Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Valerie Linsner shares about her character.

1. What role/character will you be dancing in Reckless?

I am portraying Gomer at age 33. At this point in her life, Gomer is a wife and a mother, but lacks satisfaction and purpose in her new domestic lifestyle. Though she is no longer trapped in the sex industry physically, we see Gomer struggle with the effects of her former lifestyle -- a shattered self-esteem with a warped sense of love and heroism, which leads her to make some heartbreaking decisions.

2. How did you research/prepare for your role? What is something that stood out to you in your research?

What we know about Gomer from the biblical story of Hosea is very limited, so I have watched several interviews and lectures with former and current prostitutes and/or sex trafficking victims to try to get inside the head of someone like Gomer. Another big aspect of my research is watching and learning from Senior Apprentice, Lezlie Gray, who is portraying Gomer, ages 14-21. Picking up qualities of Lezlie's movement style, and then having discussions with her about Gomer's feelings and thoughts in various scenes, as well watching those who are portraying her Intellect (Lead Artist, Lorianne Robertson) and her Subconscious (Company Artist, Libby Dennen) has really helped me get to know our version of Gomer.

The consistency of human desire is something that has stuck out to me throughout my research, specifically watching each of the interviews from current or former sex workers. While we all as humans make different choices and have different core values, we all desire love and affection. We all desire to be cared for and known.

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?

I would describe the movement style as ballet with an edgy, urban flair. Reckless definitely has its own flavor thanks to our amazing Resident Choreographer and Artistic Director, Julianna Rubio Slager.

Part of the challenge of playing Gomer at age 33 is showing the maturity Gomer has gained since she was 21, while not changing her so much as to make her unrecognizable from her younger self. It's a challenge that I'm excited to explore and flesh out.

4. Why should audiences see Reckless?

This ballet shows the marriage between the brokenness of our world and the hope of healing and redemption. We cannot be blind to evil and also fight it. This is why audiences must see Reckless!