The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), recently appointed Marlon Simms as its new Artistic Director; the fourth person to hold this title since it was founded in 1962. Damion Anglincaught up with Mr. Simms for a one on one chat, exploring personal, professional and philosophical depths. Here’s what he had to share…
Q: Who is Marlon Simms? A: I have many sides. I am a workaholic, educator, teacher, dancer, and choreographer. On the social side, I am a home body. I do love an adventure, so trips to the country and traveling to big cities like New York puts my senses in overdrive. I consider myself compassionate and a nurturer.
Q: Do you have a favourite genre of dance? A: Well, when I started it was all about dancehall street dance. It was creative and inventive as it is now and as I got more involved in dance I began to love the expressiveness that comes with contemporary modern dance and the emotions you feel. It is now my favourite. I also love traditional folk.
Photo: Shomari Montsho
Q: What is your greatest achievement to date? A: Professionally, being the Director of Studies at the School of Dance at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts definitely. And of course, being the Artistic Director of NDTC is also a tremendous achievement.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: I can’t tell my fitness instructor this. I love Pepsi, cheesecake, red bull and coffee.
Q: What are two things you want to achieve as the new Artistic Director of NDTC? A: Only two? Well I would like the company to be accessible to a younger demographic. I also really want the company to do a local tour; whether it be through workshops, visiting schools and communities or performances. Another dream is getting NDTC to become a full-time company. Can you imagine NDTC always on the road traveling the four corners of the earth?
Q: What are three things people don’t know about you? A: That I’m kind of goofy. Another thing that they may not know is that I’m afraid of heights; so, I am scared of flying and I cannot swim.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #7 March-April 2018
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The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), recently appointed Marlon Simms as its new Artistic Director; the fourth person to hold this title since it was founded in 1962. Damion Anglin caught up with Mr. Simms for a one on one chat, exploring personal, professional and philosophical depths. Here’s what he had to share…
Q: Who is Marlon Simms?
A: I have many sides. I am a workaholic, educator, teacher, dancer, and choreographer. On the social side, I am a home body. I do love an adventure, so trips to the country and traveling to big cities like New York puts my senses in overdrive. I consider myself compassionate and a nurturer.
Q: Do you have a favourite genre of dance?
A: Well, when I started it was all about dancehall street dance. It was creative and inventive as it is now and as I got more involved in dance I began to love the expressiveness that comes with contemporary modern dance and the emotions you feel. It is now my favourite. I also love traditional folk.
Q: What is your greatest achievement to date?
A: Professionally, being the Director of Studies at the School of Dance at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts definitely. And of course, being the Artistic Director of NDTC is also a tremendous achievement.
A: I can’t tell my fitness instructor this. I love Pepsi, cheesecake, red bull and coffee.
Q: What are two things you want to achieve as the new Artistic Director of NDTC?
A: Only two? Well I would like the company to be accessible to a younger demographic. I also really want the company to do a local tour; whether it be through workshops, visiting schools and communities or performances. Another dream is getting NDTC to become a full-time company. Can you imagine NDTC always on the road traveling the four corners of the earth?
Q: What are three things people don’t know about you?
A: That I’m kind of goofy. Another thing that they may not know is that I’m afraid of heights; so, I am scared of flying and I cannot swim.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #7 March-April 2018
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