DUETS
1+1=A DUET: FOR ITS ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY THIS SUMMER, THE GREEN BOX ARTS FESTIVAL PAIRS ONE WITH ANOTHER FOR THE BEST IN DANCE DUOS
DENYS DROZDYUK & ANTONINA SKOBINA
How did you meet?
We had a tryout together, and at the first touch, we felt electricity owing through our hands. We knew that we were meant for each other.
What do you think are your partner’s greatest assets?
Antonina: Denys’ discipline and devotion to the art form, and his passionate approach to performing and choreographing.
Denys: Antonina’s ability to show sincere emotion in her dancing, and to radiate her spirit through every movement.
How do you complement each other?
We complement each other because we are different. Antonina has an emotional and intuitive approach. Denys relies on a more thoughtful and analytical way.
Are there any challenges in maintaining a healthy partnership?
We are passionate about what we do, so it is natural that sometimes we have arguments during the rehearsal process, but it is important to have respect for each other.
JACLYN WALSH & BRANDON KOEPSELL
Jaclyn, how did you meet Brandon?
We met while attending high school at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. Then, we got permission to stay out past curfew to collaborate in the available studio space, and the rest is history!
What do you think are his greatest assets?
Brandon is the greatest partner. I trust him with my life. I could be upside down with my nose an inch away from the floor and not inch, because I’m in the best of hands—literally!
How do you complement each other?
Even though we see each other so few times a year at best, we have the kind of relationship where we always pick up right where we left off. If we’re not dancing, we’re laughing nonstop.
Are there any challenges in maintaining a healthy dance partnership?
Brandon is in Michigan and I’m in New York. Our meet-ups are rare. The limited time together pushes us to utilize every moment
TWO ARE A PAIR
These performers, along with DaYoung Jung and Jonathan Batista of the Oklahoma City Ballet, will showcase their work at the 2019 Green Box Arts Festival in a series of performances titled Dynamic Duets. The festival will take place July 3-14 in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. For a full schedule of festival events, visit greenboxarts.org.
LEO MANZARI & MUSICIAN A. J. JAGANNATH
How did you meet A. J.?
I met A. J. when I was attending Emerson College for acting, and he was attending Berklee College of Music for music. From the start we worked to create an innovative sound—mixing vocals and tap dance with melancholy chords and rhythms.
What do you think are his greatest assets?
Leo: A. J.’s ability to listen, and add to the musical conversation. He gives me the perfect amount of room to paint around the metronome.
How do you complement each other?
We know how to fill our appropriate spaces. We can build the arc of a piece organically and have been writing songs together for a while.
Are there any challenges in maintaining a healthy partnership?
We’re both very busy, which can sometimes prevent rehearsal time, but we’re both so passionate about music that we make it work!