Jessica Mego

Why Intrepidus Dance?

Holly and I danced together in college at Kent State University and from the moment I met her I thought she was an amazing person inside and out! Her choreography was and still is purposeful, full of depth, and interesting. Being trained by the same instructors in college, we both have an appreciation and love for classical modern dance; spreading this genre to the Seattle area is something I definitely want to be a part of. As a friend and dancer, I want to support Holly's vision, spread dance to this area, and satisfy my passion and need for dance in my life.

Why & when did you begin dancing?

I began dancing at the age of 4, continued through college, danced in New York for 2 years and now Seattle! Honestly, I started dancing because my mom asked me one day "Do you want to go to dance class?" haha! It was as simple as that.

But, as all dancers know, it really is a question of "why do I continue to dance" or "what makes me keep coming back to class year after year?" The answer to that is that there is a passion, love, and appreciation that is deeply rooted in us and that drives us to continue perfecting our craft and pushing ourselves to new levels day after day.

A 4 year-old Jessica from her recital debut in a piece titled 'Little Bitty Pretty One'.

What styles of dance do you specialize in?

Well...I have studied many types of dance - tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical, musical theatre, improvisation, partnering, hip hop...I even tried ballroom once but it didn't go so well because I wouldn't let the man lead haha!

My specialty is modern. I was trained in primarily classical modern in college - May O'Donnell and Eric Hawkins techniques (who were Graham students). Plus some Bartenieff and post-modern technique. I also have participated in a number of modern dance intensives which were life changing experiences that made me focus even more on improvisation and partnering which I love!

Who is your dance icon & why?

Eek, I don't think I have a dance icon. There have been so many amazing dancers and choreographers throughout history and each has made a huge impact on dance in general that I don't think I could ever pick just one. One of my professors taught me to "borrow" from others - if you see something that one dancer or choreographer is doing that you think is interesting or beautiful then "borrow" it - try to take learn from them. If you like their quality of movement, try to move similarly. If you like their lines, aim to extend through your limbs as well. Instead of focusing in on one choreographer or dancer, I prefer to look at all of them and appreciate each for what they are in their own right and learn from them.

Describe yourself in one word:

Strong

Would you rather have super strength or super intelligence?

Super Strength

What is your music preference?

Alternative, indie, easy listening. IE: Porter Robinson, Bon Iver, Mumford and Sons, Banks, London Grammer, Ben Harper, etc.

What's your favorite movie or TV show & why?

I don't watch a lot of TV but when I do it is Grey's Anatomy or Revenge. I'm honestly not sure why I like these shows!

Celebrity crush?

Jake Gyllenhaal

What do you do in your spare time?

Well, I don't have a lot of spare time, but when I do I am usually cooking new recipes, researching different exercise formats and techniques, or spending time with my fiancee and family!

Do you have any phobias?

I have a huge fear of rodents! That includes squirrels (yes, they are in the rodent family), hamsters, chipmunks...eeek I dislike them all!

I have to say though, I lived in NYC for 2 years and saw my fair share of mice and rats. Story! One evening, I was walking home from work in NYC and talking to my mom on the phone, and I said to her "Mom, I just looked down and there is literally a rat walking down the sidewalk next to me - oh my gosh - I can't believe I am doing this"; I wanted to run away but kept my cool. I was extremely proud of myself in that moment and a year later I had to catch a mouse in my house all by myself - which I did successfully after dancing around on the couch squealing out of fear for a couple minutes prior - hahaha! I'm getting there slowly but surely!

Lastly, what's a piece of advice/encouragement you would give to your 15-year-old self?

Oh man...All of the small challenges that seem impossible to overcome right now are just that - small road bumps. You will get through them, learn from them, and be a better person with more understanding when they have passed.

Also, trust your gut and keep pushing for everything you've ever dream of! You truly can do anything you put your mind to!

Photo courtesy of S. Weissbach Photography

Photo courtesy of S. Weissbach Photography