Larry Keigwin

I met Larry in a shower. We were both naked and being painted blue….

Just kidding… we weren’t naked. We were wearing thong dance belts. Larry and I were both soloists in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of “Samson et Dalila”. Along with Julian Barnett, Jonathan Alsberry and Lakendrick Carter. We had a blast! We laughed so much during rehearsals and performances, too!

We would come hours before the show to be painted. Blue, cold paint from head to toe. This is the time we would catch up. I remember this was around the early times of Larry’s company. He talked about it with such passion. After the paint dried, we would put on our costumes and run to the stage. I know I don’t have to say this but…The Metropolitan Opera stage is huge. We danced on a gigantic moving pillar in the center of the stage surrounded by the chorus. The pillar was tall… and not much light of course. What an intense moment. The public looks so far away, you can’t make out faces, just little heads. A lot of little heads. For our premiere, we had the honor of sharing the stage with Plácido Domingo! He played the role of Samson. We even had a few special moments where we had to attack him on stage! Jonathan even jumped on his back! I loved it. I am laughing just remembering these moments.

Even though this was the early years of Larry’s company, I knew of Larry’s work as a choreographer before I met him. He was shocked when I told him that. What was interesting for me, was to discover him as a dancer. As a mover he was athletic and fluid. He definitely kept me on my toes in rehearsal. Larry was also very supportive, a great colleague in the studio. We all got along so well together and we danced well together, too. Over the years I got to see more of Larry’s work. I could see so much of him in his work. It is filled with humor, passion, and great movement vocabulary full of surprises.

Larry Keigwin is a native New Yorker and graduate from Hofstra University, where he received a BA in Dance. He founded KEIGWIN + COMPANY in 2003 and as Artistic Director, Larry has lead the company as it has performed at theaters and dance festivals throughout New York City and across the country.

In addition to his work with K+C, recent commissions include Works & Process at the Guggenheim, The Juilliard School, The New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, and The Martha Graham Dance Company, among many others. In 2010, Larry was named the Vail International Dance Festival’s first artist in residence, during which time he created and premiered a new work with four of ballet’s most prominent stars.

In 2010, he staged the opening event of Fashion Week: “Fashion’s Night Out: The Show,” which was produced by Vogue and featured over 150 of the industry’s top models. In 2011, Larry choreographed the new musical Tales of the City, at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, as well as the new off-Broadway production of RENT, now running at New World Stages. Larry received the Joe A. Callaway Award for his choreography in RENT in 2011. Larry most recently created a new ballet with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in February 2012.

Larry’s other choreographic credits include work with the pop band Fischerspooner, comedian Murray Hill, and as an associate choreographer for both The Radio City Rockettes and the Off-Broadway musical The Wild Party. Larry has also created Keigwin Kabaret, a fusion of modern dance, vaudeville, and burlesque presented by the Public Theater at Joe’s Pub and by Symphony Space. He is a co-founder of the Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, a multi-disciplinary festival designed to increase cultural opportunities in the region, as well as provide creative residencies to young, emerging choreographers. Larry is also a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society.

Years have gone by, I have moved to Europe and I still follow Larry’s successes. Thank you Larry for your inspiration.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

That would be a hell yes. I was dancing out of the womb.

Larry’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

I actually love vegetables. I really enjoy Thai food, spicy foods and every once in a while I love a great hamburger with fries.

Favorite Books?

Of Mice and Men and Catcher in the Rye.

Favorite Movies?

Wow – I see a lot of movies but my favorite might be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the original).

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

I always like the shows I saw as a kid – the first time I went to the theater, I loved Peter Pan because the flying and of course Cats because of all the dancing.

I like dancers who…

…take risks while performing, dancers with give 100% and make it look easy.

I am afraid of…

…being judged.

A dance piece should…

…should create a world and take you on a ride.

Something you like to do other your current job?

I like to be active in nature – hike, kayak, ski, take a walk through a park. I also like art projects and designing gifts for friends.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

I am happy whenever I am spending quality time with family and friends.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

When I created a ballet for the Royal New Zealand ballet.

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

Flying across the stage in a Broadway show as a Gargoyle without my mask on.

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

I am inspired by all the dancers and choreographers I have had the opportunity to work with – in particular Mark Dendy is a choreographer who has been an incredible mentor. Mark not only encouraged me to be the best dancer I could be, but he continues to support my work as a choreographer.

One of the hardest things about your job?

Not getting discouraged.

Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

Yes, I have many goals that I still want to achieve – some big, like choreographing a film and some small like losing 5lbs.

A question you want to know the answer to?

How do dancers stay inspired to take class every day?

Dear aspiring artists,

A mistake may be an opportunity in disguise.

–Larry Keigwin

Photo Journal

Photo By Tom Gasper. Featuring Larry Keigwin and Nicole Wolcott

Photo by Matt Murphy. Featuring Ashley Browne

Photo by Matt Murphy. Featuring Kile Hotchkiss

Photo by Whitney Browne. Featuring Matt Baker and Gary Schaufeld

Photo by Matt Murphy. Featuring Emily Schoen and Kile Hotchkiss

More info on Larry at www.larrykeigwin.com. Have you seen Larry’s work ? Share your stories in the comments below!