Meet Jill Gorrie Rovatsos | Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Gorrie Rovatsos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was young I heard a teacher once say that the only reason you should pursue a professional career in dance was if you couldn’t NOT do it. In other words, almost any other career choice would be a more logical path to pursue. So, when I was accepted as a biology major at George Washington University and as a dance major at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, I naturally chose to pursue the latter! The most beautiful thing was that I had the full support of my parents. Even they knew that I couldn’t NOT dance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a dancer, choreographer, director, and educator.

I have danced for as long as I can remember.

I was so fortunate to have excellent dance training and incredible mentors growing up in New England. My mom drove me hours and hours to classes, competitions, and performances. From the outside, it may have looked like she was pushing me, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I was an insatiable kid, and my mom did everything in her power just to keep up with me!

My education at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts deepened and broadened my training, introducing me to the world of modern dance. The teachers with whom I studied in the university’s BFA Dance Program encouraged me to think beyond the strictures of classical forms and structures, inspiring me to find my own identity as a dancer, choreographer, and artist. As much as I appreciated the modern dance training that I got at Tisch, I found myself longing for a more commercial outlet once I graduated. I missed my “jazz hands” and longed to perform more story driven content, so I bought the “Backstage” newspaper every Thursday and started auditioning for musical theatre productions.

Shortly after graduation I was cast in a summer stock season in up-state NY, performing in the ensemble of three different musicals. I made a whopping $160/week, but I got housing and was able to sublet my NYC apartment. It was a start! For the nearly 2 decades following, I called New York City home, but travelled whenever and wherever a gig took me. I joined the actors’ union (Actors Equity Association) and also started working as a professional choreographer. Some of my favorite jobs were performing in the Broadway National Tour of the musical State Fair by Rodgers and Hammerstein, dancing in the ensemble of Nothing Like a Dame at the St. James Theatre on Broadway, dancing alongside Nicole Kidman in the movie The Stepford Wives, singing and dancing with Elaine Stritch at Carnegie Hall, choreographing Aida, Hairspray, and Singin’ in the Rain at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and performing with the European Tour of the musical Grease as the Dance Captain. I got to perform “the handjive” on stages across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and in Istanbul, Turkey and Byblos, Lebanon. I traveled the world doing what I love and lived my childhood dream.

Teaching is also a true passion for me. I have been teaching dance and theatre classes since I was 15 years old. Throughout college and the years that followed in NYC, I was a free-lance teacher at many private studios, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), and at NYU-CAP21, which allowed me the freedom to pursue my performing and choreography career, knowing that I would have a job and eager students when I returned from a gig. I also had the honor of teaching in Canada, Germany, Italy, and South Africa, as well as across the US for Dance Masters of America. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to be able to support myself doing what I loved, inspiring young artists and at the same time, gaining valuable experience as a teacher.

In 2012, while touring Europe as the Resident Director/Choreographer of the musical Grease, I felt it was finally time to get “off the road” and to plant some roots. So, as I was nearing 40 (years young), I decided to pursue my MFA in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University with the goal of obtaining a full-time teaching position in higher education. I felt a deep desire to have a child and I wanted a more stable career in the arts. It was the best leap of faith decision I ever made to pursue my MFA. It has now been 10 years since I graduated, and I still live in San Diego with my amazing husband (who is a native New Yorker) and my seven-year-old boy/girl twins. I can honestly say that all my dreams have come true. I am a lecturer in the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University, choreograph regularly at professional theaters and educational institutions, and work privately with young aspiring musical theatre artists to help them navigate the college audition process.

It has by no means been an easy path and I sacrificed a lot to pursue my dreams. I spent years “on the road” and often very far away from family and friends. I missed loved ones’ milestones. There were months when I wasn’t sure how I would pay my rent in NYC and then others when I felt like a total “rockstar.” It was a real-life roller-coaster ride, but I have no regrets. I’m so grateful to have had those experiences and wouldn’t trade them for the world, for they’ve shaped me as an artist, teacher, human being, and mom.

Nowadays I spend as much time with my precious family as possible. I also love teaching and am extremely passionate about the next generation of artists and performers, inspiring them to learn about, love and respect the art forms that have made my life so rewarding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Just recently a dear friend and her son visited from New Hampshire. In less than 48 hours we went rock climbing and zip lining at Belmont Park, had lunch at Draft, swam in the pacific ocean at Mission Beach, enjoyed the world famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World (both in one day!), and had a delicious Mexican dinner at Casa de Reyes in Old Town. It was a very ambitious “tourist-y” itinerary for 3 seven year old children and 2 tired moms, but it was oh so much fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As an artist it is so important to have someone who believes in your talent, understands your passion, and supports your wildest dreams. My mom did all of these things with patience and love!

Website: https://www.jillgorrie.com

Instagram: @jillgorrie

Image Credits
Jill Denny