JOÃO DUCCI
Londrina, Brazil
Photo by Chris Emerick
“I WILL NEVER BE DONE LEARNING.”
-João DUCCI
Photo by Chris Emerick
João Ducci moved to Los Angeles, CA from his home-country of Brazil at fourteen and began his dance training at the age of eighteen at Santa Monica College. He went on to train at Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet on full scholarship and earn his BFA in Dance Performance and BFA in Choreography from the University of California, Irvine. João has had the pleasure of studying under Charlotte Griffin, Dante Puleio, Kate Skarpetowska, Tong Wang, Diane Diefenderfer and Seda Aybay to name a few. He has performed works by Lar Lubovitch, Donald McKayle, Jennifer Backhaus and DIAVOLO among others, and has worked as a freelance dancer with Ballet Project OC, C. Eule Dance and Fuse Dance Company. While at UCI, João premiered several of his own works and was honored to receive the Excellence in Dance Choreography award. He is also certified in Pilates by Diane Diefenderfer – Studio du Corps. João continues to pursue choreography alongside his career as a performer, as well as being a Pilates instructor. He is in his second season with Backhausdance, and he will be returning to his Alma Mater next year to pursue his MFA.
MORE FROM João
When did you start dancing?
I didn't start my formal training until I got to college at 18, but I grew up involved in gymnastics, karate, circus arts, cheerleading, and musical theater. I also feel like I have been “choreographing” since I was a child.
Do you have a pre performance ritual?
Well... I'm usually scrambling to put my costume on seconds before curtain because I take so long to get ready... but besides that I try to have a moment with myself backstage, close my eyes and take a few deep breaths to get focused, grounded and into performance mode.
What is a must-have item in your dance bag?
A clean change of clothes for when I'm done dancing. (Oh and Ibuprofen!)
How do you prepare for a rehearsal?
I try to make sure I warm up specifically for what I will be rehearsing, which could be getting grounded and present, stretching a specific body part, or warming up my core and upper body for partnering.
What gives you inspiration?
Music, art, fashion, photography, generous choreographers, teachers, people I get to dance with, and definitely knowing I will never be done learning.