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Today on Conversations on Dance, hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome choreographer Alysa Pires, who's new work for New York City Ballet will be premiering October 1 as a part of NYCB's fashion gala.
Alysa who shares how she gravitated to dance as a child, discovered contemporary dance in high school, and began choreographing early. She discusses mentorship at Toronto Metropolitan University and explains her creative process: coming into ballet settings highly prepared with music charts and organizational planning while developing steps collaboratively in the studio. Byers describes managing imposter syndrome, the people-focused side of choreographing, and a career turning point when the National Ballet of Canada opened its choreographic workshop to outside artists, leading to bigger opportunities. She previews her second NYCB commission, inspired by motherhood, protection, and sacrifice. Tickets and more information: https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/fall-2026/fall-fashion-gala
00:00 Support on Patreon
00:40 Meet the Hosts
01:29 Early Dance Roots
03:14 Finding Contemporary Path
06:34 Choreography Takes Hold
09:28 Mentors and Ballet Return
11:46 Prepping a New Work
14:25 Music Charts and Logistics
18:57 Discovery in the Studio
20:55 Leading the Room
24:37 Breakthrough Commissions
28:53 City Ballet Nerves
30:10 Family Sacrifice Balance
31:48 Who Gets Choreography
36:06 Second Commission Process
37:49 Casting For Collaboration
43:59 NYCB commission Inspiration
48:19 Fashion And Motherhood
53:51 Title And Bird Imagery
55:49 Premiere Dates And Runs
56:57 Thanks And Credits
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