Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Second Company Artist Ford Tackett shares about his character.
1. What role/character will you be dancing in Reckless?
I dance several different "street scene" characters including a drug dealer, a 'client' of Gomer, Gomer's father, and a friend/business partner of the pimp.
2. How did you research/prepare for your role? What is something that stood out to you in your research?
My research included listening to lectures and interviews from people involved in human trafficking and those affected by it. I was struck by the prevalence of it, and how it encompasses people in such a wide range of ages and social status, and how it can become so easily excused as acceptable behavior. My research also included reading the book of Hosea from the Bible and contemplating the truths revealed there.
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 choreography displays intense human emotion and visceral movement and is therefore very grounded, earthy, and staccato. It contains strong pulls and hits of raw human energy, involves the sensualness of the physical body, and is peppered with the spiritual, ethereal elements of classical ballet.
The most challenging aspect of the ballet will be maintaining the intense emotional portrayals while combining them with the dance elements in order to merge them into a solid whole.
4. Why should audiences see Reckless?
Audiences should see Reckless for enlightenment as to the sex trafficking that occurs so prevalently in our neighborhoods, and its complexities and interdependencies. They should see Reckless to get a modern perspective on the story of Hosea. And finally, they should see Reckless to be encouraged by the extreme love of the one true God, who pursued his church, his "bride", in the midst of her continual unfaithfulness and offense, and gave himself for her, that she might be released from her bondage, saved from her sin, and healed of her affliction. Audiences should see Reckless to encounter truth, experience love, and be given hope.