Meet Manon Bal | Professional Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manon Bal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manon, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is something that I apply in my life daily especially in my dance career. Being a dancer in itself is risky with no financial security, no medical coverage, no retirement plan, people from all over the world competing for the same jobs (etc.). I still decided to bet on myself. On my own, I left France at the age of 20 after auditioning and being selected by the prestigious Alvin Ailey School in New York City. Since then, I have performed across the country in the most respected venues and festivals such as Vail Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Fall for Dance at New York City Center, The Joyce Theater and more.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My strength as an artist is my versatility and my capacity to jump from one style to another with fluidity. From youth, I have been training in many techniques such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Street styles, to name a few. What stands out is my ability to adapt, learn fast and memorize everything though overlooked, those factors make a significant difference and make me the exceptional dancer I am. My passion is what got me to where I am today. When I’m on stage, I’m where I’m supposed to be. When I dance, I feel every fiber of my being comes alive. A transformation occurs, and it translates to the audience, from who I get this compliment. My presence has been a primary reason for my success.
Being a dancer is full of challenges, but my determination got me through every obstacle. As a dancer, you’re always subjected to judgements and comparisons. I’ve learned along the way to be confident about myself and who I am as an artist.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Ephrat Asherie (Performer, Choreographer, Artistic Director of Ephrat Asherie Dance, Bessie Award winner), who’s been my mentor and main supporter since I moved to New York City. During my year at the Ailey School, Ephrat was invited as a guest choreographer for the Ailey School Spring Concert. I auditioned to be a part of her piece and got selected amongst hundreds. The chemistry was instant, she saw something in me and made me soloist. Since then, I’ve been a member of Ephrat Asherie Dance, touring all over the US as a principal dancer.

Instagram: @manonbaldance

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Image Credits
David Jouary