Dancer returns to Minnesota for Feb 7 performance
When we learned that Ate9 dancer Jordan Lovestrand was from Minnesota and would be returning home for the Feb 7 performance of calling glenn, co-presented with Walker Art Center, we wanted to hear about his experiences. Here are highlights from our interview.
What are your ties to Minnesota?
I was born and raised in Minnesota, specifically Bloomington. I attended Thomas Jefferson High School and then attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.
How did you become a dancer?
I started to dance in the fall of 2013 when I entered Gustavus Adolphus as a first year. During my orientation, I saw auditions for the Gustavus Dance Company and my gut was telling me that I had to go! I went to the audition and afterwards I started in Sarah Hauss’ beginning modern technique class. I also auditioned for a student choreographed concert that same fall and was cast in two works by THE TWO choreographers I was hoping to be cast by.
Before Gustavus, I was a part of the show choir program, the Jefferson Connection, during my senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School. Being a part of that sparked my passion for performing—I was really only interested in the dancing aspect of show choir).
How long have you danced with Ate9?
Since September.
What is your professional dance history?
When I was studying abroad, from 2015-2016 in Jerusalem, I was a member of Kolben Contemporary Dance Company. I have also worked with Danielle Agami prior to becoming an Ate9 member. I performed as a guest artist with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre when Danielle was choreographing Next Door on the company.
What is your favorite part in calling glenn?
Every part of calling glenn is my favorite part, even when I’m not on the stage. The piece offers a range that I haven’t experienced in other choreographers’ works. There is intimacy, risk, flair, honesty, tenderness, captivating changes in space, humor, and other qualities or themes that engage any audience member.
What should we watch for in calling glenn?
I don’t think there should be any insider clues for what to watch for or what to expect. Come curious and the rest will be shown.
If you weren't dancing, what would you be doing?
I’m unsure what I would be doing if I wasn’t dancing. I would first move back to Minnesota to be closer to my family. I would go back to LifeTime Fitness in Bloomington North to be with my CrossFit family. I would go back to serving. I’m in love with video games and CrossFit, so I would probably be doing something with one of the two.
