She went from Biology to Bombay Dreams and now she’s In the Heights.  For all University bound dancers who think that you can’t do both dance AND another degree, take a lesson from Stephanie Klemons and see how it’s done.

What’s your motto for “drive” in this industry?
Don’t try to walk through closed doors.  Go through the door that’s wide open.  When I first moved to NY, I had trouble getting cast in musical theater.  I was going out for Caucasian roles (I’m Jewish), and I wasn’t right for them.  So, I went on an audition for the South Asian/Indian based Bombay Dreams, and got cast immediately!  Now I’m working with the all-Latino show In The Heights.  I’ve learned about the subtle humor, and the vibrancy, while immersing myself in cultures other than my own.

In The Heights is…
Hard work, but I love it.  I’m the ‘swing’, which means I jump into a number of roles on any given night.  It's like seeing the block you grew up on from your neighbor's window.  You recognize the streets, but it's a little different.  Your ego must be checked at the stage door.

The hardest obstacle you overcame was…
In college.  A recurring foot injury came just in time for final exams, which as a dance major, involve rigorous rehearsals and performances.  I didn’t take time off because that would’ve meant staying in school an extra year.  I danced on my broken foot, did a lot of physical therapy, and finished the year.  It never fully healed.  Two years later, I was on the 1st National Tour of Bombay Dreams, and the injury returned in full force.  There was no way I was quitting the gig, so I found a doctor who guided me over the phone to do my own examinations!

Better now?
4 months later... I had a healed foot!  It's been good ever since (knock on wood).

Where do you take class?
BDC. They have the best teachers that are still working.  When I’m doing a show, I only go once or twice a month because my body needs a rest.  When I’m not doing a show, I’m there 3-5 times a week.

If any dancer in the world could sponsor you, who would it be?
Isadora Duncan.  She danced from the heart.  Present day: Luis Salgado, because he dances from the heart.

What’s your ultimate dream?
To win a Tony, and to use my status in the industry to affect positive transformation.

My dance “thing” is…
Versatility.  I pick up styles quickly and act like I've done them for years.

What’s going to be your claim to fame?
In college, I double majored in Genetics/Microbio Research and Modern Dance (with a minor in Psychology).  I even took the MCATS and got into medical school.  I do enjoy science, but now I can run to NYC with reckless abandon and pursue my childhood dream.  My knowledge of science and medicine, along with my understanding of show biz, will allow me to be inventive.

What songs are on your iPod right now?
I really like new age music, but I also have lots of show tunes, and Beyonce’s "Single Ladies".

What’s your advice to aspiring gendance readers?
Marion Seldes recently said, "I don't have any advice. I don't want advice, and I don't give advice".   If she can't give advice, then I don't think I'm in any position.  But I can offer my experience.  I never stop putting energy into the “stationary mouse wheel”, even when it feels like it’s going nowhere.  The friction never escapes and eventually there’s a spark.  Then, you're off!

This is one of our best interviews yet.  Stephanie Klemons, congrats!  gendance IS the NEXT generation of dance icons.  Know someone that belongs here?  We wanna know them too!  Email trendme@gendance.com and tell us who you want covered.  (psst…you can request yourself)