Dancer Spotlight: Julian Gan
Hometown: Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Company Member Since: 2022
Instagram: @_juliangan_
What’s your “origin story”? How did you fall in love with ballet?
I started ballet when I was 3. My mum, who is also my teacher, decided to put me into ballet class so she could keep watch over me. It took a while but eventually, I wanted to pursue ballet as a career. That decision eventually brought me to competitions and subsequently, my training in the US. I think what made me fall in love with ballet was the feeling of dancing on stage.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or good-luck habits?
Honestly, nothing can beat a good meal and a nap before a show. The rest you get from a nap and fuel from a meal is more than enough as a preparation before the usual warm ups.
Ballet is so demanding — how do you take care of your body and recharge offstage?
Stretching and rolling out the muscles every night helps so much. Taking supplements and eating well balanced food and meals helps the body recover as it is being given all the right ingredients to fully replenish all the sweat and energy lost.
What’s your go-to comfort food after a long rehearsal day?
Anything really. But if I had to choose one, it is probably going to be fresh mozzarella wrapped with any sliced deli meats.
Dancer memories are super-charged. How do you keep track of choreography?
Most of the time, I am able to just remember the choreography. However, I do indulge in the occasional “study” sessions, which include watching a video or imagining it in my head.
“Shoot for the stars and you may just hit the moon” — Meelis Pakri
My teacher once told me that while I was in my junior year of high school. It has stuck with me since then as it truly strikes a chord in the heart.
If you could dance any role, regardless of gender or repertoire, what would it be?
Chevalier des Grieux from Manon; Bratfisch from Mayerling; Prince Siegfried from Swan Lake; any Forsythe or big ballets. The list is too long.
Aside from shoes and warmups, what is a staple in your dance bag?
Tennis ball, golf ball, a Theraband and a massage gun.
Where do you see ballet heading in the next few years, and what excites you most about being part of that future?
I am honestly not sure where it is heading. However, presently, there are loads of great choreographers and works being produced. It is truly exciting to witness that and hope to be able to perform or work with those choreographers.
