Noah Parets Q&A

This is your second time choreographing a piece for the Apprentices. How did this opportunity first arise?
Lindsay Fischer knew that I had a background in musical theatre and that I starred in Billy Elliot the Musical on a North American tour. A big part of playing Billy Elliot involves tap and Lindsay reached out to me before I even started with the company to ask me if I was interested in choreographing a tap piece for the Apprentices. After last season’s tap number, this year, Lindsay asked if I would be interested in doing something Broadway jazz-inspired.

What is the inspiration behind your work?
We are dancing to “Too Darn Hot” performed by Ella Fitzgerald. I was really inspired by a production of Kiss Me Kate I saw a few years ago and “Too Darn Hot” is the biggest dance number in the show. The song lends itself well to a very old school, high energy, Broadway jazz number. There’s also something super wholesome about it because it has that flavour of the 1950s and 1960s. I’ve kept it very classic with slides, fun lines and bright colours.

What is it like choreographing on your peers?
The first rehearsal on the Apprentices' first day last season was two hours for my tap piece. I didn’t even know my colleagues yet and they didn’t know me! Things were easier once we became friends and colleagues and worked together to create something that was fun and not stressful. This season, I’m a lot more confident in myself and running rehearsals. It’s also been a lot of fun to perform in my own work – I make sure I have super high energy when I dance to set an example and to show everyone else what I’m looking for.

What’s the reaction to your work like from students in the audience?
When asked what their favourite piece was in the performance, the students often said my work and I hope they say the same this year too! I had a really amazing experience with YOU dance last season because the audience is filled with students who may not otherwise see a ballet performance. When the kids are in the theatre and the live music starts to play, they're silent and so excited to see us. It’s amazing and humbling that I get to give them that experience. For me, especially in this context, it’s less about being perfect and more about giving them a real show that hopefully is inspiring and uplifting.