DEREK DUNN, PRINCIPAL DANCER
When did you know you wanted to be a professional dancer?
The first time I competed at a ballet competition, I was exposed to a whole new world. I saw so many other young boys who were just as passionate about ballet as I was, and that inspired me to continue training and pursuing ballet professionally.
Are there specific types of ballets you really enjoy?
Every time I perform a ballet by WILLIAM FORSYTHE, I am reminded of how much joy dancing brings me. His choreography is physically demanding and so much fun to dance.
I also really enjoy performing story ballets. There is something so special about diving into a new character. Sharing raw emotions on stage is a feeling unlike any other, and with each new role you get to bring out a different part of yourself. Some of my favorites that I’ve done so far are Mercutio (Romeo & Juliet), Albrecht (Giselle), Siegfried (Swan Lake), and the Prodigal Son (Prodigal Son).
Who or what inspires you?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my life outside of work. I believe that outside experiences broaden your mind and allow you to connect with the audience in a more authentic way. And of course, I am also constantly inspired by my incredible colleagues, who I learn from every day.
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is all about self-love. As humans, we are constantly learning more about ourselves, and there is a lot of power in loving every part of yourself and standing proud in your skin.
What are some of the ways you are celebrating Pride, this month or throughout the year?
Throughout the year, I like to celebrate Pride by supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses. This year, to celebrate Pride, I traveled to one of my favorite getaway destinations – Provincetown, MA – with my good friend and colleague, Alec Roberts. And later this summer, I will be dancing at the Fire Island Dance Festival, presented by Dancers Responding to AIDS, which is an organization that strongly impacts the LGBTQ+ community.
Why do you think LGBTQ+ representation matters in the arts?
Like any field, representation of all kinds is so important. LGBTQ+ representation is important in the arts because so much of what we do is about reflecting life around us and telling stories of all backgrounds and experiences. This kind of art can create a safe space for those who don’t otherwise have one.
What is your message for aspiring dancers who identify as LGBTQ+?
My message would be to continue embracing yourself to the fullest! When you live authentically, you cultivate real and genuine connections. You can then bring those experiences into your art, and draw your emotions from a real place, creating powerful messages.
Your presence in this field is an inspiration to so many, and it will give others the confidence to pursue their dreams while staying true to themselves.
What local LGBTQ+ businesses or organizations should we amplify?
There are plenty of local LGBTQ+ owned businesses! But a couple of my favorites include KOHI COFFEE CO. in Boston and STRANGERS & SAINTS in Provincetown.
FENWAY HEALTH is also an incredible organization that provides the best quality care to the LGBTQIA+ community.
EZRA LOVESKY, WARDROBE SUPERVISOR
Explain your role with Boston Ballet. What does a “day in the life” look like?
Mine is a fairly versatile position that entails everything from design and costume creation, to overseeing the costume maintenance and theater organization. Essentially, I help build the costumes and then follow them into the theater, to take charge of managing them for the full run of each performance.
Are there specific types of projects you really enjoy?
I particularly enjoy costume builds. There’s something extremely gratifying in bringing a design from paper into the real world, and then watching it become a part of a larger performance.
What does Pride mean to you?
For me personally, I feel that Pride is the process of accepting and loving yourself for who you are. It also speaks to being a part of a larger community and being able to feel safe within the identity you’ve built for yourself and for those you surround yourself with.
Why do you think LGBTQ+ representation matters in the arts?
I think representation of all kinds is especially important for the arts. Art is a means of expressing oneself and communicating concepts that transcend cultural and socio-economic barriers. To say it plainly, art is for everyone, and for a patron to be able to recognize something of oneself and one’s own personal journey is what makes art such a formidable platform of communication.
What local LGBTQ+ businesses or organizations should we amplify?
The HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN is currently considered the largest advocacy group in the country and is a vital organization focused on the protection and expansions of rights for the LGBTQ community.
PFLAG is also a great organization for the protection of the LGBTQ community. It particularly focuses on families and their allies.
LISA MCCULLOUGH, DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES
Explain your role as Director of Audience Services. What does a “day in the life” look like?
I have been working for Boston Ballet for 23 years. I studied theater and film in college and thought I would end up directing or in stage management. I discovered the Box Office and really loved it. I get a lot of satisfaction out of creating campaign strategies, analyzing sales and trends, and providing customer service to our patrons. I also really like leading a team. I have been very fortunate to have worked with and mentored some amazing people over the years.
