Where do I start?….I never thought… in my whole career… that I would have to introduce Desmond Richardson to anyone.
I have spent countless hours of my early training, watching videos of this phenomenal artist. But videos do him no justice – you must see him live. Desmond is probably one of the greatest contemporary dancers alive. What attracted me to Desmond besides his insane high legs, his freak-like musicality, his “textbook” classical technique, or his god-like stature… was his versatility. Desmond can make any step look like it was made for him. I saw him do a cartwheel once and I was like, “Damnnnnnnnnn!” Amazing. It didn’t matter if it was Chicago on Broadway, the Ailey Company, or American Ballet Theater – Desmond is a natural. Even next to Michael Jackson, he is fantastic.
I first met Desmond at LaGuardia High School. He came by sometimes to say hello to faculty and peek in on Penny Frank’s Graham class. He was always so polite and encouraging to the students. I met him again at Juilliard, when Larry Rhodes organized a workshop with Desmond. I remember Desmond walking in and introducing himself… something like, “Hello… my name is Desmond Richardson.” My colleagues and I, totally starstruck, looked at each other like “……we know.” After the workshop, he spoke with all of us and it was very inspiring. A friend of mine tells a great story of going to an audition and seeing Desmond walk in. After a big collective sigh from all the men, Desmond pulls out a newspaper article about him and puts it on top of a big stack of resumes on the table…that’s it….that’s his resume.
It has been over ten years since we have last seen each other. When I wrote him to ask for this interview, I was very nervous that he wouldn’t remember me, and that maybe I was getting a bit ambitious. Instead, he answered right away AND thanked me for including him! He never fails to impress. He has had a huge impact on not only me, but many young and established artists all over the world. More people than he knows. I am happy to share this with you all……………………
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?
When I was little I wanted to be a lawyer . To stand up for people and community moved me. I discovered dance by seeing some girls in my neighborhood learning to Pop-Lock and I was hooked. Wanting more exposure to dance I had the great opportunity to view the Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev documentary on PBS and was instantly transfixed on Nureyev. How he moved , his incredible masculine sculpted lines and his raw passion inspired me, thus me changing gears and knowing instantly that I was chosen to express and communicate through this art form and wanting and hoping to inspire and engage people around the world.
Desmond’s Favorite Things
To eat?
Juicing Vegetables , Chocolate , Plantains, Fish , Ritz Crackers.
Books?
Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged, The power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci , Paulo Coelho The Alchemist & any Kahil Gibran writings.
Movies?
The Bourne Identity , The imitation of Life , Inside Job ( Documentary)
Ballets, Dance Piece or Musical?
There are so many great dance pieces that I adore , Like Alvin Ailey’s ” Ready’ & Wade in The Water from Revelations, Dwight Rhoden’s ” Growth”, William Forsythe Herman Scherman .
Bob Fosse solo from the film the Little Prince ” Snake in the tree”.
I like dancers who…
…are fearless
I am afraid of…
…Nothing!!
Something you like to do other than your current job?
Sing, write songs and record in the Music studio.
One of the happiest moments in your life?
Getting my first commercial gig with Michael Jackson in his video “Bad “, becoming a Principal dancer with ABT and starring at the MET in the title role of “Othello”.
A question you would like to know the answer to?
The question of life and all it’s many facets.
Dear aspiring artists,
Investigate , focus and persevere in your particular art form ,allowing your passion and humility take you towards your goals. All the while reaching back and inspiring others to soar from viewing your work ethic and professionalism.
–Desmond Richardson
Photo Journal
© Nikolay Krusser
© Torsten Blackwood
© Nikolay Krusser
© James Houston
© Andrea Mohin
Congratulations to Complexions Contemporary Ballet on celebrating their 19th year anniversary! To find out more about Desmond check out www.desmondsrichardson.com and www.Complexionsdance.org
Main Photo: © Nikolay Krusser
This Interview is optimized for iPhone and mobile devices.
