James Kopecky, a professional ballet dancer and freelance choreographer, found his passion for dance during high school despite struggles with asthma. Encouraged by mentors, he pursued ballet and established a sense of community through movement. After graduating from Butler University, Kopecky navigated the challenges of ballet, including contractual work and the independent life in a ballet company. Now based in North Carolina, his current work involves choreography for contemporary ballet, showcasing the creative journey he embraced throughout his career.
When I was younger, I couldn't do a lot of outdoor sports because I had asthma...some of my teachers in high school told me that this was something I could pursue as a professional dancer.
There isn't something that allows you to explore your physicality as much as dance does. You go to baseball practice and do the drills. But with dance, it was fun to understand how I liked to move.
Being in a ballet company is a very interesting experience because you are on contract ... usually around a nine-month contract like college semesters.
I've dabbled with choreography for my entire career, especially when I was in San Jose.
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