SPOTLIGHT ON EVELYN: PARAMOUNT PROFESSIONAL
BY STACY REYER
Seriously, who doesn’t have a dancers crush on Eveyln Tosi? To watch her dance is to be fully alive in the moment. Whether dancing jazz, fusion, fire or burlesque she is always barely contained joy and power. Her technique, knowledge and experience are staggering in scope and depth and we as a community are so lucky to have her. She has led a dancer’s life of travel, shows and training and is Hip Expressions’ paramount professional.
Photo by John Mazzello
INTERVIEW WITH EVELYN TOSI
When did you start dancing? In 1968 at 9 years of age with tap and ballet.
When did you first discover your creative talents? I discovered my creative talents while I was teaching at a private studio in Baltimore, Maryland after semi retiring from performing "professionally". After a year or so I started a performance group with three other dancers. We had a blast and I became confident with my concepts and choreography.
Was there a definitive moment when you knew you wanted to dance? I don't remember that so much as when I told my dad I was going to be a professional dancer- I was 16. He replied "What about your family and kids?" I answered, "What family, what kids?" He kept on me a bit about my love of being in the sun and having a tan. “You can't have a tan if you're going to be a ballerina”. Luckily I didn't end up being a ballerina.
What turns you on so much about dance? Right now in my life it's the joy of dancing for me, choreographing, conceptualizing and seeing the growth of others from my teaching.
Do you consider yourself a belly dancer? Of course not (I wouldn't dare lol)...but I think I know enough to explain to my students the differences in posture and in some of the movements that are so similar between jazz/ballet/modern and belly dance. I did substitute teach a belly dance class once or twice. I think it was a basic level (no one else was available, lol).
How did you come to teach dance? Aside from the fact that both of my parents were educators (boy did I fight accepting that teaching is in my blood) I started teaching dance in my junior yr in high school for class credits at a local elementary school with a friend of mine. In my senior year my dad said "get a job" so at the dance studio where I "grew up" I started to assist classes. Since then it seems I have taught in almost every city I have lived in. I traveled a lot with my career so there were quite a few cities.
Has there been anyone in your career that gave you a “big break”? I don't think so. Someone else might say the first movie I danced in was a "big break", but it didn't lead to anything else. I don't think any of the dance jobs I had led to anything else.
How would you describe your style? Ballet based jazz with a modern flair and a hint of belly dance. Well that's what I put in bios and class descriptions. Aside from that....passionate, diverse, fun!
Do you believe rules are meant to be broken? Oh most definitely not....but that doesn't mean I don't break them and enjoy it.
What inspires you? Music, emotions, conceptualizing with others.
When is your favorite time to dance? After I am warmed up!!
Where do you choreograph? Usually at Hip Expressions' studio but sometimes in my head while I am massaging clients. I have a lot of time with certain clients to be in my head. I love that my hands and body know what to do.
Do you consider yourself a collaborative or solo artist? I am and love both, but if I had to choose I would have to say solo artist.
Do you have another job? I have been a massage therapist for 9+ yrs. It is my second career after unintentionally semi retiring from the "commercial" dance life.
Some of the "stars" that have inspired me are not all dancers: Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Danny Kaye, Barbra Streisand (her perseverance as well as talent), Nureyev, Barishnykov, Disney, and Fred Astaire. I will end with the most influential person in my dance life during the last 10 years: Johanna Krynytzky. I'm not sure I would be dancing so much right now if it weren't for her. Just when I thought I might stop or slow down there she was unknowingly (I assume) with a dance related gift that kept me going. Also, "Come see my show"; "look at my pretty costume" (I'm a sucker for pretty costumes); "come dance with me"; "let's choreograph something together"; "there is no one else (again), can you go dance (belly dance) at a birthday party?"......never pushing, but reminding me there is a lot of dance left in me. I am so very grateful for her friendship and belief and trust in me and my talents.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a dancer? Making a living doing what I love most. That was my greatest accomplishment, but I have to tell you about my favorite accomplishment as a dancer. When I was young I wasn't allowed other organized activities outside of dance and school unless I wanted to give up dance, because my parents didn't think I could do more and keep my grades up. So, dance I did. Anyway, when I was dancing on Guam in the shows "American Glitz" and "Fantastique" I had so many opportunities. I went over as company member and throughout the next five and a half years I became: a soloist for several different dance numbers, Line Captain, understudy (with my partner Henry) for the Lead Adagio Team and understudy for the Lead Female singer (lip sync). One night both leads were out and I got to re-stage the entire show (as Line Captain), dance parts of the Lead Adagio show with Henry (as understudies) and perform certain Lead Female singer numbers. I must say that was my favorite night of my performing career. What a rush. I also learned that I can "do more" and be successful at it.
Describe yourself in 5 words: It takes more than five
What are you working on currently? I am teaching a burlesque, chair dance to students at Hip Ex who will perform at our June 14, Hip Expressions' Monthly Showcase.
I am choreographing two solos for myself for the show "Heartbeat" in which I will dance the part of the Goddess Hecate. "Heartbeat" will play at the Palladium downtown St. Petersburg, June 18 (see below for more info).
Favorite music to dance to: I found recently that I love 3/4 time.
Favorite band: I don't think I have ever had one or ever will.
Favorite color: yellow... but some people think it's pink because last year I wanted everything pink (I still do). It's such a soothing color. Like Pepto Bismol is to the tummy!!
Favorite Drink: Daily- Chocolate Hemp Milk from a large wine goblet. Out and about-Champagne!
Other hobbies: Ah, you insinuate that my dancing is a hobby!! Painting, Sudoku, working with clay, club dancing, scuba diving..
What is your guilty pleasure? None of my pleasures are guilt ridden!!!!
Is dance enough for you? In an odd way I would love to say yes. But, as I look back at my life and here at the present, I see that it is not. I have always done other things along the way: my art work, scuba diving, relationships. As far as a career, the money was enough. Now, semi retired from dance it is not. But I am lucky to have chosen a second career I enjoy.
If you would like to take classes with Evelyn, or see her perform, here are some upcoming opportunities:
Evelyn's students will perform June 14th at the Hip Expressions' Monthly Showcase at St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant. It is our “Vaudeville to Vegas" show.
On June 18th, Evelyn will be performing in "Heartbeat" as the Goddess Hecate at the Palladium, in downtown St. Petersburg (253 5th Ave N.) Tickets are $28.00. For more info on show and cast, go to MoxyWomen.com. Check out this cool video of the cast. http:www//.youtube.com/watch?v=GOz71DTKas
Evelyn is honored to be teaching at Beledi Beach Bash this year alongside Unmata!
Her weekly class at Hip Expressions, "Dance Foundations", will focus on legs for the month of June. All levels.
Evelyn will start teaching "Burlesque" at Hip Expressions again beginning July 2nd. Classes will run in 8 week sessions and the first session is “Burlesque for the Bedroom".
Evelyn also directs the Hip Expressions "Circus" Showcase, Under the Big Top, in September.
Photo by John Mazzello
Photo by John Mazzello
Photo by John Mazzello
