We've all read them, right? The dance bios that are mainly a string of companies and choreographers worked with, venues shown at and awards gratefully received but that don't give you a living, breathing sense of the person. Well, every now and then, a bio comes along that stops you dead in your tracks, and you have to grin or laugh out loud.
Here's one, posted with permission, from dancer Lawrence Cassella who's appearing now with Ivy Baldwin Dance in Baldwin's new Could be nice...... at Dixon Place .
Lawrence Cassella was born into a big family in Herkimer, NY. One of six children, he is now an uncle ten times, and I honestly don't think they're done! That is alright though, since they are a fine bunch. The diamonds buried in the valley surrounding his hometown had a profound effect on him, they commanded him to dance. And, so, here he is, "dancing". He is enjoying his life, and wants you to enjoy it too. Not his, yours! So, he suggests a healthy dose of Tori Amos. She's got something important to tell you. "Scarlet's Walk" is especially terrific! Lastly, I think it wise to mention Biblo the dog at least once. He is doing well in his middle age, and happy with his daily walks and biscuits. He says hello."
This is followed by Cassella's email address (which I will not reprint here) in case you "want to say hi."
BTW, I recommend you see Could be nice....... Cassella, who has a lengthy, powerful solo at the beginning of the piece, is as good as his bio, and the fancifully creative Baldwin has found a way to lash back at the space limitations of Dixon Place with audacious flair and some humor. The performing team, besides Cassella, includes wonderful Mindy Nelson and Katie Workum. The show concludes tomorrow evening.