For two kids with a passion for dance, nothing could stop them from realizing their dreams. Because of their spirit and dedication, these two, now in their early 20s, are dancing with one of the most prestigious — and competitive — dance companies in the city.
Paige Fraser
Many little girls grow up dreaming of becoming dancers. For Paige Fraser, that dream is a reality. Fraser is a member of the Ailey II dance company, affiliated with the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. After beginning her dance training at the age of 4, Fraser spent 12 years in serious study, which led to a spot in the Alvin Ailey high school program.
“It was a great experience and a huge privilege,” says Fraser, now 21. That led to a chance for Fraser to study further with the Alvin Ailey company while pursuing her degree at Fordham University, where she is currently a senior. In 2010, Fraser was one of 12 dancers selected out of the Ailey School’s 1,500 to join the Ailey II company.
However, Fraser’s dream of becoming a professional dancer almost turned into a nightmare. At the age of 12, the Eastchester Bronx native was diagnosed with scoliosis, which severely affects the alignment of her spine and pelvis. After being urged by several doctors to undergo corrective surgery that would effectively end her dream of becoming a professional dancer, Fraser and her parents made the pivotal decision to forgo. Instead, through yoga and gyrotonics (which is a form of pilates-like exercise involving machinery), Fraser built up strength in her core muscles and managed to all but correct her scoliosis.
“People see me today, and they don’t believe I have scoliosis,” says Fraser. “It’s a blessing that I am still pursuing a career in dance.”
And today, Fraser is focused on dance and her studies. Although she enjoys modeling and musical theatre, she says “dance is my main passion and has to have all of my attention.” That focus has certainly paid off.
In 2010, Fraser had the honor of performing in Alvin Ailey’s “Memoria” in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. Over the past year, Fraser has performed across Europe, in 35 U.S. cities, and on the island of Bermuda. This year, she will be dancing leading roles in Thang Dao’s “Echoes,” Troy Powell’s “Reference Point,” and Donald Byrd’s “Shards,” all with Ailey II. Someday, Fraser would love to be a part of the main Ailey company.
Fraser’s advice for others aspiring to follow in her dancing footsteps is to remember to “never settle for someone else’s opinion, and to believe in yourself and never give up.”
Thomas Varvaro
Growing up in Marine Park, Brooklyn, dance was not on Thomas Varvaro’s mind. As an avid sports enthusiast, Varvaro’s dreams revolved around baseball and karate. So, when his mother initially suggested he take up dance, Varvaro balked.
“I thought it was too girly,” says the now 22-year-old. But his mother saw through his hesitation to his desire to perform and insisted he try. At age 8, Varvaro took his first dance class, and his career as a dancer was born.
After his initial training, Varvaro took a trip with his mother to see the American Ballet Academy perform a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and he knew he was on the right path.
“It really made it obvious to me that this is what I should be doing,” remembers Varvaro. After that pivotal moment, Varvaro went on to earn a place at Bay Academy, a former performing arts magnet school, where his teachers realized his exceptional potential. At the faculty’s urging, Varvaro auditioned for, and landed, a space in the Ailey Athletic Boys Dance Program, where his technique grew.
Varvaro felt from the beginning that the Ailey school was welcoming to him and his family, and he felt at home there.
“The faculty took the time to get to know me and help me,” he says.
With their support, Varvaro went on to study at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, where he honed his classical ballet technique through a joint program with the School of American Ballet. At the end of his senior year, his hours of training really paid off. He chose to return to Ailey and its Bachelor of Fine Arts program. From there, the prestigious — and immensely competitive — Ailey II company asked Varvaro to become an apprentice.
For Varvaro, it was “a dream come true to join the company.” As a young dancer, he had collected Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre posters and fliers and dreamed of someday dancing with them. While apprenticing with Ailey II, Varvaro would sit in on rehearsals, watch the dancers, and happily soak up every moment of the experience.
Now a full-fledged member of Ailey II, dance has taken Varvaro to places he only ever dreamed of visiting. As an apprentice, he spent a summer dancing in Paris, and last season, he toured with the company throughout Europe and across the United States. After this season in New York, Varvaro will be traveling with the company to Germany, Poland, and Luxembourg.
“Dance has taught me that you really can live your dream; with dedication it’s possible,” says Varvaro. And he hasn’t stopped dreaming. After his time in Ailey II is over, Varvaro hopes to join the main Ailey company, or possibly dance with Cirque du Soleil, then get a Master’s degree and teach dance to other dreamers.
