Must Love Kat
This week, gendance is featuring one of the most inspirational ballerinas of our generation. Learn more about the Kat that we see on stage, and the Kat that’s behind the wings. In and out of the ballet studio, she enjoys quality "life" time and that’s why you need to learn from the best. Please put your paws together for Kat Wildish.
So, Kat, where did you learn to dance?
Tampa, Florida. Our school had taken a field trip to the theater to see the ballet "The Little Match Girl”, staring Jinkey Barker. [His] dancing sparked my love of ballet forever. I related to being able to communicate with so many people at once with no words, only dance movements. I rode my bike over two miles to class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings that summer. After that, I was so hooked I knew I wanted to be a ballerina and dance forever. So, my mom found Anzia's School of Ballet (later to become the school of Tampa Civic Ballet & Tampa Ballet) and the rest is history.
Tell us about your performance career...
I started performing big time at the age of 15 when I toured the southern United States as a member of Ballet Gala. I was on stage with icons like Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Cynthia Gregory, and Fernando Bujones. Later, I went on to the School of American Ballet. I am lucky to have danced with both ABT and NYCB. In the years following, I danced as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Nutcrackers in the NY area until I retired from the stage in 2007.
When you were young, who did you look up to?
Melissa Hayden was so matter of fact and practical about attaining your goals and taking risks. Mr. Dick Andros, my great friend and mentor until his passing late last year, also influenced my life, as well as Kaleria Fedicheva, my coach.
Who are your mentors now?
My yoga teacher, Irini Res. She lives a very healthy life style that I aspire to follow. I also admire Tony Morales from Circular Movement in midtown. He teaches me a lot about running a successful biz and I hold private lessons at his studios.
What is your proudest moment?
Oh there are many proud moments. When I go see the Broadway debut of my students, or even just their very first performance. I'm proud when they finally do that double turn they have been working on, I know that great feeling of ‘getting it’. I'm happy when they publish a book they’ve been working on for years. The list is endless. It seems most every week there is a proud moment that will take my breath away.
What is “it” about teaching that gets you?
Seeing students grow in confidence which radiates throughout their lives, and affecting them in positive ways.
Are there any celebrity figures you’ve pointed and flexed with?
Lil Keith studied with me many years ago at Steps. He was a scholarship student and a great young talent. Now you know him as Tyce Diorio on SYTYCD! Long before that, in Tampa where I began teaching, a young mother brought her two daughters to my class. The older one was Tony nominee, and Movin’ Out star, Elizabeth Parkinson.
With such a busy sched what do you like to do in your spare time?
Yoga, gyrotonics, reading, dinners with my husband Arthur (Awe!), and traveling.
Any upcoming trips?
In the fall, I head to Alaska for my birthday to teach and explore the wilderness.
What are you currently working on?
This summer I'm doing some guest teaching in the tri-state area, in addition to my regular schedule of classes at The Ailey Extension. I'm also preparing for my performances in NY Showcases at The Ailey Citigroup Theater August 28-29. I put together these performances three times per year to allow my adult students to dance classical repertoire, and to give small companies and students of other dance styles the opportunity to perform.
What’s your inspiration for your students?
Helping them fulfill their dreams, and inspiring the confidence that nothing is impossible. Giving them goals to shoot for. My motivation has never been for financial rewards. I do this because I love it. It's my essence; it’s who I am!
Well, we love who you are and are so glad you purred into our lives today on gendance Thursday. There’s no doubt you’re a ballet legend and your contributions to dance receive a standing O and GFF golf clap from us, any day. Thank you, Kat.
