10 QUESTIONS WITH LIENEKE MATTE

When did you start dancing?

When I was 6 years old at a local studio in the Bronx.

What drove you to a dance career?

Dancing has always been a part of my identity. I was very shy in my adolescence and dance is where I felt I could work hard and be seen. Luckily my parents allowed me to continue to train and have a dance career become a possibility.

What do you enjoy doing outside the studio?

I love quality time with friends, being outdoors, listening to podcasts, and enjoying other forms of art.

What is your go to mantra?

I don’t really have one, but I have always liked the quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts” .

Who is someone you admire?

Nancy Pelosi. She is a fighter!

If you weren’t a dancer you’d be?

Probably a psychologist or park ranger.

Best advice you ever got?

The grass is greenest where you water it.

Who would you love to work with?

Oh boy! If I could pick anyone….Paul Lightfoot and Sol León. I love the works they created for Nederlands Dans Theater.

What do you want people to take away from a performance?

I want people to see our passion and be left thinking.

Your favorite role or piece to dance?

I have so many! If I had to choose one then I would say the duet from Similar by Anthony Krutzkamp. It was one of my first big roles with Verb. I felt like I was floating when I performed it. I loved the balletic lines and the smooth yet unexpected transitions.