Jessica Vartanian

When and how did you start dancing?

I was 4 years old and my mom wanted me to be graceful, so she enrolled me in a few dance classes. She had no idea that these classes would quickly develop into my passion. Dance would become not only an integral part of my life, but also an important avenue of my expression.

In what forms of dance are you trained and which is your favorite?

I have trained in many types of dance including: tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, pointe, modern, and lyrical. I also took gymnastics for many years. Jazz has always been my favorite type of dance. As my dancing career evolved I found a place for myself in contemporary dance, which is a combination of many styles and techniques of dance (think Martha Graham).

What did your dance schedule look like growing up?

My dance training became serious and intensive when I was about twelve years old. At the studio where I trained, it was required that students take 3 ballet classes a week in addition to the various other classes. I would say that I practiced from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at least four days a week. And on the weekends, my time was usually consumed with competition practices and dance conventions.

How did dance fit into your life? How did you view your involvement in dance?

I came to identity myself with my dancing. I saw myself as a dancer above anything else and I feel other viewed me in much the same way. When you become serious in the art of dance, it is impossible to separate it from who you are as a person. I always knew that dance would be an ever-present part of my life. Moreover, I wanted to pursue a professional career in dance. To me, this was a personal goal and I strove to succeed in dance for myself and no one else.

How did you balance dance and academics in college?

It was actually an easy transition because I came to the University of Michigan as a dance major. I loved that my study of dance became integrated into my life as a student.

When did you decide to move to New York and pursue a career in dance?

While I was a dance major at Michigan, I had to have surgery on my knee due to a dance related injury. My doctor told me that I would always be at risk for injury as long as I was dancing. In other words, I could dance, but it was at high-risk and I could potentially do irreversible damage to my knee. This information gave me incentive to go and pursue my dream before I did any further damage. I couldn't bear the thought of injuring myself while training without ever having the chance to dance professionally. So, I put off my degree at Michigan during my junior year, moved to New York, got an apartment on my own, and began pursuing a full-time career in dance.

Where did you get work in New York City?

I was fortunate to dance in a diverse assortment of companies and work with a great array of choreographers. A few notable companies and roles include: two musicals at the Papermill Theatre: as a tango dancer in Evita, and as a Kit Kat girl in Cabaret, 2XS New York chapter, Dance Showcases at Steps on Broadway - a student showcase that is assembled by choreographers, The Roxy, ASH - a contemporary dance company for which Mia Michaels (now a So You Think You Can Dance judge) choreographed twelve pieces which were performed at various clubs in New York City.

In your dance career to this point, what was your most exciting or rewarding experience?

In New York City, I had the opportunity to be a back-up dancer for Kelly Osborne's featured concerts. It was incredible to be part of a production that performed in front of 1500 people. Moreover, I was thrilled that the choreography was done by Jerry Slaughter, the notable choreographer of the Christina Aguilera "Dirrty" music video. It was also special to me because it was the first time in my career that I was paid decently for my work. I feel dancers are generally underpaid, because their work is a work of love. It felt rewarding to be appreciated and valued as a dancer.

Why did you decide to return to the University of Michigan?

After pursuing life of professional dancer for 2 years, I realized that although it was my passion, the life it entailed was too inconsistent and unstable for me. Also, not having my degree finished loomed over my head constantly. I knew that the longer I put it off, the harder it would be to finish. I was satisfied with the work I had done and the accomplishments I had achieved, so I decided to venture in a new direction and pursue a more stable career.

Do you plan to remain active in dance in your new chosen career path of law?

I am actually interested in Entertainment Law, but I'm not exactly sure of the type of law I want to practice. I do know that I have no intention of ever dropping dance from my life. I would love to eventually teach and choreograph. Staying tied to the dance world is a priority even as I prepare to go to law school. For example, this year I am dancing on The Michigan Dance Team.

What would you want get across non-dancers about the art form?

I would want to instill on them the idea that no matter how effortless a professional dancer can make a performance look, behind that performance is years and years of persistent work. Part of [a dancer's] job is to make it look easy, but what is at the heart of any great dancer is dedicated commitment.

Are there any other misconceptions that bother you?

I feel that dance often comes at the bottom of totem pole of performing arts. I have found that singers and actors often come first; dancers, second. I can't help but be bothered by the fact that dancers are generally paid the least, but in my opinion, work the hardest hours. Dancers have it hard in many aspects, but the push through for their love of dance itself.