Roger C. Jeffrey - A Tribute to Juilliard
Upon first speaking to Roger Jeffrey my thoughts were, how can he say so much without taking a breath in between ideas? His excitement about his work is obvious as his love of dance and the arts. What he has become is certainly a product of his four years at Juilliard.
Upon graduating from the Fiorello H. LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, Roger was eager to pursue a dance career as soon as possible. Teachers Maria Grandy and Carolyn Adams had other plans for his future. They were instrumental in influencing him to attend Julliard, convinced that it would be the place for him to develop into the artist he has now become.
In his first year at Juilliard, Roger promised to perform with his former high school teacher's company, Elisa King and Dancers. At the same time, he was rehearsing for a performance at Juilliard. Faced with a conflict, he chose to skip his Juilliard rehearsal to attend the tech rehearsal for his former teacher's show. It would be both the first and the last time would skip a rehearsal at Julliard.
Instructor Benjamin Harkarvy (who would later become Jeffrey's mentor) set the record straight. He informed Jeffrey that being a student at Julliard meant 100% commitment, nothing less. It was Julliard or nothing. As Roger walked out of that meeting he was seriously on the brink of quitting, but wisely reconsidered. He promised to give that 100% commitment from that day forward. Harkarvy attended Roger's performance at the high school, forever instilling in him the importance of commitment and completion. Harkarvy's words played over and over again in Jeffrey's head, and would carry him not only through college, but beyond.
Whenever the temptation to leave school for another opportunity arose, it was his teachers that pulled him back. They were the support system that kept him focused on graduation. In many ways, Roger feels that he graduated for his teachers. Several of them attended Juilliard, but none ever graduated. They opted instead to pursue careers in choreography, national and international dance companies, on Broadway, and in film. So Roger took their advice and stayed focused, graduating in their honor.
Jeffrey feels that the training he received at Juilliard prepared him for any company that he would choose upon graduation; ballet, modern or contemporary. Not only did it prepare him for success in the dance world, it prepared him for a life in the arts. Juilliard planted the seed for him to expand in all areas. While in school, Roger studied numerous aspects of stage production including grant writing, grant applications, starting a company, touring, salaries, per diem, sponsorship, audition skills and more. In fact, his class was one of the largest classes to collectively land highly coveted jobs upon graduation.
Being a student at Juilliard forced Roger to answer the question, "What is art?" Although the answer to this question is defined individually, each student must be able to articulate why they do what they do and convey its importance.
Throughout all four years, never once forgetting his commitment to give 100%, Roger thrived on the teaching he received. The seeds were planted to expand and realize the great responsibility of nurturing a gift such as his. He graduated from Julliard in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
As an alumni, Roger takes great pride in staying in touch with his alma mater, attending graduations and other activities. Acclaimed American playwright Terrence McNally was the keynote speaker at a Julliard Graduation in the late 90's.During his address, McNally stated the importance of reaching back to help other artists while you are in pursuit of your own artistic goals. He went on to encourage the graduates to never forget their importance or the greatness of their gifts. McNally's words impacted the young artist, his dedication, and the way he looks at his work to this day.
Given the choice all over again, would he still opt for college before career? Absolutely! This time not because of the persuasion of his teachers, but because he knows it was a wise choice. He would advise others in the same position as he was to go to school.
Since his years spent at Juilliard, Roger has many accomplishments to his credit. In 1997 he founded Subtle Changes, Inc., a nonprofit artist collective committed to the presentation, development and exposure of the arts. His dance company consists of 12-14 dedicated artists who, like Roger, are committed to quality both in dance and in choreography.
Jeffrey recently joined the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company, becoming the first African-American male in history to do so. He is also a member of Zvi Gothiner & Dancers and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. As for any plans and goals for the future... this gifted young artist choreographed a new ballet for Ballet Araebesque in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, and solo work for international guest artists Adrienne Canterna and Rasta Thomas. He is looking forward to future commissions from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, Kevin Jeff's Deeply rooted Production, Dance Theater of Harlem and the Washington Ballet.