Interview with Giuseppe Canale at the Youth America Grand Prix 2001


I had an opportunity to interview Mr. Canale about his role as judge and his views on dance. Mr. Canale was serving as a judge at the Youth America Grand Prix 2001, a ballet competition. Mr. Canale was born in Italy and received his dance training at the National Academy of Dance in Rome, Maurice Bejart's Mudra dance school in Switzerland, and the School of American Ballet. He has toured extensively as a dancer with such companies as Maurice Bejart's Ballet of the 20th Century (Bruxelles), Ballet Company of Jean Deroc (Switzerland), Ballet Company of Germinal Casado (West Germany) and the Het National Ballet (Netherlands). Mr. Canale has choreographed works for Het National Ballet and for Teatro Massimo, becoming its Artistic Director in Italy in 1994. As the director of the company, he revitalized the theatre's repertoire and initiated multiple arts outreach programs. Since moving to the United States, Mr. Canale has become the Co-Director of The Northeast Academy of Dance and has appeared as a judge at the Luxembourg International Ballet Competition.

Robert Abrams: What do you look for when you judge a ballet competition?

Giuseppe Canale: Respect. Dance that is appropriate for the age of the dancer. Clean technique. Physical possibilities. Musicality. Coordination. I try to encourage them, to encourage their talent to go further.

RA: What has impressed you the most about the dancers here?

GC: There is a lot of talent here. A lot of good, young girls who are nine, ten, or eleven years old. They are very strong.

RA: Are there differences between young ballet dancers in the US, compared to in Europe or other parts of the world?

GC: Americans are different than Europeans. I love Americans for their attack.

RA: Could you expand on what you mean by "attack"?

GC: They go for it. They don't hesitate. They have energy floating. That's nice.

RA: Why do so many young ballet dancers choose to dance to choreography by Petipa?

GC: Petipa is one of the classical Russian choreographers. He was the greatest classical ballet choreographer. Everything comes after him.

RA: How can young dancers give back to their community?

GC: Do competitions. It is not just about winning. The experience of being with other students. Share the experience of being with other kids, other students. Reach by seeing other students.

RA: What makes you passionate about dance?

GC: I love dancing. Dance has been my life. I have been dancing since I was a child. I love to see beautiful dancers.


Giuseppe Canale
Katherine Whitlock dances a Paquita Variation by Petipa at YAGP 2001
For more YAGP 2001, go to www.exploredance.com/yagp2001_vsm.html.

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