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| Dancer Kristopher Wojtera. Photo courtesy of Louisville Ballet. |
Entire
contents are copyright © 2013 Arts-Louisville. All rights reserved
Born in Poland,
Kristopher graduated from National Ballet School in Gdansk. He danced with the
Polish National Theatre, where he portrayed roles in a variety of classical and
contemporary ballets throughout Europe. Upon moving to the United States, he became
a soloist with Columbia City Ballet (South Carolina). He joined the Louisville
Ballet in 2003 as a first soloist and soon after began performing principal
roles. In 2007, Kristopher was invited to perform Swan Lake with the English National Ballet. He has performed as a
guest artist with the Ballet Theatre Midwest and the Governor’s School for the
Arts in Virginia, among others. Kristopher is honored to have participated in
the National Choreographers Initiative held in Irvine, California, for four
consecutive years. Now a company member of the Louisville Ballet, March 1 and 2 he appears in their production of Romeo
& Juliet.
1.
How long have you been a dancer?
I began studying ballet at the age of 10.
2.
What first influenced you in your choice to dance?
Miss Elizbeta Alabuszew-Kutek, who at the time was
a modern teacher at the Polish National Ballet School, walked into my Gdansk
classroom and handed out flyers to audition for a ballet school. Enthusiastically,
I begged my parents to take me to the audition. I felt this was something
special and I wanted to give it a try. I innocently assumed ballet was
preparation for the circus, so you can imagine my level of confusion and
curiosity during the audition experience. But when I impressed Mr. Kazimierz
Wrzosek in the rhythm tests, a feeling came over me, even at such a young age,
that I had found something special that I could master.
3.
Where have you trained?
Polish National Ballet School in Gdansk, Poland.
4.
How much time do you devote to training each week?
Before a 90-minute ballet class I take a yoga
class, work out at my home gym, or do exercises on the Pilates machine. My
rehearsal day runs from 11:15 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. five to six days a week. That may
vary depending on our rehearsal schedule leading up to a performance.
5.
What has been your favorite role?
Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.
6.
Is there a dream role you are hoping to do?
Petite Mort by Jiri Kylian.
7.
What inspires you?
Motivation. I love when someone helps me achieve
more than I ever thought I could.
8.
What do you think is missing in the Louisville dance scene?
More performances and greater awareness; I feel Louisville Ballet has a lot to offer to the community. But we
need community support to be at the forefront of the dance scene in Louisville.
We have a strong classical repertoire and very attractive contemporary
abilities. I would like to see Louisville Ballet have more opportunities to
show off all of its talents.
9.
As a performer, do you prefer classical or modern?
I feel great reverence for traditional classical
ballet. But as a classical dancer, I also enjoy the freedom of movement in
contemporary works.
10. What is the most common
misconception about ballet?
That men wear pointe shoes.
11. If you were not a dancer,
what would you be doing instead?
Soccer player or pianist.
12. What is on your iPod now?
Violet Knives.
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| Kristopher Wojtera in Cinderella. Photo courtesy of Louisville Ballet. |
Romeo & Juliet
Choreography by Alun
Jones and Helen Starr
March 1 & 2 @
8:00 p.m.
March 2 @ 2:30 p.m.
Louisville Ballet
The Kentucky Center,
Whitney Hall
501 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-2623
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