By Besa Gordon

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Jonathan Batista, the talented dancer who recently debuted in the lead role of George Balanchine's "Prodigal Son" with the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The Q&A occurred following the show, which was amazing by the way! The Q&A session was filled with warmth, candor, and insights into Batista's personal journey, his experience with the iconic role, and his thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the ballet world.

Batista, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, spoke candidly about his unexpected path to ballet. "My parents wanted me to stay busy," he chuckled, describing himself as a child with boundless energy, trying everything from soccer to piano lessons before discovering his passion for dance. He also shared how his experiences at military school instilled in him the discipline and determination that have served him so well in his career. "Ballet and the military are almost the same," he mused, "Someone is telling you what to do, and you have to do it again and again until it's right."

The conversation turned to Batista's recent performance in "Prodigal Son," a role made famous by ballet legends like Edward Villella. Batista described the emotional weight of the role, particularly the poignant scene where the prodigal son returns to his father seeking forgiveness. "That moment reminds me of my father," Batista shared, his voice thick with emotion. "He never had to raise his voice. He just had this look... It speaks to the value of bonding between a father and a son." Batista also spoke about his experience working with Amanda Morgan, who danced the role of the Siren. "She's a very confident and strong woman," Batista said of Morgan. "She just gave it to me, and she said, 'I'll take the lead.' And I said, 'I think that's the right choice.'" Their onstage chemistry was palpable, and their performance was made even more special by the fact that it was a historic night for Pacific Northwest Ballet, as it was the first time that both the Prodigal Son and the Siren were danced by Black dancers. "It speaks to the power of diversity and inclusion, but also the power of leadership," Batista said of the historic casting. "It's really opening up the conversation to possibilities."

One of the highlights of the evening was Batista's discussion of diversity and inclusion in ballet. He expressed his gratitude to Pacific Northwest Ballet for fostering an inclusive environment, stating, "To see the diversity and inclusion within the company is very important." He also shared his own experiences as a black dancer, including a memorable moment when he witnessed Misty Copeland and Brooklyn Mack performing "Prodigal Son" with the Washington Ballet. "I've always wondered if I was going to see a black pairing," he confessed. "And I did. It made me realize that it is possible."

Batista's eloquence and passion were truly inspiring. He spoke about his future plans, which include continuing to speak out about representation in the arts and fundraising for a ballet school he helped build in Brazil. "I want to see many companies just like PNB, doing the work," he declared. "I want to see all communities represented on stage."

Overall, it was a truly memorable evening. Jonathan Batista is not only a gifted dancer but also a thoughtful advocate for the arts. His story is a testament to perseverance, the importance of representation, and the transformative nature of the arts. As he continues to shine on stage and off, I have no doubt that he will inspire countless others to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.