Step into the world of ballet beyond the spotlight with our exclusive feature! Each edition offers a glimpse into the off-stage lives of your favorite dancers, showcasing their unique hobbies and passions. Discover the surprising and delightful activities that make these artists’ lives as captivating as their performances.
CONSTANCE STAMATIOU
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dancer
@constance.stamatiou
Essential item in your dance bag?
Electrolytes! Staying hydrated is a must.
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
Purple Rain. I’m a Prince fan, I love the music and the dancing.
Dancer who’s inspired you?
Growing up I was inspired by Mia Cunningham of NCDT [North Carolina Dance Theatre]. From Ailey, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Bahiyah Hibah, and Dwana Smallwood.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
Anything Beyoncé, Kaytranda, Prince, Olivia Rodrigo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Erykah Badu, Foo Fighters, Outkast . . .
Least favorite dance step?
Petite allegro.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
I like to stay active, like going to the gym or taekwondo practice. I love to relax at the beach, watch movies with my family.
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
Best place to hang out in NYC is the streets. Whether it’s a street fair or a festival. Enjoying food at a table outside. Seeing the billboards in Times Square. Supporting artists whether on Broadway or in the train stations. NYC really is the city that never sleeps.
Dream role?
I’ve always wanted to perform Mr. Ailey’s Flowers.
Go-to coffee shop order?
Pumpkin spice cold brew.
Essential post-show ritual?
A protein shake and Epsom salt bath.
ABOUT CONSTANCE
Constance Stamatiou (Charlotte, NC) began her dance training at Pat Hall’s Dance Unlimited and North Carolina Dance Theatre. She graduated from Northwest School of the Arts and studied at SUNY Purchase and as a Fellowship student at The Ailey School. In 2009, Stamatiou received the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship. In 2022, she was one of Sports Illustrated’s “Top 100” and in 2023 she was nominated for the UK Critic’s Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Modern Performance in Cry. She has performed at the White House, in a TED Talk with Judith Jamison, and has appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Logo’s Trailblazer Honors, Elle’s movement series, Good Morning America, and The Today Show. Stamatiou has danced in the films Shake, Rattle & Roll, Bolden, and the commercial I Love NY. She is a mother of two. Stamatiou was a member of Ailey ll and joined the Company in 2007.
Image 5: Cry by Alvin Ailey by Scott Robbins.
