Caili Quan offers insight into her upcoming world premiere 🎥 Figments of Song at BalletX Winter Series, Feb. 12-16, 2025.
What does it mean to you to return to BalletX and continue to contribute to the company’s legacy as a choreographer?
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to dance at BalletX for the majority of my career. Getting to watch choreographers work and being a part of so many world premieres as a dancer really opened my eyes to the creative process. Every time I come back, I feel like I have the space to push myself and I try to find a different way in to making dances. BalletX will always feel like home to me.
Your new work is inspired by music from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Can you share what drew you to this era of music and how it influences the piece?
When I was younger there were a few CDs that lived in my Mom’s car. Half were AM Gold CDs and the other half were Billboard CDs all of which had hits from across the decades. All of these songs were played in a loop on the way to school and on the way to dance. My Mom loved the music, so now I love it too.
Who’s on your playlist?
Mickey Baker, Ray Charles, Brenda Lee, The Drifters, Nat King Cole, Bobby Day, Wayne Newton, and Billie Holiday.
Are there any surprises or unplanned moments that have found their way into your new work?
My daughter makes her way into my work all the time. She inspires me and it brings me joy to sneak pieces of her into the process.
What do you hope audiences feel or take away when they watch this work?
There’s a natural sense of nostalgia and familiarity in these classic hits. I hope this work makes you want to move and dance with the ones you love.
Looking back, what’s a moment in your choreographic journey that has challenged or transformed the way you create?
I retired from BalletX and transitioned into choreography during the pandemic. Thinking back on those feelings makes me grateful for every opportunity to connect and collaborate with artists.
And what’s one dance move or style that you wish everyone would bring back?
There are so many great dance moves and styles, I can’t pick just one.
Read: Gratitude and Growth in Step: Choreographing a dancing journey with Caili Quan – Broad Street Review
