal dancer with Ballet Hispanico for 15 years, originating roles in ballets by renowned European and American choreographers. Ann Reinking selected Alessandra as a principal dancer for 2 years in the international tour company of the musical “Fosse” which was performed in Europe and Asia, including 7 weeks of touring performances in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka (Japan). She has performed as a guest artist at various international dance festivals, including “Notte di Stelle” at the historical Amphitheatre in Cagliari (Italy), Villa Pamphili summer festival in Rome, Seattle international dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow festival, kick-off festival at the Lincoln Center Theater, City Center “Encore” season with the production of the Richard Rogers musical “No Strings”. In 2012 Ms. Corona founded “Alessandra Corona Performing Works LTD” where she directs and performs in her own productions.
Podcast produced by: The Moving Architects
Interviewer: Erin Carlisle Norton
Release Date: 1.23.23
Dante Puleio, A widely respected former member of the Limón Dance Company for more than a decade, Puleio was appointed the sixth Artistic Director in the Company’s 75-year history, a position that originated with Doris Humphrey. Puleio, a Medici Scholar, began professional dance training in London, UK at the Laban Centre and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, UK. He graduated with a BFA from University of the Arts in Philadelphia and an MFA from University of California, Irvine. Puleio had a diverse performing career as a soloist and principal with the Limón Dance Company, touring the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He worked with choreographic leaders in the field such as Donald McKayle and Murray Louis and has performed and restaged masterpieces created by the founders of modern dance. His career also spanned national and international tours of Broadway shows, film and television. He was featured in the “The Who’s Tommy”, LifetimeTV’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and most recently in Noah Baumbach’s award winning “White Noise” on Netflix. Before moving into leadership with the Limón Dance Company, Puleio held professorship positions at a variety of prestigious research-one universities throughout the United States. As Director his research focuses on contextualizing mid 20th century dance for the contemporary artist and audience. He is committed to implementing his research by celebrating José Limón’s historical legacy and reimagining his intention and vision to reflect the rapidly shifting 21st century landscape.
Michelle Preston began her career in arts administration at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra before coming to New York City where she has worked with Urban Bush Women, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the School of American Ballet. She began at SITI Company in 2012 as the Deputy Director and served as Executive Director from 2014-2022. While at SITI, Michelle produced 9 world premieres, 17 domestic and international tours, and 5 New York City seasons. She also led the multi-year strategic planning process that resulted in the SITI Legacy Plan, a comprehensive set of activities meant to celebrate the accomplishments and preserve the legacy of the ensemble before the organized and intentional sunset at the end of 2022.
