Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares about her character.
1. What role/character will you be dancing in Reckless?
I will be performing as a member of the Greek Chorus. In Reckless, the Greek Chorus represents and creates many different characters as well as multiple inanimate objects. There are a limited number of actual props so the Greek Chorus acts as the “sets” for a majority of the ballet. One of the main characters I portray is a girl named Tiffany Bloom. Tiff is a college student struggling to pay rent and is enticed by a pimp who promises her money. After grooming her, Tiff finds herself stuck in the cycle of prostitution and the abuse of drugs. She spirals fast and is not sure how or if it is possible to get out and end the cycle.
2. How did you research/prepare for your role? What is something that stood out to you in your research?
Researching for Reckless has been a journey of its own. After reading biographies and watching documentaries, something that stood out is the sheer impact this horror has on every aspect of the victim’s life. This changes them for the rest of their lives. Most prostitutes don’t live to make it out of the cycle. That sad truth was very shocking. Another thing that stood out is how much the new age of social media and the internet has advanced sex trafficking.
3. Describe the movement/style of the choreography. Is it different/the same as what you've done before? What is the most challenging aspect of the ballet?
The movement changes drastically in regards to which character the Greek Chorus is portraying. When acting as a ceiling fan in the metra station, my movements are steady and circular in fashion. My posture is more rigid and upright. In contrast to my character in some of the brothel scenes, I am portraying a human, a girl. Tiff is much more feminine, organic, yet edgy in her movements. The overall movement of Reckless is a combination of contemporary steps with classical lines. During the creation process, we took the storyline of the ballet, the basic steps, and dialogue and made “sentences” with our bodies. We have been insanely meticulous about the details specifically how we express the story through our entire body. The intricate design of all the moving parts of the Greek Chorus entwined with Gomer, Gomer’s intellect, Gomer’s sub-conscience, Hosea, and International Blue is such a beautiful sight.
The most challenging part as a member of the Greek Chorus is the transitions from all the different characters and objects we portray. The ballet moves quickly so I have to go from a chair to a barista to a prostitute to pebble all in a matter of minutes. Transitioning characters is difficult but engaging at the same time. The backstories help create depth for each and every character or object I play. Knowing my motivations and thoughts even for the pebble help to give intention and context.
4. Why should audiences see Reckless?
The story of Gomer and Hosea is one that can sometimes be overlooked. Sex trafficking and prostitutes are not part of everyday conversation. The retelling of this story is one that is not only extremely beneficial and eye-opening, but the perspective shift you gain after watching Reckless is striking. Reckless reminds us that God truly loves everyone no matter their background and He will continue to love them even after they sin again and again. Reckless’s portrayal of God’s deep love is a beautiful truth that you do not want to miss.