Jesse Obremski: Creating Dance Spaces and Living the Ailey Legacy
In this episode of the SLANT podcast, Dana Tai Soon Burgess interviews Jesse Obremski, a dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Jesse reflects on his unique upbringing in an artistic family in New York City, where his love for dance began after a vivid moment at an Alvin Ailey performance. He shares his journey from student to company member at the Ailey School, the mentors who shaped his path, and how his Japanese-American heritage influences his artistry. Jesse also offers insightful advice for young dancers navigating the New York dance scene and discusses his multifaceted approach to teaching and choreographing, rooted in action and collaboration. This episode is a celebration of growth, mentorship, and the power of dance to shape a life.
Bio
Jesse Obremski (he/him) is a Japanese-American artist, a native of New York City, who began his studies at The Ailey School, studied at Jacob’s Pillow and Springboard Danse Montreal, and is a graduate of The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and The Juilliard School. He joined the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company at the age of 19 and has since then worked with Hélene Simoneau Danse, Peter Stathas Dance, WHITE WAVE, Kate Weare Company, Jacob’s Pillow Men’s Dancers: The Ted Shawn Legacy, Brian Brooks Moving Company, The Limón Dance Company (soloist and principal, three seasons), Gibney Company (six seasons), and is currently with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
He is a sought-after educator and speaker, who has guested at The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch, Marymount Manhattan College, and additional universities across the United States, Canada, China, and South Korea. Obremski has restaged José Limón’s work at MOVE|NYC|, The University of Wyoming, and has assisted Limón restagings at The Juilliard School (2015-2018). He is the recipient of the Asian American Arts Alliance’s 2016 Jadin Wong Award, is an Eagle Scout Rank recipient, has been mentioned in the NYTimes, NY1, and was named Dance Magazine's March 2019 Dancer "On The Rise". Obremski was the Associate Executive Director of Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance (EMDOD) (2022-2023), after serving on its Board for four years.
In 2018, he founded Obremski/Works, a non-profit AAPI-equity-minded organization dedicated to AAPI representation through Company and Fellowships. Obremski/Works has been presented internationally through an emphasis on dance films and AAPI Support Fellowships. Obremski/Works and Obremski's choreographic works have been presented across the United States, Canada, Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Japan, China, and Malaysia by Gibney Company, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Brigham Young University, EMDOD, and Obremski/Works among others. Obremski's work has notably been presented at Lincoln Center's Film Festival (2018), Fall For Dance North (2023), and The Kennedy Center (2024).
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