Allison DeBona. Photo: Erik Ostling/The CW ©2012 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The second season of CW Network's critically-acclaimed docu-series Breaking Pointe will premiere on Monday, July 22, (9-10 p.m., ET) and fans are happy. We loved the first season's inside peek at Salt Lake City's Ballet West - the exhausting rehearsals, the behind-the-scenes drama, the striking stage productions. Dance fans loved seeing ballet dancers in a different light than what they see in performance, and wanted more. So now... Breaking Pointe is coming back! What's in store for us balletomanes in Breaking Pointe season two?
Leading the company once again will be Artistic Director Adam Sklute, who will be guiding Ballet West's dancers in their largest and most demanding production to date, Cinderella. The competition will be fierce as the dancers audition for the life-changing roles of Cinderella and Price Charming. Featured dancers will include returning favorites Principal Christiana Bennett, Soloist Ronnie Underwood and Demi-Soloists Allison DeBona, Rex Tilton and Beckanne Sisk. New dancers will be joining the group, including Corps Artist Joshua Whitehead and Guest Dancer Silver Barkes.
A year ago I met with Allison DeBona, one of Ballet West's rising stars, to discuss Breaking Pointe as we approached the season one finale. She was happy to meet with me once again and chat about breaking ballet stereotypes, the hard work that goes into being a professional dancer, and what we can look forward to in Breaking Pointe season two. Here are some excerpts from our recent conversation:
(L-R): Allison DeBona and Christiana Bennet -- Photo: Erik Ostling/The CW --© 2013 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
It's been said Breaking Pointe has made ballet more accessible, breaking preconceived stereotypes about ballet dancers and the art form. Do you agree?
Breaking Pointe has without a doubt made ballet more accessible. As far as breaking stereotypes, I'm not sure. It seems people still cannot get past the preconceived notions of eating disorders and homosexual male dancers. We really tried to be advocates for healthy, smart, and strong athletes through our actions. We also tried to get people to understand that it doesn't matter if you're gay, straight or in between. It's about being an artist and doing what you love. Overall, I feel we got people interested to see live performances of ballet and helped the art form gain more respect. I am proud of that.
When we talked last June you said, "I am hoping for season two because I know there is so much more I can offer." Season two is finally here! Has your hope been fulfilled?
This season you are going to learn so much more about who the cast is as individuals. You will learn what makes us tick and keeps us motivated. I hope to inspire people with my story. I am very open and honest this year because all of my experiences make me the dancer I am today. I hope people appreciate that.
Last year some fans of the show said they wanted to see more dancing - will there be more studio and performance work featured in the upcoming season?
We dance eight hours a day. We put in the work. I hope to see more dancing on the show just like everyone else.
Will Breaking Pointe continue to emphasize the behind the scenes drama?
Without the "drama" we would not get the amazing artists and products on the stage. You will see it all - personally and professionally. You can't have one without the other!
So, how are things with Rex?
Hmmm... I don't know. I'm going to watch Breaking Pointe season two to find out!
Follow Allison DeBona on Twitter @allidebona
Follow Breaking Pointe on Twitter @BreakingPointe
