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Published: February 17, 2010
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LET'S ASK THE INSIDER...
VICTORIA PENCE
Meet SBF Member Victoria, who after being part of the world renowned Rockettes at Radio City and having performed in Las Vegas shows, is now happy to be one of the Generations Dancers in Zurich.
We are very pleased that Victoria has accepted to share her experience at Conelli's with SBF! |  |
   ...a true dancer will never truly lose that je ne sais quoi... |
How old were you when you started dancing and what made you take it up?
Victoria Pence: I'm not absolutely positive. I had taken mainly ballet class off and on since I was 4, but I wasn't consistent or serious about it until I was about 12 years old. Then I became passionate about it.
Where have you worked prior to Conelli?
VP: I've been in the business for only 4 years now, but I've done some great things. Radio City Rockettes and the Broadway production of Spamalot in Las Vegas to name some. This is my first circus.
 How much rehearsal time did you have before opening and do you continue to rehearse now that the show is running?
VP: We had about 12 days of rehearsal including tech at the venue. Are you kidding? We're perfect now...I kid. My group of younger woman have had about three short rehearsals in between the 2 shows of the day since opening. Not too bad at all.
What style of dancing is the show?
VP: Mainly jazz with one number called Seaworld that is more ballet-based, but still jazz movement. 
What is your favourite part of the show?
VP: My favorite part that I'm in is the 50's Rock'n Roll number we do. It's so short, but energetic and fun. I can really play around and act.
What is your favourite costume?
VP: Well, there's debate. I personally like the 50's Rock'n Roll number costume the most only because we get to wear hot pink converse. I love converse. I actually have brought my own pair to wear here. We also wear stir-up leggings. I'm a fan of those too. Hehe. I don't think some of the other girls think it's the most flattering outfit and they at first thought the converse were uncomfortable, but I think it's growing on them.
There is obviously an age difference between the two groups of dancers in the show, what is your relationship with the other group - do you mix and socialize with them?
 VP: Well, we're all pretty tired (and sometimes sick of each other) at the end of our typical 2 show-day. We really don't have much of a life outside of the circus. I think we all mesh well and we get along golden. We've had some good laughs for sure and some great individual connections.
Have you learnt things from the "older" ladies?
VP: Of course. It's been quite wonderful hearing their stories and experiences. You can see that they're still passionate about dance and that a true dancer will never truly lose that je ne sais quoi. They are a fabulous inspiration to us young dancers, especially.
What has been your most challenging show?
VP: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Some days we would do four shows a day. That's a lot of kicks.
What's been your funniest moment on stage?
 VP: When things go wrong I just start to laugh. I love live theater. Anything can happen. In one of the shows I've done the lift started going berserk while I was on it. That was a fun ride. We got up safely so I continued the number, but of course I wasn't able to contain myself.
Do you have any theatrical superstitions?
VP: None, except I like to say "merde" or "break-a-leg" instead of any kind of 'good luck'. Just more theater appropriate to me.
What are your plans for the future?
VP: I try not to make plans. Only short-term plans. When I get back to NYC I will begin auditioning again and I would like to continue taking college courses to work towards an alternate career path. I don't see myself being a performer long-term; however, I want to focus on doing great things in show business now while I'm most passionate and able. Also, I will fly out on weekends to teach and judge for dance competitions/conventions.
What do you think about ShowBiz Friends?
VP: It's a wonderful site that enables one to keep in touch and in tune with this rapidly changing world and industry. It's nice to know in such a transitory and inconsistent industry there's still a well-knit connection even after all these years for some. Keep it up!
Thank you Victoria for your great interview!
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