Alexander Betka
My form is changing dramatically...
Inspiration:
As a choreographer as well as dancer, I am constantly focused on the quality of my source of inspiration. Be that source animated or abstract, there is a message waiting to be expressed. While dance in a choreographic piece takes the foreground, I believe that added artistic value can be gained through the use of music, light, sound, location, multimedia, and interdisciplinary collaboration or lack thereof. I believe in my responsibility as an artist in the dance field to present a piece as objectively as possible; unlike music, visual arts and film, works on the stage have little means of mortal preservation. As Martha Graham once said, "There is a bit of madness in art which does the world a great deal of good."
Influence:
I came to dance in a very roundabout way. As an east-coast child, my parents were good enough to immerse me in all facets of the arts, and musical theater took to me strongly. Through theater and music alike, I found a knack and love for combining rhythm and movement-a very pre-historic definition of dance! Artists such as Bob Fosse, Paul Taylor, Leonardo da Vinci and Eric Whitacre have inspired me, while those close to me, my brother, father, dog, friend Emily and especially mother Mary have fostered me.
Current Projects: Currently I am a dancer in three fantastic and inspiring senior bachelor of fine arts projects. I also am choreographing a "mini-suite" for the Dance Department New Moves concert which I will also be dancing in. Please come and support the department!
Hometown:
Originally I am from the east coast, but I spent a good amount time in Colorado Springs in my middle-late teenage years... around the time one starts to develop their voice. On a very large scale, Seattle is similar to Colorado Springs intensity wise. Seattle, being a very progressive city has the time and effort to invest in the arts. Colorado Springs lacks that large public backing; however support for the arts is well vested within the community and through such outlets as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Ormao Dance Company.
Why Cornish?
The rich history that Cornish provides within it's education is something that is a beautiful addition to what a Bachelor of Fine Arts should be. Specifically, the dance department has garnered much clout within the last decade or so, and it is nice to be a part of a system that cares so personally about each artist. Seattle also seemed like a good city to experience such an artistic growth in as it presents a very real facet to where and how we as artists will grow.
Experience:
Honestly I have never missed sleep, my mother's cooking, a car, the sun, and free housing so much in my life... but the good far outweighs the inconvenient. The professors and adjuncts here are so thorough, that even I am starting to recognize the academic value within an artistic major. My form is changing dramatically, and I am excited to see that reflected in my dancing!
Hobbies:
I love to sleep, read, sing, eat (I am Italian), stretch and sleep whenever I can. And sleep.
In 5 Years:
I really do hope to be pursuing my masters degree somewhere, preferably back in New York City. I am most concerned with making the smooth transition between college and the real world, and hope that the dance world is willing to embrace me... because I will be ready with a big-ass bear hug.
Advice:
That given the opportunity, this prospective student should go. Dependent on what you put into your education, you will gain much out of it. Invest yourself personally in your art and do not take your senior year lightly, because the high-octane environment here is not for the week... and have fun.
Process:
Seriously? I do not really think that a "creative process" can be codified for anybody. It is a paradox that a creative "process" become systemic.