13. ABMNetwork NY: I checked out videos that you have done, you provide information about health. Is that something that is a main issue?
Catherine Mancuso: Yes. From my own personal experience I found that dancers will spend all their time and energy focusing on their training but may not learn anything about how to take care of themselves. I myself was dealing with a lot of health issues from later adolescence through my mid-twenties that included migraines, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. I was so concerned about getting my dance technique perfect that I pushed these issues aside till they got me to a point where I could no longer get up in the morning to dance anymore. I hit burnout about 10 years before I should have as a dancer and it’s made me passionate about helping dancers to prevent this from happening to them. It’s not an issue that is addressed in studio classes and I want to create more awareness and prevention of health problems for dancers.
14. ABMNetwork NY: Will Aries In Flight be doing performances in other countries?
Catherine Mancuso: At this time we do not have any performances scheduled for other countries. It’s definitely something I am open to and would love to explore in the future.
15. ABMNetwork NY: Is there some advice that you could share with other dancers that would like to work with Aries In Flight?
Catherine Mancuso: The dancers I respect most are honest and have strong work ethic. I value communication above all and the dancers who have been with me the longest are the ones who communicate their needs and are honest about their availability. I also prefer to work with people who are interested in creating a positive community and work environment.
17. ABMNetwork NY: Can you tell our readers information on your company like website, phone and email to reach you?
Catherine Mancuso: Email: [email protected]
Website: AriesInFlight.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AriesInFlight
Twitter: twitter.com/AriesInFlight
Instagram: Instagram.com/AriesInFlight
You can also sign up for our weekly newsletter at
8. ABMNetwork NY: What kind of preparation do you do for each performance?
Catherine Mancuso: Typically, we will increase our rehearsal schedule. This may include extra rehearsals on Saturdays. We will cast company dancers based on their availability for rehearsals. We will then spend our rehearsal period refining the movement to make sure all movements are clear and initiated from the correct body part. We will also do some acting exercises to bring out the performance quality the piece calls for. We try to do at least one rehearsal in a space that will be approximately the same size as the performance venue so the dancers are prepared before the night of a performance.
9. ABMNetwork NY: Are there any changes coming in the future concerning the type of dancing you do?
Catherine Mancuso: I am always open to new ideas but the bulk of my work revolves around Theater Jazz. Some of my work will be more closely associated with the lyrical jazz style but the foundation of my work is the story behind the movement. I am fascinated by story-telling and draw most of my inspiration from musicals.
10. ABMNetwork NY: Where do you see Aries In Flight in the coming years in the industry of dancing/entertainment?
Catherine Mancuso: : I see us becoming known as a company that produces not only great performance pieces, but empowers dancers to have long and successful dance careers. I believe in creating a community of dancers who are confident in who they are, have the business skills to succeed, and make more than enough money to survive. Additionally, I see the company being a visible jazz dance company that is taken seriously in the concert dance world.
11. ABMNetwork NY: Your company Aries In Flight is giving so many dancers in the chance to show what they can do. How to you pick or accept dancers?
Catherine Mancuso: We hold auditions 2 to 3 times per year. I will usually have dancers come in for a rehearsal with the company to see how they work with the current company members. I’m looking to see what their dance style is like and how they adjust to the movement I give them that day. If they work well with the group and can pick up the style quickly, I will invite them back for a 2nd rehearsal to see them again. After watching them work at the 2nd rehearsal, I’ll usually know if they will be a good fit for the company. If I like their movement style, work ethic, and get along well with the group I’m happy to welcome them into the company to dance with us on a permanent basis.
12. ABMNetwork NY: Can you give our readers information on some of the ways they can apply if they wanted to join Aries In Flight as a dancer?
Catherine Mancuso: I’m always open to receiving requests to audition. You can email me with your resume, headshot, and reel at [email protected] asking for an audition request. We will also usually post auditions on DanceNYC.org and on our social media outlets.
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A Rising Company Con't: Aries In Flight