Main Photo: Nikolay Krusser
Congratulations Armando …… for another wonderful interview en l’air!!!!
Thank you Ros!!!! I love that you read these :):):)!!!!
Thanks Armano for the interviews. I like this, but my english is grace. I understand a little.
Thanks Gerhard!!!
Well done Armando. So many of our dancers form Performing Arts are carrying on the legacy.
SO happy to read this about Desmond. MAke me remember how One- of- a -Kind each of you is.
Mme Peff
Dance Department 1980-87
Thanks Mme! Keep the legacy going!!!
Great post, Armando. Desmond is a true pioneer to me. The first time I saw Desmond perform was at a free Juilliard show during our junior year at LAG. He made every step look effortless and moved like water. I sat in awe during his pieces and thought about how he would be one of the ‘special ones’ to make it in the dance industry.
Keep up the great job!
Thanks Sherene! Desmond is truly a joy to watch. Thanks for the comment!!!
Truly inspiring….Desmond has been that and more to me and so many others for years.
thank you Armando & Desmond!
Thanks Lonnie! 🙂
I have been inspired by Desmond for over twenty, from Ailey to now and have had the pleasure of working behind the scenes with Complexions and have our young people work with him in various instances. Desmond is an incredible Being. This article, although short, is VERY inspiring. Desmond is such a humble and fearless man. I appreciate Desmond’s work ethics, genuine ability to get the best out of people, his artistry and more. Thank you for this article Armando. Desmond lots of love and respect to you.
Thank YOU Shaumba for reading!!! It is so nice to see the response from all of you. I know now that I am not alone 🙂
I still retail my first time of ending up in a warm up class with Desmond and we were at the barre and doing a ponche. He was behind me and I no real clue of who he was, but something red flashed in my field of vision and I thought it was hanging from the ceiling as I checked out my line. When we turned and I was facing his back I looked down and saw he had on red warming socks/booties and it all fell into place. His leg was at such an angle that it caught my attention and I was floored. I have been a fan every since. And I’m always awe struck to watch him create and move, thanks for the interview.
Thanks for Sharing Michael. I can Imagine seeing that Leg! Hahahaha! That’s Desmond!!!!
My granddaughter has had the pleasure of meeting and dancing for Mr Richardson. He is remarkable!
Remarkable is a great word to describe Desmond! hahaha! Thanks for sharing!
I love reading about Desmond. He is such a gem! His humility is his longevity. He is in the book of Dance icons. Love the article. Its so HIM. concise, spoken with a smile, passion & reverence.
Thank you Andrea! I agree that his humility and passion is what makes him great!!! Thank you for your comment 🙂
Desmond you are soooooooooooooooooooo AMAZING!!!
Love youuuuuuuuuuuu..
Thanks for commenting! 🙂
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Desmond affect the environment since he was about 15 years old and it has stopped. Gifted by God and a sure force of nature… and that’s just his dancing! His heart is HUGE and gives and gives and gives and gives….
DW
CORRECTION: has NOT stopped
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Desmond affect the environment since he was about 15 years old and it HAS NOT stopped. Gifted by God and a sure force of nature… and that’s just his dancing! His heart is HUGE and gives and gives and gives and gives….
DW
Thanks for sharing David! Desmond is still affecting my enviornment! I dont think it will stop 🙂
I met Desmond in Rome in 2005 in one of his performance. He accepted to talk with me in order to help me for my thesis regarding OTHELLO. He is a very special person as well as a unique dancer.
Thank you to be like this.
Marta
Never too busy to help! I live that 🙂 Thanks For sharing Marta!
I remember seeing Desmond in Revelations and Othello. I believe that I saw him on Broadway in Fosse as well. He’s not someone you could forget, an absolute joy to watch.
Sometimes it’s hard to watch anyone else! I love that you read these Fran! Thank you for your comment!