Ballet
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20 Questions with Corps de Ballet Member Josh Hall
17 novembre 2022
Josh Hall. Photo par Karolina Kuras.
The next installment of our “20 Questions” series features Josh Hall, one of 15 new Corps de Ballet members joining The National Ballet of Canada this season. Trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Hall was a member of Charlotte Ballet from 2012 to 2022 and first performed with the National Ballet in juin 2022 as a supplementary dancer in the world premiere of Swan Lake. Welcome Josh!
What inspired you to join The National Ballet of Canada?
The desire to be part of this world-renowned ballet company that is filled with amazing talent and incredible works.
What would you have pursued as a career if you hadn’t chosen ballet?
Something to do with urban development.
What is your work philosophy?
The goal is progress not perfection.
How do you handle criticism?
Criticism to me is all about perspective. It’s never personal and you can decide to take it or leave it.
What's your definition of a successful ballet dancer?
Dancers who bring their own identities to every role they perform.
What’s the best thing about being a dancer?
The ability to express yourself and the freedom that comes with it.
Josh Hall in Company Class. Photo par Aleksandar Antonijevic.
What’s the worst?
The constant pressure on your body.
What music are you listening to right now?
Maggie Rogers and Beyoncé
What do you like to do in your free time?
Being new to Toronto, I love exploring the city.
What are three things most people don't know about you?
- I have nine siblings whose names all start with J too.
- When I was a kid, I took jazz, tap and hip hop.
- I had surgery at 16 to correct my sternum.
What cheers you up on an off day?
A cuddle with my cat Athena.
Do you have any bad habits that you're working on breaking?
I’m trying not to be too hard on myself.
What is your favorite onstage memory?
Flying onstage in Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Peter Pan with Charlotte Ballet.
What is your favourite ballet?
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Christopher Wheeldon.
Josh Hall. Photo par Karolina Kuras.
What's the biggest risk you've taken, either personally or in your career?
I think the biggest risk I’ve taken is pursuing ballet.
Could you name someone who has mentored or inspired you?
First Soloist Spencer Hack’s artistry and work ethic inspires me. He is incredible.
Where would you like to travel, but haven’t yet?
Rome is on my bucket list.
What are you reading right now?
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.
Do you have any performance rituals or superstitions?
I must meditate and do breathwork before every show. I also like to visualize what I’m about to do before going out on stage.
What is your perfect meal?
I love anything breakfast at any time of the day.
Josh Hall. Photo par Karolina Kuras.
Learn more about Josh
