“Bad Boys of Ballet” on America’s Got Talent – August 19, 2014
America’s Got Talent judge Mel B. used her Wild Card to bring back the Baltimore-based “Bad Boys of Ballet,” after they were eliminated from AGT results show on Wednesday, August 20.
“Bad Boys of Ballet” will now return to the semi-final round of America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, August 26, LIVE from Radio City Music Hall, with a second chance at winning the $1 million prize. Adriaballetbeat touched base with Adrienne Canterna, choreographer and lead dancer of “Bad Boys,” to find out more about the troupe.
Here are some excerpts from our conversation:
Where did you study ballet? Tell me about your professional training.
My professional training is from the Kirov Academy of Ballet. I was a full scholarship student at this boarding school in Washington DC. It is a pure Russian-Vaganova school.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — (l-r) Nick Cannon, Bad Boys of Ballet — (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Have the dancers ever been members of a ballet or dance company, other than “Bad Boys”?
Some have been in Broadway and off-Broadway shows, some we got directly out of high school or college and others have danced with national or international tours and done commercial/TV/film work. I myself have danced with ballet and contemporary ballet companies and won the Gold medal at the 1998 USA International Ballet Competition.
What made you decide to choreograph this very different spin on contemporary ballet?
My training growing up was very diverse so I always had to desire to marry my favorite styles of dance together. Ballet is the cornerstone and I build upon that.
Why did you name yourself “Bad Boys?” And why does “Bad Boys” include a female dancer?
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — Bad Boys of Ballet — (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
We’re BAD because we break the rules sometimes! We push the boundaries and attempt the extraordinary in the ballet world. We want to bring ballet into the 21st century. There’s a girl because I’m the boss and I put myself in the group! These boys make me better, stronger and push me to my full potential as a dancer and choreographer.
Do you see the future of ballet in this more modern interpretation, or do you think there is still a place for the classics (i.e. Swan Lake, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty) looking forward?
I hope the classics never die! I absolutely adore and am forever inspired by pure classicism! I just hope there’s a place for us too – something fresh, exciting, masculine, sexy, dynamic and athletic! Ballet is the most beautiful art form and I want more Americans to appreciate it!
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