INTERVIEW: Peter Stathas on his leaving, coming back to world of dance
Photo: Dancers bring Peter Stathas’ choreographic history to life. Photo courtesy of Scott Shaw / Provided by Michelle Tabnick PR with permission.
Peter Stathas has taken an interesting path to his present career in the world of dance. He was a professional performer for a number of years, but then he decided to hang up the shoes in 1985 to pursue a career in physical therapy. In 2016, he returned to professional dance and hasn’t look back.
From June 20-22, Stathas will present a collection of his works at Danspace Project in New York City. Titled Leaving and Coming Back, the retrospective offers audience members a unique chance to see Stathas’ work, both then and now.
Saturday Mornings will tell the story of Stathas and his grandfather. Five Studies for a Waiter and a Business Woman, from 1985, will be included in the program, and more recent work, 2018’s Assuage, is also part of the retrospective. Then there’s the world premiere of Conundrum.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Stathas, who once danced for the Limón Dance Company and Marta Renzi and Dancers. Now he fronts a new company simply called Peter Stathas Dance. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What made you first fall in love with dance when you were younger?
I came to dance as an accomplished athlete, but was never very concerned with the ‘end game,’ i.e. winning or losing. I fell in love with movement and the challenges of learning dance techniques, going to rehearsal and ultimately overcoming my fear of performing.
What made you leave the dance world and pursue a career in physical therapy?
At a certain point the stress and grind of living and working as a dancer in NYC without much money begins to form a question: How long do I have the drive to get up and do it again? Touring, hotels, eating out of styrofoam, class rehearsal, uptown, downtown, rain — and, of course, injuries. As a student at SUNY-Purchase I was introduced to the Pilates Method, which in a small way began my physical therapy training. I worked, in between tours at the original Pilates Studio. I was able to work with injured and healthy dancers and people. As I went further into my career, I felt I wanted [to] learn a skill that would allow me to make more money and keep me in the city. It made sense to go to PT school as the study of human kinetic motion [is] something I had been working in for years.
What have the last few years been like with your return to dance?
My return to dance has been like a reverie, unearthed. What really accelerated my return was my participation in Doug Varone’s Devices choreographic mentoring. His guidance brought out the trust in my intuitive process in artistry. This in turn translates to the dancers I work with.
What can audiences expect from Conundrum?
Conundrum has been and continues to be everything the name suggests — the limitations and restrictions this dance places upon the dancers, the perceptions we have of one another that are mostly unfounded. But this is a piece with four young women. Women who are making statements about breaking barriers, supporting one another and finally becoming a force and experienc[ing] the joy of going through their power.
What was the inspiration for Saturday Mornings?
Saturday Mornings is my remembrance of my grandfather and the effort he put into connecting our worlds. Although he was a formidable welterweight, and certainly a tough SOB, he was also a gentle soul with a sense of humor and vessel of love. …
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Peter Stathas Dance will perform June 20-22 at Danspace Project on East 10th Street in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
