THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: S for Sue SAMUELS and Ingrid SILVA
Sue Samuels
Biography
Sue Samuels made dance history by establishing JoJo’s Dance Factory, which later became NYC's Broadway Dance Center, together with the late JoJo Smith. In 2009, she founded Jazz Roots Dance to preserve and promote original repertoire from JoJo’s Dance Factory while continuing to develop her own choreographic voice that is rooted in classic jazz. The dancer, choreographer and educator has received countless awards for her many contributions to both the Jazz and Tap dance world, from the Dance Teacher Award (2018), the Legacy Award (2021) from Dancers Over 40, and a special Proclamation from the City Council of New York (2022), and serves on the Bessie Awards committee. A more complete bio is available here. Follow Jazz Roots Company on Instagram at @jazzrootsdancecompany.
Image captions & credits: Cover image of Sue Samuels courtesy of the artist | Headshot of the artist by Melissa Hamburg.
Ingrid Silva
Biography
Ingrid Silva has made waves in the dance world for her inspiring ascent from the Dançando Para Não Dançar, a social project in the Mangueira slum in Brazil, to becoming a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in NYC. She is also known for making a statement by hand-painting her pink pointe shoes to match her natural complexion; a pair of said shoes are currently exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C. Silva was the first African Brazilian to grace the covers of Pointe Magazine, created Latina-run organization podHER, and co-founded Blacks in Ballet, which aims to share stories about black ballet dancers. A more complete bio is available here. Follow her on Instagram at @ingridsilva.
Image captions & credits: Cover image of Ingrid Silva courtesy of the artist | Headshot of the artist by Luiza Tojer.
What made you decide to enter this profession?
Samuels:
When I was just 3 years old, my parents brought our first TV into the house. I saw a ballerina dancing across the screen on her toes and said, "I want to do that!" Dance is all I ever wanted to do.
Silva:
A suggestion of an audition by a neighboor who lived nearby us in Brazil.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and why?
Samuels:
My early influences were my ballet teacher in Florida, Barbara Rassel of the Broward Ballet. Then, as I became more aware of other styles of dance, I was influenced by Gwen Verdon. I even dyed my hair red!
Silva:
My mother. She has always believed in me and been my biggest supporter!
I can always rely on __________ to cheer up.
Samuels:
I can always rely on dance to cheer up! No matter how low I am feeling, I always feel better after dancing!
Silva:
My favorite music.
I practice self-care by __________.
Samuels:
Following a healthy diet and doing special exercises to fight for strength in my hips, back, legs and arms as I age.
Silva:
Going on nature walks.
Pets or plants. Either way, why and what kind?
Samuels:
I have no pets at this time. In the past, I had birds, fish and dogs.
I have lots of beautiful plants; I love caring for them and seeing them grow,
Silva:
Pets / Dogs. I love my French bulldog Frida Kahlo.
Cooking or eating out? Either way, what is your favorite meal?
Samuels:
I used to cook or prepare three meals a day for my two children and myself. Now, I am not so inspired! But I do make healthy food for myself every few days.
I do enjoy eating out as a special treat occasionally, and enjoy a variety of food from different countries or regions, such as Mexican, Mediterranean and Thai.
Silva:
Both! My favorite dish to cook is Brazilian feijoada and I love sushi.
If you could relive the past or catch a glimpse of the future, which would you pick and why?
Samuels:
I wouldn't choose either one! I remember my rich experiences from the past, seeing how dance has changed over the years. I am trying to "go with the flow" and live in the moment.
Silva:
The future for sure, because it is unknown and we look towards the future so much.
What is your personal approach to handling challenging people or situations?
Samuels:
That's a good question! I suppose there are a variety of ways to do this depending on the situation.
I am trying to be a good person by not creating challenging situations or being a challenging person myself.
Silva:
I always analyze the situation and why it’s happening. I have to have a lot patience because that’s the key.
How has your personal life changed since the pandemic?
Samuels:
So much and in almost every way! Just like everyone, I stayed home. But I appreciate technology and began to teach my classes from my living room on Zoom. This allowed many people who do not live in my area to attend my classes.
Now, I am back in the studio with a much more cut-back schedule. My classes continue to also be hybrid, so as to allow my international students to attend.
Silva:
Completely different. We have welcomed a new family member ever since, our daughter Laura.
How has your art or approach towards art changed since the pandemic?
Samuels:
It has caused my dance company Jazz Roots Dance to disperse. So I am not regularly choreographing pieces as I was for many years.
Now, since the passing of JoJo Smith, the creator of the classic jazz dance style I emulate, my family and I have decided to make a film documentary of Jo Jo Smith's life and outstanding jazz dance style.
Silva:
After my daughter was born, I became a different dancer than I was before — more powerful in every way.
What is the last show you saw and loved?
Samuels:
I have seen MJ the Musical, which I really loved, but because I am a "classic" girl.
I really loved Some Like It Hot, which is also a classic-style Broadway show.
Silva:
BAAND Together at Lincoln Center. I was so inspired by all the ballet companies who performed at the show.
What is your pre-performance (as a spectator or a performer) ritual?
Samuels:
To be on time at a venue and to warm-up!
Silva:
I just like to have my alone time and pray. Connect with myself.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall for this moment in dance history: __________.
Samuels:
Seeing Katherine Dunham (1909 - 2006) create one of her iconic pieces.
Silva:
Virginia Johnson's first perfomance of Creole Gisele in London in 1984.
I have / have had the most fun performing __________’s choreography or trying out this genre of dance _____________.
Samuels:
I have had so much fun performing the choreography of JoJo Smith, as it is so musical and rhythmic and allowed me to grow in my dance expression so much.
Silva:
Ulysses Dove's choreography in Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven.
Is there a book, podcast or TV program you recommend to others and why?
Samuels:
I was recently interviewed for a podcast called JAM (Joe and Michelle's Podcast).
As for books, I enjoy reading about innovators of dance — especially jazz! — and books that can help me to grow metaphysically; think Jazz Dance and You Can Change Your Life.
Silva:
I love podHER interviews, which is one of my projects.
This city or country is the best place I have ever been to for art: __________.
Samuels:
There are many wonderful cities or countries that are rich in the arts, but my all time favorite is New York City! After all, I love Broadway!
Silva:
Paris.
Which social media app are you most drawn to?
Samuels:
I am weak in the technology area and I don't use social media apps much... Maybe Instagram?
Silva:
Instagram and Spotify.
What advice do you have for young people in your field?
Samuels:
Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. This is your true calling and you will always be happy doing that.
Silva:
Always believe in your gift. Challenges will appear, but believe in the way.
How can we amplify the voices of overlooked and deserving artists?
Samuels:
By including them in our projects and by acknowledging them.
Silva:
By sharing their stories and giving them a platform. By starting them off with opportunity.
How do you spread enthusiasm about dance?
Samuels:
I see everyone who wants to dance as a potential dancer! I encourage them to keep dancing and have fun doing it.
I keep my dance company Jazz Roots Dance alive. I want future dancers to see how beautiful it is.
Silva:
I share enthusiasm about dance by performing or speaking. Being on stage is blessing.