There is no typical day for me. I usually have a set “to do” list and work through it, but every day is slightly different. I’m proactively coming up with new ideas and reacting to the sales I’m seeing, but also, I have to be agile and respond to the needs of the patrons and my fellow colleagues. I have always been appreciative and felt blessed that I make my living helping to put art on stage. Those feelings have been magnified since the pandemic. I am humbled by the love, support, and dedication of our audience members.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the changes and the challenges that my job provides. It keeps me entertained. Preparing for and building a new season, creating a subscription campaign with my colleagues, tracking and reporting on a successful effort or figuring out how to tweak a not so successful effort…I love it all. I really enjoy working with people, motivating them, and if I can give them a chuckle, I’m even happier. I love helping people. The Box Office is a central point for our patrons and for my fellow colleagues. My team is awesome. They have to know so many things; it’s a lot of work. Sales and customer service is no joke. The Box Office isn’t just about selling tickets; we are selling an experience and want everyone to feel good about attending. A smiling face, a kind word, that extra mile…it really matters.
Who or what inspires you?
I have two: my Mom and Dad inspire me. They have been married for 54 years. They were both science teachers (retired now), and they raised four daughters on teachers’ salaries. We had family dinners together and they were involved in our lives. I am a very lucky person to have the parents and family that I do.
I am inspired by the words and music of folk singer Ani DiFranco. I was introduced to Ani around age 19. The first album I bought of hers was “Not A Pretty Girl”. The title interested me. I was taking psychology classes in college and was heavy into female empowerment (still am!). That album was the first time I heard a woman talking about being bisexual. I think I always knew that I was, but I didn’t verbalize it until over a year later. Ani made me feel like it was okay to be me. I have seen her in concert 29 times. She continues to inspire me with her words, music, actions, and beliefs.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means celebration, fun, love, and joy. And everyone is invited to the party!!
Why do you think LGBTQ+ representation matters in the arts?
Representation matters, period, for any marginalized or underrepresented group. When my wife and I see even commercials on TV that feature a gay or lesbian couple, we are thrilled to see it. It’s so great to see someone that represents you on TV, in the movies, or on stage. There’s still a long way to go, but I see things shifting and it makes me proud.
What local LGBTQ+ businesses or organizations should we amplify?
There are many local businesses that support, help, and feature LGBTQ+ people like CLUB CAFÉ and FENWAY HEALTH. My wife and I have donated to THE TREVOR PROJECT, a nonprofit that provides crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Anything else you want to share?
My wife and I have been together for 13 years and married going on 10 years. Standing in front of my family and friends and committing ourselves to one another was the best day of my life. And I had the party of my life. Now I worry about my federal marriage rights. I hope that our marriage is honored and protected by my own country, but I don’t know. It’s a sad and angry feeling to worry that your marriage might be negated. I am a positive person and I tend to think with hope. I also think that most people don’t really care who I love and spend my time with. That’s what love is love is love is love means. Acceptance and joy that someone else found someone else in this world who wants to be with them.
Support LGBTQ-affirming legislation by CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL CONGRESS PERSON.
LUCIANO AIMAR, HEAD OF CHILDREN’S CURRICULUM
Explain your role with Boston Ballet School. What does a “day in the life” look like?
My day is a combination of teaching classes to children ages 2 to 8 years old, talking and answering questions with parents and families, and training and mentoring teachers in the Children’s Program.
What do you love most about your job?
I love to find new ways to reach my students. I keep asking myself how children learn things, and I keep being fascinated by finding that there is not just one way. I believe the role of us teachers is not just to teach but to facilitate, to encourage children to find their way and learn to move in the world.
Who inspires you?
My students. But also my mentor was and still is Maria Fux. She is now over 100 years old, and I was lucky to be her student when I studied dance therapy. She taught me that dance is for everyone; it’s a language not only of our body but also of our true self.
What does Pride mean to you?
It reminds me that I am not alone.
Why do you think LGBTQ+ representation matters in the arts?
I have never thought or felt that LGBTQ was not represented in the arts. For me, ballet, the dance studio, the stage, has always been the space where I felt safe, where I was free to be who I am.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I think Boston Ballet does a good job in making LGBTQ people feel welcome. So I would say, “Keep up the good work!”
