ALYSSA WANG, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
Explain your role as Assistant Conductor. What does a “day in the life” look like?
My main purpose as Assistant Conductor is to be back-up for our Music Director Mischa Santora. In the event he gets sick or injured, I can be there to take over for him. This means that I have to be ready to jump on the podium at any point during a show’s run; therefore, my preparation has to be pretty thorough. I attend dancer rehearsals to familiarize myself with the choreography and stage cues, and, of course, I have to prepare and study the musical score. My job is so varied and so much fun, and for those moments where I do get to conduct, it’s the greatest joy.
Are there specific types of ballets you really enjoy?
In the short time I’ve been with BB, my favorite ballets have always been ones where the music and the choreography styles have been on “opposite” sides of the art history timeline. I find it really fascinating when the music is older, say Baroque style, but the choreography is very modern.
What performance are you most proud of?
Nothing will ever really be as amazing or terrifying as the very first show I ever conducted: The Nutcracker. I remember that first night right before I walked into the pit, wondering how on earth I even got there. I was so new to the world of ballet, and the learning curve was so intense those first few months, but I also grew up totally obsessed with the music from The Nutcracker, so there were all these intense emotions happening at the same time during a moment where I had to really focus and stay calm. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life.
Who inspires you?
My dad. He was the most fearless, confident, vibrant person in the room. He knew how to work hard and then party hard. My dad taught me to try my hardest in everything that I attempt, to not be afraid of failure, and to put family first.
What does your AAPI heritage mean to you?
The story of how my ancestors came to America and made a life for themselves is extraordinary. From my great-grandmother, Toy Len Goon, who raised and educated eight children alone by running a laundromat in Portland, Maine, to my grandfather who immigrated to America, became a US Foreign Service Officer, and a Chinese broadcaster for Voice of America, there are so many amazing stories of perseverance and passion in my family history. I feel as if I have inherited all of it, and the power that their stories hold is hugely impactful for me as a musician and as an American. I am the product of sacrifice and hard work, and I do not take my opportunities for granted.
Why do you think AAPI representation matters in the arts?
The AAPI community is a hugely important presence in the artistic community. We bring our unique perspectives, experiences, and individual voices to the conversation. We are also an extremely diverse group of people from many different walks of life, and part of our role in the artistic community is to make our stories known to each other.
Part of the experience of being Asian in America is to feel like you lack individuality, and to feel like you shouldn’t talk about your experiences or hardships. And I think the result of this is that, in our attempts to assimilate, we as a community struggle to experience pride or solidarity with each other. Part of our role in the arts is to make our stories known, acknowledge our own experiences, and lift each other up in a way that maybe our predecessors never felt like they could. We can find our individual voices through art, while also cultivating a sense of pride in our amazing community.
What local AAPI businesses or organizations should we amplify?
Speaking of pride, I could not be prouder of the Boston Festival Orchestra, of which I am Co-Founder, Conductor, and Artistic Director.
LIA CIRIO, PRINCIPAL DANCER
When did you know you wanted to be a professional dancer?
I believe dance and ballet has always been a great love of mine. When I was around 14, I realized I could not live without ballet and that’s when I decided to make it my career.
Are there specific types of ballets you really enjoy? What ballet are you most proud of performing?
I love all types of ballet. What I love about Boston Ballet is that our repertoire pushes the dancers to be versatile in any type of dance. I love the classics, George Balanchine ballets, and all sorts of contemporary ballets by William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Jorma Elo, and more.
Who inspires you?
My family is a huge inspiration to me, from my mom and dad to my two brothers. They inspire me to be strong, hardworking, creative, and to love life. I owe so much to each of them.
What does your AAPI heritage mean to you?
Growing up as a half-Filipino American, I did not really relate to my Filipino heritage. I believe it was because I did not wish to embrace how it made me different. Now as a grownup and somewhat of a leader in my field, I see how my heritage has shaped me into the person and artist I am today and how important it is to represent and be an example for future generations.
Why do you think AAPI representation matters in the arts?
As a young Asian-American, growing up, I never felt I had someone to look up to… to say “hey, she looks like me, I can do that too!” For this reason, I strive every day to be that representation for the next generation of little aspiring ballerinas who might feel like a minority in this field.
What is your message for aspiring dancers who identify as AAPI?
Dream big and know that you have a place in any world…in any field you wish to be a part of. Be proud and embrace your beautiful identity!
What local AAPI businesses or organizations should we amplify?
Forever and always Myers + Chang, my favorite restaurant in Boston! I also love the jewelry line Honey My Heart. The designer is Filipina American and makes some of my favorite jewelry pieces!
