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“Right before I go out on stage, I like to listen to music I can groove to. On my pre-performance playlist, I usually include one or two songs from the piece I’m dancing in (just in case I have to go over some choreography last minute), but I listen mostly to stuff that gets my stank face going. I have a very short attention span, so I like to rotate between electronic songs and more acoustic ones. My dad’s old favorites always seem to make their way onto my playlist to. Anything that gets my bones rattling is a pretty safe bet.”
The Boston native and member of the National Ballet of Canada performs the role of Lewis Carroll/The White Rabbit in Christopher Wheeldon's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He is scheduled to dance September 9 and 11 at 7:30pm and Sept 13 at 8pm.
1. "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown
"This is usually the first song I play when I walk into my dressing room before a show. I like to start my pre-performance ritual with some easy grooving; James Brown helps me get grounded, figuratively and literally."
2. "Victor" by Prinze George
"One of my favorite contemporary songs. As soon as the beat drops at :25, I'm set for the day."
3. "I Don't Feel Like Dancin' " by Scissor Sisters
"Dancing is my passion, but it's also my job. Ballet is a lot of work, and sometimes it just flat out hurts. I play this song when I need to get out of my pessimistic funk. I'm pretty sure the Scissor Sisters worked some witchcraft into this jam because halfway through singing along to "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," you realize that you're full-on dancing and loving it."
4. "Black and Blue" by Miike Snow
"Deep grooves. These guys are incredible, and I think every decent playlist should have a bit of something Swedish on it."
5. "Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte
"Harry Belafonte screams summer to me. My parents had a Harry Belafonte tape that they used to play during car rides to the beach. Whenever I hear this song, I immediately smell the ocean and taste the Fluffernutters and ham and cheese sandwiches of my childhood. This one is a keeper."
6. "Wrong or Right" by Kwabs
"I love this guy's voice. Sometimes I need to get a bit emotional before a show, so I like to listen to something with some depth to it."
7. "You Don't Even Know Where It's At" by Evan Voytas
"Pure, put-your-back-out, spastic grooving at it's finest."
8. "Walk This Way" by MØ
"Yeah, I gotta have some electropop. MØ is great, and I find her songs have a really strong rhythm to them. They get my pulse going."
9. "Lost (Amine Edge & Dance Remix)" by Frank Ocean
"Sometimes, I start getting ready for a show too early. When I have loads of time to kill, I like to listen to this song. It's bit repetitive as it's a remix, but I like getting lost in it. Frank Ocean is the real deal."
10. "Won't Get Away" by Phil Beaudreau
"This song has it all: a killer beat, beautiful vocals and meaningful lyrics. Full-package stuff here."
11. "Little Secrets" by Passion Pit
"This one is a bit older, but it's a classic I like to revisit. The way the beat comes in at :04 after the background starts is perfection. Also, these guys are from Massachusetts, so I always feel a bit patriotic listening to them."
12. "Blood Sport" by Raleigh Ritchie
"Again, killer vocals and lyrics."
13. "Sock It To Me, Baby!" by Mitch Ryder
"This song goes on pretty much any playlist I ever make. My Dad introduced this one to me when I was really little, and it's been a favorite of mine ever since. The yelling, the whistling, the syncopation: It's kinda perfect."
14. "Civilization" by Justice
"This song makes me feel so hardcore. If I have a role that I need to just murder on stage, this tune will get me in the mood."
15. "Feather" by Little Dragon
"This Little Dragon track is very understated. Her voice is so unique and jazzy. I love the way the melody dips down and reaches up unexpectedly. Again, Swedish."