Dance Mogul Exclusive Interview…
Dance Mogul Q + A:
Dance Mogul: How did you fall in love with dance?
Cameron Basden: I think I loved dance from the moment I entered a dance studio as a young student. I loved the work, the discipline, and the rewards of overcoming challenges – and mostly, I loved what could be created, seeing the beauty of movement, and how different dancers manifested their artistry. Dance Now! Miami is a great example of why I continue to love dance. Reconstructing “The Relativity of Icarus” which is so athletic, so physical and visual, and then doing a Limon piece or new choreography – something perhaps so different. That diversity in possibilities is what I loved – and what I still love. I love how ballet and neo-classical dance have united in today’s time.
Dance Mogul: Who were some of your early inspirations?
Cameron Basden: There were so many. The early ballerinas – Olga Spessivtseva, Tamara Karsavina – all the Diaghilev dancers, Nijinsky, Nijinska! What stories there were! As I matured and expanded my parameters, it was Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, John Cranko, Sir Frederick Ashton, and Pina Bausch..… I love how the dance community has continued to grow, change, and evolve – looking ahead as it looks back.
Dance Mogul: What are the responsibilities of being in a position like Artistic Director?
Cameron Basden: I think it depends much on what organization you are AD of. A dance organization, such as DNM carries very different responsibilities than Miami Dance Hub. MDH, where I serve as AD, is a service organization. We are somewhat like the umbrella organization of Southern Florida, working virtually and live to promote all dance organizations, offering resources, training information, health and wellness, and networking. As Director, I implement services and events as well as oversee what we do – and I have a wonderful team and board to help me.
Dance Mogul: What have been some of your favorite moments dance has brought you?
Cameron Basden: I think probably traveling the world and meeting wonderful people have been one of the highlights of my career. With the Joffrey Ballet, we did Nijinsky’s amazing “Le Sacre Du Printemps” in the Théater Des Champs-Élysées in Paris where it was originally and scandalously premiered! The Theatre of Dionysus in Athens just down from the Acropolis where we did “L’Apres Midi D’un Faune” was magical. And meeting Maya Plisetskaya at an airport in Europe – who would have thought? And probably the most notable was dancing and rehearsing with Rudolph Nureyev who was one of the hardest-working, most disciplined dancers I’ve ever seen. The Joffrey had galas in LA that always included many ‘stars – it was very exciting for a young dancer! I think now, as répétiteur, working with companies and dancers is my ultimate favorite – continuing a legacy. I am so excited to be working with DNM on Icarus, the wonderful dancers – and to see “Icarus’ be brought to life.
Dance Mogul: Tell us about the dance scene in Miami, like concerts, commercials, and the streets.
Cameron Basden: Miami has a hugely vibrant and colorful dance scene. I think many people don’t realize the wealth of talent, the many genres of dance, and the many opportunities there are to see all of this dance. I think the word is getting out that Miami is not just a beach and party city – but there is a huge and growing dance and art community that exists here and people are seeing it and wanting it.
Dance Mogul: What advice do you have for the upcoming generation of dancers?
Cameron Basden: I think the best advice is to learn, listen, experience, and work at your craft. In today’s world, the parameters are very wide and you really never know what the expectations will be, so be ready. But as in anything – it takes work and focuses.
Dance Mogul: Tell us about your current projects.
Cameron Basden: At MDH, we’re presently working on Miami Dances, a three-day event May 19-21, 2023 of two multi-genre performances and master classes. Visit www.miamidancehub.com to learn more!!!! We really want to celebrate dance in Southern Florida and culminate the dance season with joy and inspiration.
I’m also working with the Arpino Foundation for the Arpino Centennial Celebration in September of 2023 in Chicago. Visit https://arpinofoundation.org/ to learn more. I’ve been staging many ballets as part of this Centennial, and the Icarus” project with DNM is actually part of the two-year celebration of staging ballets.
Dance Mogul: What would you like your legacy to be in dance?
Cameron Basden: I hope my legacy in dance is that I inspired and educated dancers and audiences to see what the possibilities in dance can be – as an artist, as a technician, and as a performer.
Dance Mogul: As a teacher, why is dance education more important than ever?
Cameron Basden: The dance world is so expansive and we have access more than ever to knowledge. All of that information comes into play for every piece you do as a dancer, how you live your life, and how you interact with others We also know so much about our bodies and our health. So necessary. A dance career is not a long one – and there are now so many aspects as to exactly what encompasses a career. The more you know, the better prepared, acclimated, and fulfilled you will be.
Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you on your journey?
Cameron Basden: How much time do you have? That would be a very long and growing list……Gerald Arpino/Robert Joffrey from the Joffrey Ballet where I spent much of my career and now where I serve as répétiteur for the Arpino Foundation. My colleagues continue to be a source of guidance, my first instructor, Nathalie Krassovska who started me on this awesome journey, my wife and supporter who has the ultimate patience for my escapades, and my family who have always been great supporters. I give thanks to so many people……that list is huge!
WHAT:
Dance NOW! Miami Program III
WHEN:
Thursday, May 11 at 8:00 pm in Lake Worth
Friday, May 12 at 8:00 pm in Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, May 13 at 8:00 pm in Aventura
WHERE:
Duncan Theatre 4200 S Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, FL
ADMISSION:
For Duncan and Aventura, $50 for reserved seating, and $20 for students with valid ID. For Broward, $50 for reserved seating, $20 for students with valid ID, and an early bird special of $25 for all until April 1. Advance tickets for all venues at www.dancenowmiami.org/events/program3.
FOR MORE INFO:
(305) 975-8489 or info@dancenowmiami.org
