THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: J for Enrique Cruz deJESUS and Keerati JINAKUNWIPHAT
Enrique Cruz deJesus
Biography
Enrique Cruz DeJesus trained at Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company under founders Ronn Pratt and Andy Torres while simultaneously studying at the Darvash School of Ballet and Dance Theater of Harlem. He has danced with Eleo Pomare, Talley Beatty, Gary DeLoatch, Martial Roumain and George Faison. A skilled choreographer, singer, actor and teacher in theater, film and concert dance, he was named Artistic Director of Alpha Omega in 1998. He has had a hand in some of the world's most beloved productions, from Dreamgirls to Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita to Miss Saigon. Most recently, he directed Julia de Burgos: Child of Water, a play by Carmen Rivera and performed by Alpha Omega. Follow the company on Instagram at @alphaomegadance.nyc.
Image captions & credits: Cover image and headshot of Enrique Cruz deJesus courtesy of the artist.
Keerati Jinakunwiphat
Biography
Keerati Jinakunwiphat counts the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and Springboard Danse Montreal among her alma maters. She has danced with Kyle Abraham, Nicole von Arx, Trisha Brown, Jasmine Ellis, Hannah Garner, Shannon Gillen, Andrea Miller, Kevin Wynn, and Doug Varone, presented her own choreographic works at countless dance festivals, from the American Dance Guild Festival to Battery Dance Festival, and been commissioned to set and create dances too. In 2021, she graced the cover of Dance Magazine as part of its ‘25 to Watch’ list. Follow her on Instagram at @thekeeratikid.
Image captions & credits: Cover image of Keerati Jinakunwiphat by Alexander Diaz | ATA; dancing shot by Alice Chacon.
What made you decide to enter this profession?
deJesus:
I was a cook at a steakhouse where I made a friend, with whom I would go clubbing. He noticed I could do a few things on the dance floor and asked if I had ever been to a dance class. He invited me to my first formal dance class.
Jinakunwiphat:
I think I always knew I would do something creative and physical. I enjoy the training and discovery within the art form, and I think sharing space with others in the way we do can be such a transcendent and necessary experience.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and why?
deJesus:
The artistic director of the company from my first dance class was instrumental in my life. I trained with him, became a dancer in the company with his guidance, and now I serve in the very same role.
Jinakunwiphat:
My family. I am grateful to be built with and supported by so much love. How they move in the world has showed me how to dedicate and care for my craft and community.
I can always rely on __________ to cheer up.
deJesus:
I can always rely on my partner to cheer me up.
Jinakunwiphat:
Those closest to me! And a good home cooked meal.
I practice self-care by __________.
deJesus:
I practice self-care by exercising, singing, walking, and reading.
Jinakunwiphat:
Spending some alone time, decompressing, sitting in gratitude, getting fresh air, sun or water, listening to music, and stretching or doing Pilates or yoga.
Pets or plants. Either way, why and what kind?
deJesus:
Plants — they provide a sense of calmness, and only need soil, water and sunshine.
Jinakunwiphat:
Plants. Money trees. Also bamboo and snake plants.
Cooking or eating out? Either way, what is your favorite meal?
deJesus:
Cooking first. But also eating out followed by long walks. I love orecchiette with broccolini.
Jinakunwiphat:
Both! Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of buss up dinners from a Trinidadian spot in my neighborhood.
If you could relive the past or catch a glimpse of the future, which would you pick and why?
deJesus:
The past because it’s exciting to reflect. Better to see the future as it forms.
Jinakunwiphat:
I prefer to be present so I don’t mess up the timeline, but if I had to, I would pick a moment from the past; childhood, most likely. I would pick a family vacation, especially in a time before the passing of some relatives. It felt like we had more time to spend then and be together all at once, and I would want the perspective of my younger self.
What is your personal approach to handling challenging people or situations?
deJesus:
Staying levelheaded, being calm, listening, and trying to work things out as best as I can.
Jinakunwiphat:
Giving grace and finding patience, but also setting boundaries when needed.
How has your personal life changed since the pandemic?
deJesus:
It became clear that you only live once, so it’s best to stay creative. I looked forward to creating even when it felt like the world was falling apart.
Jinakunwiphat:
I really began to step into myself during that time. Something in the quiet of stillness allowed for clarity, simplicity and healing that has helped me transform and grow.
How has your art or approach towards art changed since the pandemic?
deJesus:
I vowed to keep learning about my art, try new things, and to give others a platform.
Jinakunwiphat:
A constant practice of gratitude for my craft and livelihood. Also, an expanded curiosity for other forms of art, practices, and identity.
What is the last show you saw and loved?
deJesus:
For dance, the Martha Graham Dance Company.
For music, the band at the Olive Tree Café on Mondays.
Jinakunwiphat:
Where The Mountain Meets the Sea at New York City Center.
What is your pre-performance (as a spectator or a performer) ritual?
deJesus:
Stay in the moment. Being thankful because the arts are what I do.
Jinakunwiphat:
I might throw on my toe spacers on for a bit. Drink water and maybe have some warm, green tea. Use the restroom and refresh and moisturize my face. Then probably activate my core in some way before stepping on stage.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall for this moment in dance history: __________.
deJesus:
The year 1972: a time when there were risks and passion, and dance had political and historical context.
Jinakunwiphat:
The birth of house dance/music in Chicago.
I have / have had the most fun performing __________’s choreography or trying out this genre of dance _____________.
deJesus:
Talley Beatty’s choreography and the works of Eleo Pomare.
Jinakunwiphat:
Kyle Abraham’s choreography.
Is there a book, podcast or TV program you recommend to others and why?
deJesus:
Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss and the YouTube program NDE (Near Death Experiences) because it makes you think about the life you are living.
Jinakunwiphat:
Lately I’ve been watching Dave on Hulu. Would recommend for any artist chasing their dream. It’s goofy but also moving and nuanced.
This city or country is the best place I have ever been to for art: __________.
deJesus:
New York is the best city I have ever been to for art. Many types of art, many cultural experiences, and many places to explore, hands down.
Jinakunwiphat:
New York City.
Which social media app are you most drawn to?
deJesus:
None for me personally, but for my organization, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Jinakunwiphat:
Instagram.
What advice do you have for young people in your field?
deJesus:
Keep experiencing life, learn about what is happening in the world, and create something truthful.
Jinakunwiphat:
Continue to spend time getting to learn and know yourself, as it can result in more growth and authenticity in your work.
And be kind and compassionate towards others — lead with love.
How can we amplify the voices of overlooked and deserving artists?
deJesus:
Provide them with a platform, share your experiences with them. Show them that they can find value in the past in this field and that the journey is always the lesson.
Jinakunwiphat:
By speaking the names of these artists in spaces they may not have access to yet.
By using our different platforms to recommend, encourage, and uplift our fellow artists.
How do you spread enthusiasm about dance?
deJesus:
You have to love it. You have to believe you’re for it — for good, bad, or indifference. Allow the growth.
Jinakunwiphat:
By sharing experiences, supporting artists, shows and events, and letting it be known that dance can be for everybody!
