NYC Gazette

Courtney Henry, a professional dancer and artist, is currently serving as the artist in residence at Juilliard's Dance Division. In a recent interview with Alexandra Tweedley, the administrative director of the Dance Division, Henry shared insights into her background, teaching approaches, experiences at Juilliard, and excitement about her residency.

Henry's journey to becoming an artist in residence at Juilliard is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences in the world of dance. Reflecting on her background, Henry shared, "I was a writer before falling in love with the power and connection that dance and performance opened up in me." She highlighted her extensive training and performances in various countries, collaborations with international artists, and prestigious awards she has received over the years.

When asked about her approaches to teaching Ballet Lab and partnering classes at Juilliard, Henry emphasized her commitment to challenging dancers with new imagery and connections while maintaining a balance between rigor and ease. She stated, "My charge is to challenge the dancers with radical new imagery and connections of ballet with the outside world."

Regarding her experience teaching at Juilliard, Henry expressed enthusiasm for the growth and inspiration she has encountered. She noted that teaching at Juilliard has pushed her to clarify her message and intent in advocating for advancements in ballet. Henry also commended the students for their genius and how working with them has deepened her research within the LINES Ballet repertoire.

When asked about the most exciting aspect of being the artist in residence at Juilliard this semester, Henry mentioned her admiration for the environment at the school and the interdisciplinary interactions among different art forms. She finds it thrilling to introduce her unique approach to the dancers and explore the possibilities of what ballet can be.

In conclusion, Courtney Henry's presence as the artist in residence at Juilliard's Dance Division brings a fresh perspective and innovative teaching methods to the students. Her dedication to pushing boundaries and fostering creativity within the realm of dance reflects a commitment to shaping the future of the art form.

Alexandra Tweedley, the administrative director of the Dance Division, facilitated the interview with Courtney Henry. The Dance Division residency is made possible by the sponsorship of the Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theatre, founded by Kathy Harty Gray.