With fresh young faces popping up constantly, the local Bay Area dance community is unique blend of seasoned artists and newbie dancers. In Dance caught up with new-to-town David Martinez to get to know him a little better.
What brought you to the Bay Area?
I came in search of more space, more nature, and a more laid-back pace than New York. And constant access to Bi-Rite and Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream.
Where were you born?
Fort Myers, Florida
What’s your gig(s)?
I’m supplementing my time teaching at LINES Ballet with admin work for Rhythm & Motion at ODC. I also do freelance web design so I’m always scouting for new potential clients. Dolores Park, Baker Beach, and long walks through the city taking photos with my iPhone are where I get my free-time bliss.
What’s your secret spot in town?
It’s not exactly secret but truth be told, my “spot” in town is Morning Due Cafe. I adore the owners and people that work there. I live a couple blocks away. And since I’m addicted to eating a large breakfast in a cafe to start my day, I am there 5+ times a week.
What’s your favorite food?
Umm, that’s my least favorite question of all-time. I just can’t answer that.
What event(s) will we find you at this summer?
I want to get my nature on all summer long!
What’s your favorite Bay Area institution?
It’s more institutions, plural, and that is all of the amazing non-profits that the area has. My favorite is The Trevor Project, now with their third national call center in the Harvey Milk Camera Shop in the call center.
First dance memory?
Flipping channels at sixteen and finding David Parsons’ Nascimento playing on Bravo. It was a revelation to see such exuberant dancing.
Favorite dance move/term/style?
My favorite dance term will always be “gargouillade”!
Guilty dance pleasure?
The dance floor at Badlands. Don’t judge me.
Shortlist of inspiring people, books, moments, classes, etc?
People. People. People. It’s the people in my life, the new people I meet, and the ones I randomly see around and catch in the lens of my iPhone camera. For me, the sharing of our human experience is deeply inspiring.
Current artistic obsession?
iPhoneography. It’s an immediate way for me to be creative and keep my eyes open to the world I live in.
What’s heaven to you?
Synchronicity.
What’s hell to you?
Trying to be the best.
David Martinez recently relocated to the Bay Area from New York City where he had the privilege to dance for Zvi Gotheiner, David Parsons, Daniel Ezralow, Anjelin Preljocaj and Julie Taymor, Austin McCormick’s Company XIV, and most notably, for 4 years with the Martha Graham Dance Company. He received his BFA in Dance from New World School of the Arts, under Dean Daniel Lewis in 2004. Currently he is creating his own work and teaches at LINES Ballet for the BFA, Training, and Summer Programs.
This article appeared in the July/August 2011 issue of In Dance.
