So this really cool guy I know, Evan Lovelace, did me a huge favor a few weeks back and gave me a GREAT interview for my school newspaper about being a dancer.
Unfortunately, because of design/spacing issues, some of my story had to be cut out, so I figured I could post it here so the world could view it in its entirety. Also, for anyone who might have wanted to see the article, but wasn't able to.
This was published in Lee's Summit High School's Hi-Life magazine, in our April 2010-11 issue.
Evan Lovelace is no stereotype, and he is determined to prove it. As a male dancer in Kansas City, it is not hard to figure out where his tormentors get their ammo from.
“It’s hard being a male dancer because of teasing and assumptions of what kind of person I am,” Lovelace said.
However, that is what got him where he is today; he exercised extreme perseverance.
“It actually gives me a boost. While the people who teased me will be working in a cubicle one day, I’ll be married with a wife and kids supporting them while doing what I love,” Lovelace said.
Although many people have preconceived notions about male dancers, Lovelace is convinced that the joke is on them.
“Dance was originally meant for men’s strength training. Its muscle training builds muscle for many sports. Most professional football teams are required to take ballet, and it is proven that they have better endurance and can jump higher than teams that don’t require it,” Lovelace said.
Lovelace began his training when he was 17 years old and continued classes until he was 20.
“A girl I liked told me I should take a class with her, so I did,” Lovelace said.
Lovelace has studied everything in the book and then some. Everything from Ballet to Hip Hop, from swing to Ballroom, and Modern to Contemporary. Nevertheless, Lovelace has his favorites.
“My favorite is probably jazz because my jazz teacher was a beast and made everything really athletic, so I never had to dance like a girl,” Lovelace said.
Even though Lovelace is young, he could fill a ‘Marry Poppins bag’ with his experience. He teachers, auditions around the country, and choreographs shows for Christian Youth Theater. He is currently working on a production Godspell. Regardless, he is looking toward the future with huge dreams.
“I want to perform and choreograph in NY, CA, and movies, and then when I start getting old and my body gets beaten down I want to start my own performing arts training school,” Lovelace said.
Along the way, Lovelace gains more and more experience, on and off the stage.
“My best experience as a choreographer would have to be working at CYT choreographing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Working with students was awesome. There was a number where brothers are fighting seven other guys for seven girls, so it’s all fight choreography and tricks and flips,” Lovelace said.
Lovelace may be known for his ever-changing choreography, but he wants to make sure that he puts his dancers in the best light possible.
“I often think of choreography as a I go, so it looks good on the people doing it,” Lovelace said.
Lovelace himself would say that dance is a demonstrator of discipline, but he knows to relax when the time comes.
“When auditioning, you have to remember that the people you are auditioning for are rooting for you, so there’s no need to be nervous,” Lovelace said.
Until he sees his name in lights, Lovelace will continue to work his hardest.
“You have to be extremely athletic to be a good dancer. I enjoy the workout that I get while dancing, and I love that there is no finish to my training, therefore I always have something to work for.”
People can say what they want about male dancers, but it is most likely that Lovelace has better abs than them.
by Haley Gillilan
Thank you, Evan! I hope you, and everybody else, enjoys the article.
