111: Joffrey for All — Raymond Rodriguez

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Raymond Rodriguez, Abbott Academy Director at</span> <a href="https://joffrey.org/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Joffrey Ballet</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. Raymond, a New York City native, was trained at the American Ballet Theater on full scholarship and eventually led a high-profile career at the Cleveland Ballet. Upon retirement from the stage, Rodriguez moved into a dance education career with The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to his dance work, Raymond is a Screen Actors Guild member and has appeared in films and TV shows such as</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Rent</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">,</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Smurfs</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Dancing with the Stars</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As academy director, Raymond is looking to make dance more accessible for all. In his own words, ballet “enthralled” Rodriguez only after participating in the art form for six months. And, now, Raymond is hoping to share this joy with everyone. On the podcast, Raymond shares his own story and discusses his vision to make dance a more open, inclusive, and collaborative art form.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"How do we make our academy inclusive for all? It's by communication — making all feel welcome. As I said earlier, Joffrey for all."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I see our academy working on making dance accessible to all."</span><span style= "font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Always study as a student, even if you are a professional. Work as a student. And expose yourself to all facets of the art form... Be curious... Don't just think that a dance education is studying the art form of dance physically.