Moving Moments: Episode Summary – Stephen Melendez

Podcast Title: Moving Moments
Host: Alicia Graf Mack Dean, Director of Dance at The Juilliard School
Guest: Stephen Melendez, Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet
Episode Release Date: November 13, 2024

1. An Extraordinary Journey: From Homelessness to Ballet ([00:03] - [02:17])

The episode opens with Alicia Graf Mack Dean recounting Stephen Melendez's remarkable ascent from a challenging childhood to becoming the Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet. At seven years old, Stephen and his family faced eviction, leading them to reside in a New York City homeless shelter for women and children for three years. It was during this tumultuous period that Stephen discovered dance through Project Lift, an experience that not only saved his life but also instilled in him a profound sense of belonging.

Notable Quote:
"If you go into a ballet class anywhere on the planet, it doesn't matter if you speak that language. The class is going to start with plies and you find a community immediately."
— Stephen Melendez ([00:30])

2. The Power of Dance and Community ([03:11] - [06:00])

Stephen elaborates on how ballet classes foster an immediate sense of community, transcending language and cultural barriers. Reflecting on his upbringing in the South Bronx, he shares how dance became his sanctuary, allowing him to navigate and reconcile the stark contrasts between his life in the shelter and his aspirations in the ballet world. The discipline of ballet provided him with structure and a transformative identity, embodying what he describes metaphorically as his "Superman outfit."

Notable Quote:
"The New York City subway as like a little magic tunnel... I was a different person walking through the streets in the South."
— Stephen Melendez ([03:47])

3. Creating 'Lift': Documenting a Decade of Transformation ([02:03] - [11:39])

Alicia introduces the conversation about Stephen's award-winning documentary, Lift, which chronicles his decade-long journey from childhood adversity to ballet stardom. Stephen expresses surprise at becoming the subject of a film, emphasizing that he never envisioned himself as a movie star. He discusses the early media fascination with his unique story—a homeless boy excelling in ballet—and how filmmaker David dedicated ten years to authentically capturing his evolution.

Notable Quote:
"He's so dedicated to telling this story trained me to understand that the story was worth telling."
— Stephen Melendez ([02:17])

4. Navigating Dual Realities: Life as a Young Dancer ([11:39] - [20:13])

Stephen delves into the complexities of balancing his life between the challenging environment of the South Bronx and the disciplined world of classical ballet. He recounts his decision to move to South America and Estonia in search of advanced ballet training, highlighting the cultural and racial challenges he faced abroad. Despite initial resistance and isolation in predominantly white ballet spaces, Stephen found acceptance and recognition, which fueled his growth both personally and professionally.

Notable Quote:
"I walked through the world timidly. That's the best way to describe it."
— Stephen Melendez ([12:19])

5. The Impact of Representation: Inspiring the Next Generation ([13:56] - [20:13])

Stephen shares poignant stories illustrating the significance of representation in ballet. One such moment involved a young black girl who expressed never having seen a "black prince" before, underscoring the profound impact of seeing oneself reflected on stage. Another story highlights the challenges parents face in supporting their children's dance aspirations amidst societal stigmas. These experiences reinforce Stephen's commitment to making classical dance more accessible and inclusive.

Notable Quote:
"Representation matters... that's really, that's really difficult for a child."
— Stephen Melendez ([19:58])

6. Transitioning to Artistic Leadership ([20:13] - [24:49])

The conversation shifts to Stephen's return to the United States following his mother's cancer diagnosis, which precipitated his decision to leave Europe. Upon his return, Stephen secured a position with New York Theatre Ballet, gradually transitioning from a dancer to roles in teaching and choreography. A significant injury led him to explore administrative responsibilities, culminating in his appointment as Artistic Director after Diana, the former director, retired after 45 years.

Notable Quote:
"I love a good Excel spreadsheet. I would sit with a spreadsheet any day."
— Stephen Melendez ([23:38])

7. Vision for New York Theatre Ballet: Accessibility and Diversification ([24:49] - [32:54])

As Artistic Director, Stephen outlines his visionary approach to transforming classical dance. He emphasizes the importance of making ballet accessible to diverse audiences, arguing that diversifying the audience base is crucial for fostering a more inclusive community on stage. Stephen critiques traditional outreach programs for being overly reliant on long-term systems with high attrition rates. Instead, he advocates for engaging adults in the community to support and inspire children, thereby creating a more immediate and sustained impact.

Notable Quote:
"I think that diversifying the audience is absolutely the most important thing."
— Stephen Melendez ([28:48])

8. Daily Practices and Balancing Work-Life Integration ([32:54] - [34:32])

Stephen discusses his daily routine, which involves balancing immediate tasks ("fires") with long-term planning and personal time. This structured approach allows him to stay productive and avoid burnout, even during intense periods without days off. By compartmentalizing his responsibilities and ensuring time for self-care, Stephen maintains his effectiveness as a leader and innovator in the dance world.

Notable Quote:
"I find myself often having gone two, three, four, five weeks in a row without, quote, a day off, but not actually feeling like I'm overworked or stressed or tired or anything."
— Stephen Melendez ([33:03])

9. Legacy and Responsibility: Leading with Purpose ([25:02] - [30:53])

Reflecting on his leadership role, Stephen expresses a strong aversion to complacency, driving him to continually pursue progress and innovation within New York Theatre Ballet. He emphasizes the importance of shared vision and collaboration, seeking to align the organization's goals with broader societal impacts. Stephen's mission revolves around dismantling barriers to classical dance, ensuring it remains a dynamic and inclusive art form.

Notable Quote:
"I am interested to work with people who are interested to work with me... if we're both on the same page about getting to where we want to go, and that's shared vision, then we'll be able to overcome any obstacle."
— Stephen Melendez ([28:48])

10. Conclusion: Continuing the Mission ([34:21] - [34:41])

The episode concludes with Alicia and Stephen reflecting on their conversation, underscoring the mutual respect and shared passion for advancing the dance world. Alicia expresses her appreciation for Stephen's insights and dedication, while Stephen reciprocates the gratitude, highlighting the meaningful exchange of ideas.

Takeaways:

• Resilience Through Dance: Stephen Melendez's story exemplifies how dance can provide structure, community, and a path out of adversity.
• Importance of Representation: Visible diversity in ballet inspires future generations and fosters an inclusive environment.
• Visionary Leadership: Stephen's approach to leadership focuses on accessibility, audience diversification, and immediate community engagement to drive sustainable change in classical dance.
• Work-Life Balance: Strategic daily planning and personal time are essential for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout in high-pressure roles.
• Legacy and Impact: Leading a historic institution like New York Theatre Ballet requires balancing respect for tradition with innovative strategies to ensure its relevance and inclusivity.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "If you go into a ballet class anywhere on the planet, it doesn't matter if you speak that language. The class is going to start with plies and you find a community immediately." — Stephen Melendez ([00:30])
• "The New York City subway as like a little magic tunnel... I was a different person walking through the streets in the South." — Stephen Melendez ([03:47])
• "Representation matters... that's really, that's really difficult for a child." — Stephen Melendez ([19:58])
• "I love a good Excel spreadsheet. I would sit with a spreadsheet any day." — Stephen Melendez ([23:38])
• "I am interested to work with people who are interested to work with me... if we're both on the same page about getting to where we want to go, and that's shared vision, then we'll be able to overcome any obstacle." — Stephen Melendez ([28:48])

Stay Connected:
For more inspiring conversations, follow Moving Moments on Instagram at @MovingMomentsPodcast and visit artfulnarrativesmedia.com.