Hello, and welcome to the Oakland Ballet Company’s blog! This will be the first (of many) posts that will serve as your inside look at what’s happening behind the scenes at the company!
For our first blog post, we interviewed dancer Edward McPherson, who is joining the Oakland Ballet for his first season with the company, and got to know more about him!
At what age did you start dancing, and what got you started?
I took my first ballet class in 9th grade. I had stopped playing sports (baseball and hockey) and was doing a school musical. The artistic staff said I couldn’t really act or sing. Perhaps if I took a dance class they could give me a standout moment on stage, since none of the other guys could dance.
I took my first ballet class in 9th grade. I had stopped playing sports (baseball and hockey) and was doing a school musical. The artistic staff said I couldn’t really act or sing. Perhaps if I took a dance class they could give me a standout moment on stage, since none of the other guys could dance.
What’s a role you would like to perform one day?
A corps spot in Anthony Tudors “Leaves are Fading” would be my heart’s content.
How do you get ready for a performance?
I like to go to the gym and sit in the steam room before the show. It helps me to warm my body up, but it also provides a quiet and peaceful environment where I can visualize the performance ahead of me, reflect on the previous show and create goals specific to the show at hand. All of this means I’m usually just squeezing into the theater before the 30 minutes call.
What’re some items in your ballet bag?
Tennis ball, bouncy ball, tooth brush and toothpaste, mouthwash, pens, extra shoes, my cell phone wallet and keys, playing cards, glasses and (of course!) deodorant.
What do you do when you’re not dancing?
I love classic cocktails, and for whatever reason I’m able to find more sophistication in my palate when I’m enjoying tastes and flavors in liquid form. I also seem to be perpetually looking for an intermediate or advanced bridge partner. Bridge players are getting harder and harder to find.
What’re your favorite restaurants?
In October I enjoyed a visit to Husk, in Charleston, South Carolina. I was fortunate to be able to pair my work in that city with an experience at such a nationally acclaimed restaurant.
What’re your favorite movies, or TV shows?
I’m really enjoying the writing in this season of Modern Family. How often does the writing in a sitcom get better? It’s truly something special.
Additionally, I found the recent movie, 50/50, pretty compelling; it’s inspired me to put Emma Thompson’s wit back on my Netflix que.
Additionally, I found the recent movie, 50/50, pretty compelling; it’s inspired me to put Emma Thompson’s wit back on my Netflix que.
What’s a fun fact that people don’t know about you?
I was a cross divisional school teacher for a year at Saint Mary’s Hall, an independent school!
I was a cross divisional school teacher for a year at Saint Mary’s Hall, an independent school!
What’s your favorite aspect about your hometown?
I’m based out of San Antonio, Texas and I love keeping an apartment in a tourist town that is so full of energy and culture. My prime location on the Riverwalk allows me to rent it out (on Airbnb) when I’m away, and enjoy an active nightlife when I’m home on vacation. Who could ask for more?
