Kevin O’Day

Even though I was kind of a slacker in choreography class, I find myself making ballets once or twice a year since I graduated. In 2008 I made a piece called “In Passage” for the 22nd International Competition for Choreographers In Hanover. I was one of the lucky finalist selected to show my piece at the Tanzwelten Festival in Braunschwieg, Germany a few months later.

The original dancers were not available to do the show, so I had to find two dancers fast if I wanted my piece to be shown at the festival. I called my friend Brian McNeal in who is a member of Kevin O’Day Ballett Mannhiem. Brian is a fellow Juilliard graduate and a good friend. Brian and his dance partner Nadege Cotta, agreed to perform at the festival. I was saved! We had only a little time to get it together… I knew I would have to make a trip to Mannhiem. That is where I got to know Kevin.

I have chatted with Kevin a few times before this meeting, but I had never been to his beautiful studios. Kevin was so welcoming. I was there for a few days, and he let me train with the company, watch rehearsals, and work with his dancers. Kevin also taught the morning class one day, which was a treat! He has a great sense of humor, I had such a great time. Lots of good energy.

Kevin has had an amazing career. He has danced with Twyla Tharp, American Ballet Theater, William Forsythe’s Frankfurt Ballet,the New York City Ballet and Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project. In 1994 Mikhail Baryshnikov invited Kevin to choreograph a new work for the White Oak Dance Project, marking his choreographic debut.In 1998, in collaboration with composer John King, Kevin formed his own company called O’Day Dances. Since 2002, Kevin is the artistic director of Kevin O’Day-Ballett Mannheim at the National theater Mannheim in Germany.

Annnd Can you believe, that after all of that hard work setting the duet and finding dancers…….. I could not make it to the Performance, because I had a performance. Unreal. Thank you to Pim Veulings who stepped in to make sure everything went smoothly………Which it did.

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?

A baker and/or a trumpet player. I was always involved in organized sports as well as music.This combination was a good preparation for dance. When I was 17, I saw a film with Edward Villella dancing and that was the hook. He was a great role model for a musical, male athlete to follow in the direction of dance.However the delicate and sometimes complex collaboration between elemental ingredients and their outcome, like baking and playing a sport or a musical instrument, has a connection to the collaborative process of choreography. This was always at the base of what I now see, I was to do.

Kevin’s Favorite Things

 Favorite things to eat?

Besides eating space, the cuisines of Japan , Thailand and India as well as my own cooking.

 Favorite Books?

The Open Door and The Empty Space By Peter Brook and the writing of Philip Roth and Cormac McCarthy. All writers with B!~#S!

 Favorite Movies?

This is VERY HARD to answer Armando. When I think of a great film I think of Besieged by Bernardo Bertolucci. Organic and beautifully constructed.

 Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

This is basically impossible for me to answer. I observe and enjoy art and the wonders of dance from a point of view that considers an artists complete oeuvre.

I like dancers who…

Are open, willing, honest, and who are ready to sweat, sweat and…….and who immerse themselves in their work as well as all aspects of their lives.

I am afraid of…

Not having a choice. (How ever this is not a reality). We always have a choice. What I’m really afraid of is anything that is based on fundamentalist ideas.

A dance piece should…

Endeavor to help  people to feel. JA FEEL!

Something you like to do other than dancing?

Definitely cooking and sharing the  miracles of Mother-natures ingredients and elements with people I love as well as others.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

This moment. As well all the moments that have lead me to this one. Like the birth of my daughters and the awe that this inspires in us.

One of your most unusual or coolest  experiences?

LIFE!

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

One of those slow motion tumbling falls that seem to last forever like you are in some kind of time warp……..

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

OK, well its everyone and everything that has birthed, cradled,fed ,raised,taught, mentored,hired, cast, directed , worked with and loved me. Without this I would not be so fulfilled. I thank them all as often as I can.

One of the hardest things about being a director?

The  fact that Murphy is always around the corner.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully alive.

Three words to describe yourself….

Sturdy,passionate and honest.

A question you want to know the answer to:

I’m really only interested in answers.

Dear aspiring artists,

Show up! I mean REALLY SHOW UP READY!

 –Kevin O ‘Day

Photo Journal

For more information on Kevin, please check out nationaltheater-mannheim.de Have you worked with Kevin? Have you seen his work? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below. Thank YOU for reading!