Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Theresa Knudson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Theresa, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Ballet started off as a childhood hobby for me, but quickly turned into my passion, and then my profession. Ballet as a field is culturally flawed with traditions that enable both overt and subtle racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, homophobia. As we all stood still at the beginning of the pandemic lock down, I was forced to stop and evaluate my next steps, and path forward. I felt torn in that I no longer wanted to be a part of a field that had so many issues, but I still wanted to partake in the art form that I loved and have dedicated so much of my life to.
I decided to embark on producing and directing, and have found so much purpose in working towards providing the experience for others that I wish could be the cultural norm. During pandemic I co-founded and led Ballet22, a professional ballet company that presents men and non-binary dancers en pointe in a way that is authentic to their true selves. The company is also dedicated to commissioning and presenting works that bring representation to the LGBTQIA+ community on the ballet stage. In addition, I also opened a ballet studio in Oakland, CA called BlackBox Studios.
In working to direct and produce programming at both of these organizations, I have found so much purpose in being able to utilize my creativity and skill sets. Running two organizations is hard work, but it is worth it! It is a privilege to see the dancers of Ballet22 fulfill dreams during performances, both for themselves and the audience members who have yearned to see themselves in ballet. Ballet22 honors the queer community that has given so much to every aspect of our society, with little respect and representation in return. I thank Ballet22 co-directors Lorris Eichinger and Daniel R. Durrett for everything they do make Ballet22 a success. Their dedication to the company is inspiring and fuels my passion for the mission.
With BlackBox Studios, I work to provide high quality training in an inclusive environment. I try to make subtle changes in traditions I find provide a barrier to access. I don’t require uniforms, and encourage students to wear tights to match their natural complexion. I provide different tracks of training so those who just want to come once a week for fun are treated with equal respect as those coming every day wanting to train hard. Hair should be secured from the face so students can learn to “spot” (a turning technique), but hair expression is welcomed and encouraged. There is so much work to do to continue to provide accessible training, and I strive to keep learning and growing in this way. Studio care and classroom etiquette are a big part of the training too, but I always try to evaluate “ballet rules” to see are these means of control, or does this rule have a purpose that serves the technique and training.
My goal is to contribute to the field of ballet by providing these inclusive spaces where folks can train and perform in a high quality setting that is still healthy and fulfilling.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
About Ballet22/Mission Statement: Founded in 2020, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, mxn, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” The company is dedicated to commissioning works that bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the art form. Since its founding, Ballet22 has commissioned over twelve new ballets that contribute to representation in the ballet world. The company was named by Dance Magazine “25 to Watch” in 2021 and received an Isadora Dunan Dance Award Nomination for the 2021-22 season for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Company. Under the leadership of co-founder Theresa Knudson, and Co-Directors Lorris Eichinger and Daniel R. Durrett, the company continues to expand its relationships with queer artists and creatives, and prioritizes commissioning both live and filmed works that bring inclusion to the LGBTQIA+ community and experience in ballet.
What is most exciting or special about Ballet22:
Ballet22 is the only company in the world dedicated to presenting men and non binary folks en pointe in a way that is breaks gender norms and allows dancers to present authentically in both classical, contemporary, and new works. We stand on the shoulders of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, which is an all male drag comedy ballet troupe. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo upholds a long tradition of men dancing en pointe in a drag comedy context, and we are grateful for the work they have done with their extensive touring to bring audiences love and understanding of the gay community.
Since Ballet22 has been founded we are seeing more choreographers utilize male and non binary dancers in their ballets and more company directors provide opportunities for male and non binary to dance traditionally female pointe roles in their ballet companies. Standouts have been Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, and the Met Opera in NYC. It is thrilling to see there has already been an impact!
Ballet22 is currently focused on producing live performances and films, but as an organization we would love to expand to include touring and training workshops! Next up for Ballet22 is our Summer Season performances. This year the performances will take place at ODC Theater in San Francisco August 9-11, 2024.
Website: https://www.ballet22.com/
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities/skills/knowledge that has been most impactful on this journey:
1. Surround yourself with a team you are aligned with and trust.
The dancers of Ballet22 are highly trained and skilled, and we trust them that they come to each project with a giving and curious energy. We encourage open communication so we can work to fix anything that is not working. Ballet22 dancers are brave and want to be involved, I don’t take that dedication lightly. Co-Directors Lorris Eichinger and Daniel R. Durrett have been such a blessing to me! I appreciate their clear and honest communication and willingness to brainstorm and find solutions.
2. Seek mentorship.
While I have strong convictions, I seek mentorship frequently. Whether it is others in the field, board members, my own partner, or the dancers, I believe it is important to go into a leadership position with humility and a desire to learn and grow. Leading is about elevating your team and the collective work that team is trying to achieve.
3. Brainstorm freely.
Be ok with brainstorming freely. That horrible, half baked idea you throw out could be the jumping off point for a better idea that can actually work. Be ok writing down lists of your brainstorms if you don’t feel comfortable saying it out loud. Allow yourself the space to be creative and allow your first idea is the genesis of what is to come.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Ballet22 is so young and there is so much potential for growth! We love collaborations and welcome artists to reach out to us if you think there is an opportunity! We would love to work with more queer choreographers, musicians, costume designers, visual artists, filmmakers, etc. We have had the privilege of collaborating with so many amazing queer choreographers including Myles Thatcher, Omar Román de Jesús, Durante Verzola, Thang Dao, and many more, cellist Suuvi, photographer Maximillian Tortoriello, filmmaker Alexander Irwin, and have been a frequent performing group to at Treefort Music Festival in Boise, ID. We have done shows at Oakland’s Temescal Brewing as well as the popular music venue in San Francisco, the Midway. We are always excited to work with new folks and expand what is possible in ballet and how and where audiences can experience ballet. If our mission moves you, we encourage you to reach out. And of course if you are moved to support us through a donation, Ballet22 is a 501(c)(3) non profit, so your contributions are tax deductible and go directly towards the production of our upcoming performances, films, and collaborations.
Contact Us: https://www.ballet22.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ballet22.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballet22_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballet22officialpage
- Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ballet22
Image Credits
All Ballet22 photos by: Maximillian Tortoriello (Ballet22 images portraits and stage photos) First portrait image of Co-Directors of Ballet22, me (left with yellow top) with Lorris Eichinger (center in dress) and Daniel R. Durrett (on right in pointe shoes) Dancers at the ballet barre, top row L to R: Zsilas Michael Hughes, Daniel R. Durrett, Victor Maguad, Maxfield Haynes, Duane Gosa. bottom row L to R: Ashton Edwards and Trevor Williams Image with red background: Zsilas Michael Hughes supported by Ashton Edwards, Trevor Williams, Victor Maguad, Maxfield Haynes, and Duane Gosa. Stage photo of Sleeping Beauty. Daniel R. Durrett supported by (L to R) Maxfield Haynes, Zsilas Michael Hughes, and Duane Gosa Stage photo in teal pants (L to R): Duane Gosa and Zsilas Michael Hughes in Thang Dao’s “Etudes” Image with peach tutu: Ashton Edwards in Sleeping Beauty BlackBox Studios images of me teaching Photos by: Natasha Adorlee (image of me on pointe in the denim jeans and black top) Photo by: Randall Hobbet
