Artist Spotlight: Dancer Nick Fearon
Nick Fearon began dancing in his hometown of San Antonio, TX. Upon graduation from the North East School of the Arts Nick attended and graduated from Point Park University earning his BFA in dance. At Point Park Nick had the opportunity to perform works choreographed by David Parsons, Lar Lubovitch, Mark Morris, and Jose Limon. While studying at Point Park University Nick danced with Texture Contemporary Ballet. Following graduation Nick has danced professionally with Parsons Dance, Ballet Hispanico, BHdos, RWS Entertainment, Frankie Grande and Step One Dance Company. While dancing with these companies Nick has traveled all around the world performing on stages in Italy, Norway, Latvia, Canada, Serbia, Germany and all throughout the United States. While on tour Nick has also had the opportunity teaching many master classes in these countries and communities. Nick has been the director of the contemporary and jazz dance program at the Dance Center of San Antonio in Texas and is currently pursuing his Masters in Arts Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
Meet the Artist: Q & A
When did you start dancing, and how did you initially get involved in dance?
I started dancing at the age of 10. I got involved in dance through my mom and my sister who were both dancers. My mom was actually the instructor for my sisters high school dance team so I would go to rehearsals with them since I was a baby and have just always been around dance.
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in San Antonio, TX and I now live in New York City.
What's your favorite part about being a professional dancer?
I love how rewarding the challenge can be. It is a tough industry to be a part of but the experiences and memories I have gained through this career have been worth every ounce of hard work put into becoming a professional dancer.
What companies and/or productions have you danced in?
Parsons Dance, Ballet Hispanico, Step One Dance Company
What's something people may not know about being a professional dancer?
The community you create through the dance world is a community that is small but can have life long relationships through it.
Do you have a favorite role or dance work to perform?
My favorite work to perform was the ballet Carmen by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano. It is the traditional story of Carmen but done through a contemporary lens and being able to perform a full evening length ballet with Gustavos unique and challenging choreography was an experience I'll cherish forever.
Tell us about an onstage experience you will never forget?
Any time I have a final performance with a company or production I always love having those connections on stage and the acknowledgement of the other dancers while on stage that have a more true feeling to them because it is the last time you will perform with them in that context.
Any funny onstage stories?
In college I was doing a production of Romeo and Juliet and we were using stage prop fencing swords for the major fight scenes throughout the show. During the closing show I was on stage as Tybalt and mid sparing my fencing sword broke off from the handle, flew into the audience and grazed by an audience member who happened to be one of my friends. Luckily my friend was ok and someone handed me another sword to continue the scene but the panic of that moment I will never forget.
Watch Nick perform with the Traverse City Dance Project on their five-stop tour this summer. Consider sponsoring Nick or another TCDP artist!
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Have you been to Northern Michigan before? What are you most looking forward to this summer as part of the Traverse City Dance Project?
I got a brief introduction to Northern Michigan for a few days during the Traverse City Dance Project Happy Hour this past May. I am most looking forward to the dancing of course but also to the beauty that I've heard so much about within Northern Michigan. I love anything that has to do with the outdoors so I am very excited to take advantage of all of the outdoor activities Northern Michigan has to offer.