A Conversation with Joseph Gatti

 All Photos Courtesy of Ballet Philippines

A beautiful breeze is coming to Manila bringing with it gusts of wind  from different parts of the world.  It seems almost unrealistically lavish at  first glance but  it's about time our flourishing local dance world is  interrupted and  given another push to perform at par with the best of the best.  Our usually uneventful Manila is scheduled to open its arms to back to back foreign ballet artists. The first installation is generously provided by Ballet Philippines who will be bringing  millennial favorite  Joseph Gatti to perform the Principal role of Basilio in their season-ender "Don Quixote". While our local artists are perfectly capable of entertaining locals with the colorful story ballet, I would have to say they made an excellent choice in Gatti. He will prove to be more than just a good dancer visiting Manila. He is guaranteed to inspire people. 

This experienced professional has been a winner from the start of his career. He won the Youth American Grand Prix with a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London in 2003. He became the first American male dancer to win the prestigious gold medal at the New York International Competition in 2005 . In 2006,  he became the bronze medalist at the USA International Ballet Competition  and silver medalist at the Seoul International Ballet Competition. In 2007  Gatti bagged the gold medal in the prestigious World Ballet Competition.  His  time with companies like  American Ballet Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, Corella Ballet and Boston Ballet are reflective of his well rounded experience. His success tells the  story of an artist who has had a spectacular journey with wonderful output. Google Gatti and you will see that he has the capacity to stun people with what he can do with his body. That's enough reason for ballet fans to be elated that he is dropping by Manila. Surely he will deliver athleticism and artistry in a silver platter. However there is another side of him that was revealed to me through our quick correspondence.   Sharing with you snippets of our conversation that will easily distinguish him as a good role model for artists.

• Gatti has always been very vocal about his gratitude towards teachers. When asked    about his parents' role in his success he had this to say. 

" I couldn’t have had my success without my parents. They  would always do anything for me up to this day. They have sacrificed a lot. Driving me to and from the school always so I would get my ballet classes in. They supported me through every moment of my training and career as a dancer. We were never a wealthy family but they made sure somehow to get the money needed for me when I went to the Royal Ballet School in London. My brother was the same, he would come to all my shows and constantly support and believe in me. We are all still super close to this day and we all live nearby in Orlando. It’s nice to be able to take care of my parents now when they need me after all the things they gave us it’s time to give back. I couldn’t be happier. And yes! My mother bribed me to take my first class I think it was 20 dollars "

        

His humility is safely locked in his system allowing him to move forward with an          attitude of gratitude.  

• With all his achievements, you would think he would be complacent by now. However his social media presence clearly shows that he is all about  continuously striving for more. I asked him how he remains ambitious and driven. 

" I think it’s a combination of learning and experience and just having the love and passion for the art. My parents always taught me to never give up. If you really want it and your hungry for it you can accomplish it. I just have this mentality of always tying to learn and improve no matter my age or how many competitions or awards I have won. Once you stop that you might as well retire. I’m always striving to do better in my dancing and artistry constantly just as a person as well. I want to dance for a long time healthy and strong. I believe I can do it with the proper balance and care for my body."

He is completely focused on the craft and he has  the capacity to see beyond what is already good and he works steadily on achieving bigger things.

• In recent times it was announced that Joseph Gatti would assume the role of founder and Artistic Director of United Ballet Theatre. It is a company that is dedicated to preserving the artist through creating an environment that ensures the health and happiness quotient is at an all time high. This new endeavor reflects how deeply he cares about the dancers' welfare. He explained his vision.

"United Ballet Theatre Company will have a schedule like no other company has had before. I have learned this from being in professional companies and freelancing as well. I truly believe having the proper rest time and balance of rehearsals and cross training makes the dancers stronger and healthier than ever. It will show onstage and the audience will be able to enjoy stronger, powerful artistic dancers who are happy on stage and feel they are in the best shape ever"

He seems to genuinely care for artists and is not afraid to go the extra mile so that others can enjoy their careers. He shares not only opportunities but mentorship as well. 

•  He believes in the health and happiness quotient and so I asked him what advise he could give to to others to sustain it on their own. 

"You must be true to yourself! If your unhappy at a place you must have the courage to stand up for yourself and move on. You need to  seek a place that you feel respected. When you have a company that believes in you, it will do wonders for the dancers. You can work them hard and all but to have that respect and belief towards them and care. That will make the dancers have longer healthier and happier careers. So for the dancers, it’s being strong, always seeking that respect and being able to communicate with each other and have that camaraderie  towards each other. Constantly learning."

 

He believes in the preservation of dignity in an artist's life.That just means he believes that dance should be and could be a sustainable career. 

It seems to me that Joseph Gatti is a shining example of a simple person who succeeded because of the right attitude.  He looks at his past with gratitude and keeps it in his pocket to keep him grounded.  He works hard everyday so that he can ensure that dance will be still his tomorrow. He demands respect but gives it willingly to all those who work with him. He cares about the art but he also cares about sharing it to people. He is sure of what he wants for himself, sure of what he wants to offer others and most positively certain about how he wants to contribute in the world he lives in. His clear mindset is inspiring. Perhaps this  is what has allowed him to achieve so much.  Truly a lot of people can learn a thing or two from him. I can't wait to see him share his art to the Philippine dance community.  See you at the theatre. 

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