Jovani Furlan

Classical ballet!

The funny thing is that I didn’t choose it. I never thought I’d dance classical ballet or dance any style really. When I started it was something I tried to do well, and then with time it became a conscious choice, something I fell in love with and wanted to get better and better at it.

I started in 2004, I was almost 11. The school I attended here in Brazil, the Bolshoi School, they go around the city’s schools to look for new talent. I found out they were coming to my school but didn’t have much interest in trying out. I mentioned it to my grandma and she told me “Why don’t you try out? Ballet is so beautiful and you have so much talent”. So, the next day I took the test and passed. A few months later, there was I, completely immersed in ballet with lots of Russian teachers around me, learning Vaganova technique and about the arts.

Yes, at the Bolshoi School in Brazil. We had multiple other classes on top of ballet technique. History of ballet, music, partnering, piano lessons, English, contemporary dance, theatre, historic popular dance and character dance. I studied at the Bolshoi for 7 years.

Making it in two different Balanchine companies is something I feel very happy about. I never thought this would happen. And performance-wise I think every show feels like a highlight to me. They are all so unique and special. But, I think there’s two I’d like to mention: Debuting Diamonds with the Miami City Ballet and getting promoted to Principal right after the show ended and also my debut of Prince Siegfried with Ashley Bouder at the New York City Ballet.

In 2018 I received a “Life Achievement Award” from the Brazilian press and it was amazing to receive recognition from my country! I got to be with amazing people and share a little bit about my story as a dancer and the importance of education and investing in the arts.

I honestly don’t think I could mention just one. They all have been so special and have played crucial roles in my life. I always have the most utmost respect for whoever is in front of me in the room, I just absorb everything that they have to give me, and I’m very grateful for all of them.
My biggest idol would be Nureyev, he’s a great source of inspiration.

During season I wake up around 8am, meditate, exercise, breakfast, class, rehearsal, more rehearsal, lunch, more rehearsal, and a performance. To wind down, I like to have a nice big dinner and a glass of wine.
Now during COVID it has been a little crazy, but I try to keep a routine. I go to the gym, take ballet class, swim, sometimes I have a few rehearsals and currently I am also working on my own brand and a podcast of mindfulness for dancers!

Keep working hard, the more you work the more “luck” you will have. And trust yourself, that’s the best gift you can give yourself!

Well stablished in NYC, happy, fulfilled with my career and having the financial ability to help others in any way I can.