Welcome to the new column in the Stute! I will be featuring interviews with Stevens students who are passionate about the arts. If you are a star, please contact me at mhildebr@stevens.edu.
My interest, as a performing artist myself, is to feature other shining stars on campus. Per aspera ad astra!
Starring Jess Castiglione
Age: 18
Major: Biology
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
Jess has been a dancer since she was 3 years old. She is a double bassist in the Stevens Orchestra and participated in the Performing Arts Pre-Orientation. In addition, Jess has been accepted into The Rockettes Summer Intensive dance program for the past 5 summers, teaches tap dance classes, and she sings.
Jess’s Top 5 Broadway shows:
1. West Side Story
2. The Lion King
3. Beauty and the Beast
4. Chicago
5. Heathers: The Musical (Off-Broadway)
In addition to being a biology major, you are an accomplished dancer and musician. When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer and musician?
I’ve been dancing since I was 3, but the real passion didn’t occur to me until I was 7 years old, which is when I started competing. When I started competing, I was like ‘This is what I want to do with my life.”
I didn’t start bass until I was in third grade, but I had been doing piano prior to that. My family grew up all around music — especially dancing. There’s no dance background with my parents.
My brother, Danny was born pigeon-toed. He is 3 years older than me. My mom, being a physical therapist, knew that ballet would have to help him in some way, and it did, and he ended up loving it. He was the first dancer in our family. So he was in dance, and he loved it. I wanted to be just like Danny, so my mom put me in ballet and tap classes. Piano and the bass started the same way. I was the last child, and my older siblings did it, so I was thrown into it.
How did the Rockette dream begin?
I saw my first Rockette show when I was 5 years old. When I was 7, I remember watching the Rockette show. I just kept smiling. And then I started crying. I knew that one day, I wanted to be the reason why some little girl cried in the audience. When I was 15, I went to The Rockette Experience. Through that, I took a master class and took a tour of Radio City. There, I found out about the Rockette Summer Intensives.
What inspires you to dance?
The fact that you can express yourself. It’s a break from reality. The adrenaline, the music, everything! It’s gotten to the point where I hear a song on the radio, and I am choreographing it in my head.
What does it feel like when you perform? Do you get nervous?
Oh yes! The nerves are crazy! People say I’m a perfectionist when I dance. I don’t like to mess up. That’s something that strikes my nerves. What I’ve learned is the importance of living in the moment. Leave your heart on the stage. When I step on stage, the lights are shining, you’re doing what you love, the audience is supporting you. It’s a great feeling. You feel at home. A dancer feels at home on stage.
How do you handle the pre-performance jitters?
Before every performance, I seclude myself from the hectic dressing room. I go outside the room, put headphones in, and I listen to music depending on what style of dance I’m performing. This calms my nerves because I feel like I am preparing for my performance. The ballet barre also helps.
What was your most memorable performance that you have performed?
My senior year in high school, I got to perform “I Wanna be a Rockette” at my end-of-the-year dance showcase at my studio. It was great to have all my friends around me in the piece, while I was singing this song.
What has dance taught you?
Time management, passion, and learning that there is always room for improvement.
Do you have any role models?
Misty Copeland, Jessica Davison, and Savion Glover—what he can do with his feet is insane!
What are you looking forward to most in 2016?
The presidential election! Personally, I am looking forward to what I learn throughout the year and where it takes me. I’m also trying to be more confident, and
Do you have any advice for incoming freshman who want to continue their dancing pursuits at Stevens?
It is possible! Make a schedule. Look at the dance classes you want to take, and look to see if there are any open rooms to practice in. If you’re feeling stressed, that’s a great time to go dance. Never give up!
