Meet Micah Bullard, a Houston Native Who Likes to Bend and Snack
Written by: Company Artist Stephanie Rae Williams
Written by: Company Artist Stephanie Rae Williams
How and when did you first discover Dance Theatre of Harlem?
I discovered DTH through an alum named Charmaine Hunter. I met her at a summer intensive in Texas and she asked me if I ever heard of DTH and if I was interested in going to the summer intensive. She put me in contact with Robert Garland and I received a scholarship to go to the summer program. I fell in love with the organization. I knew it was my dream company and ever since then, I worked really hard to one day be a company member.
What ballet in the New York City Center Season are you most excited for?
I’m most excited about Coming Together by Nacho Duato. It was one of the first ballets in our archives that I watched and completely fell in love with. I love the movement, how athletic it is, and the score is absolutely beautiful. I’m really excited for it.
What city are you most excited to visit on tour?
I’m very excited to go to Houston. It’s my first time performing as a professional dancer in my hometown. I have a lot of people coming to the performance who have not seen me dance since high school. It’s just going to be great to visit, to see my family, and [my] old dance teachers.
What are three things you can’t go without in your dance bag?
Number one is I have a tiny green ball that I use for my feet throughout the day to roll out kinks and keep them warm. Number two would be snacks. We work pretty long days so I have to make sure that my body is fueled. Number three is a little tube of Vaseline that I use for my lips. I hate when my lips are dry, so I use that pretty often throughout the day.
How do you recover during your off time?
During the weekends I like to chill and keep my feet up. I watch movies, read books, and really do anything that allows me to sit in one place just to make sure my body is rested for the week to come.
Do you cross-train? If so, what do you do, and how often?
I do weight training at the gym every morning before class to warm up and increase the strength in my muscles, especially the ones that ballet doesn’t necessarily touch. It’s also great for all the partnering we do.
What is your favorite ballet step?
A nice waltz turn, balancé front and back. I love traveling across the floor, bending my body.
What is your least favorite ballet step?
This is very specific. The détourné, or some people say fouetté, step that happens between an en dehors turn and an en dedans turn.
What is your favorite part about working in Harlem?
At any local business that I go to in Harlem, people know exactly who we are, where our building is, and the significance of Dance Theatre of Harlem. It is really cool to be a part of an organization that’s been essential to the Harlem community.
Do you have any advice for younger dancers?
Be your own biggest cheerleader without judgment or comparison. Sometimes dancers get caught up in competitiveness, comparing their achievements to others. You have to remember that everyone’s circumstances are different. Everyone started in a different place. Everyone’s training is different. If you are constantly comparing yourself to other people you will never recognize the beauty in yourself or how far you’ve come. You will never recognize the things you’ve accomplished, the hurdles you’ve overcome. Be in tune with yourself, be happy for your colleagues, and celebrate everything including yourself.
Photo Credits:
Company Artist Micah Bullard Headshot, photo by Theik Smith
Former Company Artist Anthony Santos & Company Artist Micah Bullard in Higher Ground, photo by Theik Smith
DTH Company Artist Micah Bullard in Blake Works IV. Photo by Theik Smith