Baranya Dávid :: Baranya Dávid interview

Baranya Dávid interview

  • Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: Black Fly

    Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: Black Fly

  • Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: White Fly

    Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: White Fly

  • Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: Latin Dance

    Baranya Dávid with Devergo :: Latin Dance

Theatrical Roles: Pressed for time, No with, not without , Dance of the Vampire, Romeo & Juliet, 1 Body 2 Spirits, Bolero/Tabula Rasa, In the City, Carmina Burana, Vivaldi Four Seasons, Storm, Peer Gynt / Tours: Night of the Dance (Germany-Switzerland-Austria), Salut Vienna (Canada), Strauss (France)

He was only 15 when he already danced in the Hungarian National Theatre. In the following 6 years and after several other roles David got dancing the White Vampire's role in the world famous musical "Dance of the Vampire", in Berlin, Budapest, Oberhausen and Stuttgart. And the story has just begun...

Have you always wanted to be a dancer or have you been pushed into this direction by somebody?

It all started at school, where a dance performance was being held by somebody I have known for years. I joined a ballroom dance class when I was 9. Practically, I got addicted to dance through ballroom dancing. Then, around 14 consciously I have chosen a dance school, and after high school I had a chance/opportunity to work with experienced dancers at Budapest Ballet.

Is there always a danger of being typecast, if you dance the same role on the same stage for a long time?

Dancing the same role is pretty normal abroad, I think. As I've had an opportunity to do so many different performances in Hungary, in Germany, after 2 years and about 600 "Dance of the Vampires" performances diversity was missing. So, even if I was giving up a certain thing, I did choose not to sign for one more year.

"Dance of the Vampires" is apostrophized as a cult musical; so far over 5 million people across the world have seen this unusual, spectacular show. After being a leading dancer of this production, what would be your ultimate dream role?

I have no dream roles. Maybe, if I were a ballet dancer I would have one. Dancing in a show on the Broadway or West End would be an incredible opportunity, of course, I would be very proud to work there. To enter for an international ballroom dance competition, (world championship) however not really the medal is the dream for me. It's more the atmosphere what's in the air of these competitions, during a world championship, for example. It is a world apart that you have to experience to be able to understand.

Following its debut in Vienna in 1997, audiences in Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Warsaw, Budapest, Antwerp and Tokyo have been amazed by this mind-blowing musical. What do you think, what is the secret of this unbroken success?

Generally, the success of the show lies on two things: the performers and the creative team. The power and motivation of the whole team is crucial to create a perfect performance, independently of cultural or other differences, origin or social background. At the time of my involvement, more than 10 nations were working together on this show. Something like this can generate energies on top-level, so no wonder that this spectacular satire is so popular. I have been extremely lucky meeting and working with the fascinating choreographer Dennis Callahan and Cornelius Baltus, the well-known Dutch director. They were responsible for setting up the productions I took part in. These two mentors were very inspiring and helped a lot to guide me into the show that was originally dreamt by Roman Polanski. He directed the debut in Vienna and visited the premieres as well.

According to a famous artist-designer, if you really want to enjoy your profession, you have to return to your roots, so as an adult try to be busy with something you really loved in your childhood. What do you think about this statement?

Well, I think I keep on returning to the roots. You should never forget your roots, where you came from. If I would translate it to a language of the dance, than for me it is the ballroom dance. Doesn't matter where I work, I'm always looking for the opportunities to be able to continue ballroom dancing.

Is there any music you can't dance to?

I think there isn't, but maybe the hip hop is the only style that is not so interesting for me. I would be able to learn it of course, I've tried it before, but it won't come out from my heart. But it's cool.

Jeans is art. Do you agree with this?

Absolutely! Jeans can be a kind of art, and dance is connected with jeans on many different ways. Certain performances would be unthinkable without jeans. The whole message would be different, if we wouldn't have jeans on. Jeans is power, strength, endurance, even if it is destroyed or dirty.

Do you think something or somebody will cause a revolution in the world of denim?

Yes, sure. I think new models will be designed all the time, but on the other hand new stuff is often based on something from the past. From my point of view real revolution will be caused by revolutionary fabrics.