Interview with Broadway Star RAY MERCER. 1/24/2011

I can't believe I've had the pleasure of doing an interview with someone I grew up hearing about in dance classes all over that he was a fierce choreographer and dancer. I grew some courage and recently asked Mr. Ray Mercer himself If I could interview him for D.O.A.N and he kindly agreed. Much to my surprise he is as humble as he is fierce! Take some time and read our interview as we learn what this great dancer is up to. 

 
D.O.A.N: How many years of training have you had?

RM: I started my official training when I was 16 years old. It was a ballet class.

D.O.A.N: What types of skills do you have to have to be good at your job as a dancer?
RM: You should have a solid background in ballet and modern. 

 D.O.A.N: What skills or assets do you have that make you stand out from other dancers? 

RM: Well, I started out as a gymnast, so my gymnastics background really helped out a lot. 

 
D.O.A.N: Do you think you are paid fairly for the amount of work that you put into your job? 

RM: I am very fortunate to be on Broadway. Alot of dancers want to be where I am. I am blessed to be paid so well, for a job I love to do. 

 
D.O.A.N.: Are there any obstacles that you have to deal with on your day to day tasks as a dancer? 

RM: My job can be very difficult. It requires that you stay in shape, take class and go to the gym. That makes for a very long and physical week. I am exhausted by the end of the week. 

D.O.A.N: Are you satisfied with your current job as a dancer?

 RM: I LOVE my job as a dancer. I feel extremely blessed to be working in one of the biggest shows on Broadway.

 D.O.A.N: Do you feel that you want more from dance? 

RM: I feel like I have really gotten what I need from dance. Dance is constantly changing, and you have to change with it. That's very important. 

D.O.A.N: What do you like/dislike about dance?

 RM: I love being an artist, I love the physical part of dance and using dance as a physical expression. It can be hard on the body at times...but I wouldn't change a thing.

 D.O.A.N: What is the main task that you have to concentrate on as a dancer?

 RM: The main task, is that I want to become the best artist I can be. Respect the art form, and share what I have learned with others. It's very important to pass it on. 

D.O.A.N: Do you think that your job as a dancer is difficult? 

RM: Dance is very difficult. 

D.O.A.N: Do you ever want to do anything other than dance? 

RM: I love to dance, and choreograph, those are my only career passions 

D.O.A.N: Is dance a child hood dream for you? If not what was it? 

RM: Dance has always been a childhood dream. And it is amazing to be living my childhood dream, not many people can say that.

D .O.A.N: Can you describe what dance mean to you in one sentence?

 RM: Dance is the thing that gets me up in the morning!