Q & A
Calvin Royal III discusses his deferred debuts in Giselle, as well as Romeo and Juliet and Of Love and Rage.
What roles were you meant to debut?
This season, I was going to be debuting Albrecht, Romeo, and a Chaereas in Alexei Ratmansky’s New York premiere of Of Love and Rage.
Had you started rehearsing for the roles?
I started working on Romeo back in November, and a month later began learning Albrecht and was in the creation process for Chaereas.
What are you most looking forward to about the debuts?
I’m still looking forward to stepping into my first full length ballet as the leading man! I’ve worked so hard over the past 10+ years to rise to this point in my career, and that fire is still burning.
How has this time in quarantine changed your perspective on taking on the characters?
A big question I’ve been asking myself is “Where do I go from here?” My perspective hasn’t really changed, but whatever I learn during this time, I hope it’ll give these roles much more meaning and depth in the future.
Are you doing anything now to prepare for the characters?
Some days I wish I could do more, but for now, I’m taking this time to slow down and take care. To read, to reflect, and to be present.
Anything else you want to share?
That’s all I’ve got for now. Stay safe, and see you all soon!