5. Late 90s / Early Aughts Music Videos
I was born in ’84 so when 1999 rolled around I was fully the age to appreciate TRL [MTV’s Total Request Live]. I would watch TRL every day while doing homework and learning the dances – Janet Jackson, ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, TLC. They spent the time and money on these music videos because they were the best marketing for their music at the time. It’s not quite the same now – I watch so many lazy music videos.
6. Video games
I find video games a real way for me to calm down. If I have time to play it means I have time, which is rare. I often play Super Smash Bros. at ABT in the lounge during my lunch break. I like video games because the structure reminds me of a classical ballet. There are many similar story elements and musical structures, and the main characters tend to be similarly heroic. “The Legend of Zelda” would be such a great ballet. It has everything you want – magic, beauty, great music.
7. Musical numbers from Hollywood’s golden age
I often go to YouTube and watch fabulous dance numbers from Old Hollywood. I love the tap number “Abraham” from “White Christmas”, where Vera-Ellen wears a yellow dress. She has another named “Mandy” who is really great. There’s one with Bob Fosse and Tommy Rall called “Alley Dance” down an alley and it’s that virtuoso kind of “I-can-do-it-better” jazz number. And “Cabaret” is exquisite, tense, perfect.
8. Gay bars
You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s a good thing. Some of my favorites are The Phoenix in the East Village; Holiday Cocktail Lounge, which is not a gay bar per se, but is frequented by gays; and Julius’ in the West Village. In the UK, The Village, GAY is fun, Heaven – these are my clubs.
9. Fire Island Pines
I went to a dance festival at the Pines for the first time in 2017 and every time I go there I meet people who are innovators in their field, free thinkers or just fascinating people with interesting stories. It reminds me of Andy Warhol and his clique – it has the element of all these creatives that come together.
10. Clothing basics
I moved to Boston when I was 18 and as a young person struggled to find a comfy look for myself. I railed against the extreme, collegiate, straightforward look the Bostonians had, so I bought all that junk from H&M and just wore ridiculous, loud, disgusting outfits. But it got to a point where I thought, “Oh my god, I’m exhausted and these clothes are all plastic.” So I turned to simpler clothes to accept that the sound was inside for me. I’m not saying that I don’t like looking noisy every now and then, but I find comfort in loose, relaxed clothing like Levi’s, Converse, Adidas Sambas, plaid LL Bean button-downs, and vintage t-shirts.
