DancePulp Season 1 Episode 10 Andrea Schermoly: a Dancer's Perspective On Performing in the US Vs. Europe

Andrea Schermoly's experience as a dancer has taken her across continents, and in this episode of DancePulp, she shares her perspective on performing in the United States versus Europe. Schermoly, who has danced with companies including Netherlands Dance Theater and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, explains the key differences she has noticed between the two regions, from the working hours and rehearsal schedules to the level of artistic risk taken on stage.

Schermoly begins by discussing her time in Europe, where she was a member of Netherlands Dance Theater. She notes that in Europe, the workday often starts later but can continue much later into the evening, with rehearsals often lasting until 10 or 11 at night. Additionally, she highlights the strong focus on technique and precision in European dance companies, with dancers often spending a significant amount of time in the studio perfecting their movements.

Moving on to her experiences in the United States, Schermoly explains that one of the biggest differences she has noticed is the shorter working day. Rehearsals in American companies tend to start earlier in the morning and finish in the late afternoon or early evening, allowing dancers to pursue other interests or projects outside of work hours. However, she also notes that American companies tend to take more artistic risks on stage, with a greater emphasis on experimentation and pushing boundaries.

Throughout the episode, Schermoly draws on examples from her own career to illustrate the points she is making. She talks about the challenges of adapting to a new working environment when she joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, including adjusting to the company's rigorous schedule of multiple performances per week. She also shares her thoughts on the differences in choreographic styles between US and European companies, pointing out that while European companies tend to prioritize technique, American companies often place a greater emphasis on storytelling and emotional expression.

Overall, Schermoly's perspective offers a fascinating insight into the contrasting approaches to dance on different sides of the Atlantic. Whether you are a dancer yourself or simply interested in dance as an art form, this episode of DancePulp is sure to provide plenty of food for thought.