WES VELDINK
Advanced Contemporary Jazz
Tuesday & Thursday 7:30pm-9:00pm
Who was your favorite dancer growing up? Who inspired you to be a dancer?
Growing up in a small town in Oregon, I didn't have much exposure to art or dance so I taught myself to dance by watching old movie musicals and MTV.
I was really inspired by such artists as, Bob Fosse, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.
Who would you say is your favorite dancer/choreographer/company now?
DV8, Rubberbandance Group, Batsheva, La La La Human Steps, William Forsythe, and Mats Ek.
Name a living choreographer whose latest work you are always interested in seeing.
I am always excited to see what Ohad Naharin and his company are doing.
What books, movies, music, or works of art have most recently inspired you?
I recently discovered a visual artist named Andy Goldsworthy, who does art installations in nature using only natural materials. He creates sculptures using ice, rock, leaves, branches; and they are only temporary, as the sun, wind or tide eventually takes the organized creation back to it's original state. His art is so inspiring because of his detachment from the work and his ability to make things that are harmonious with the chosen environment. He has a book called Time and a documentary called Rivers and Tides, both of which I highly recommend.
Name an upcoming performance or class (besides your own) that you recommend everyone attend.
Go see the show Fuerza Bruta! and check out Move at www.movethefilm.com
What are your favorite qualities in a dancer?
I especially value imaginative, hard working dancers that have a strong sense of self and a desire for growth and evolution.
Name one thing that no dancer should be without.
No dancer should be without the uncontainable and unexplainable need to tell their story through movement.
Are there any personal or professional updates that you would like the Peridance community to know about?
I just choreographed Gwyneth Paltrow and Leighton Meester in a movie musical called Love Don't Let Me Down, which will be released in the fall. I am currently writing, directing and choreographing a dance short film that will be produced in the South of Italy this summer. I am really excited about this project since portions of it will include underwater choreography.
What do you think of the quality of the Peridance facility, students, and fellow faculty members? What is unique about Peridance?
I love that the rooms don't have poles, which is rare in NYC studios! The students work hard and have great focus. Furthermore, I am honored to be included in such an amazingly talented and diverse faculty.
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