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.
STEPHEN GUNTER
Ballet Rhode Island
Company Dancer
@sgunter_dance
Essential item in your dance bag?
A sweat towel and snacks.
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Dancer who’s inspired you?
My teacher Ilya Kozadayev and Semyon Chudin.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
“Jazz Deluxe” by Queen.
Least favorite dance step?
Ballotté.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
I paint miniatures and enjoy tabletop gaming of all kinds, from cards and board games to Dungeons & Dragons.
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
Snookers.
Dream role?
Mercutio.
Go-to coffee shop order?
Cappuccino.
Essential post-show ritual?
Calling my girlfriend and a bowl of ice cream.
ABOUT STEPHEN
Stephen Gunter is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and an apprentice with Ballet Rhode Island. He spent the majority of his training at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in ballet performance. Stephen also spent time with Ellison Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Bolshoi Academy.
As a classically trained dancer, Stephen enjoys telling stories more than anything else, and dance is a wonderful medium to use. His favorite performances include dancing the roles of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Solor in La Bayadère, and Espada in Don Quixote. In addition to these classic story ballets, pieces such as Fredrick Ashton’s Symphonic Variations and Ilya Kozadayev’s Dream(s)pace are also high points in Stephen’s performance experience.
Featured Image by Whitney Collins
Images 2, 4, and 6 by Whitney Collins
