Meet Alexander Pasker | Choreographer, Dancer, Teacher, and Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Pasker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has played a huge role in my journey as a dancer and choreographer. Two big risk that I took were my moves to Chicago and Los Angeles. When I moved to Chicago I was fresh out of undergrad. I had $1200 to my name and a big dream. All I knew was that I wanted to be a best choreographer and dancer I could be and the fist step into that direction was the move to Chicago. So ten days after I graduated college I packed up everything and moved to Chicago so I could join a tap dance company named Chicago Tap Theatre under the direction of Mark Yonally.

Then Covid hit so I had to move back home to Toledo, Ohio. During that hiatus, I felt Los Angeles, calling me and I new it was time to start my career as a commercial dancer. I moved to Los Angels in October of 2020, where the only person I knew was my mentor and friend, Brooke Paulson. That first year would have been difficult without her! She helped guide me and lifted me up when I needed it.

I think risk play a huge part in anyone’s dreams and goals. Without the big and little risk I took throughout my life, I would not be where I am today, A full time dancer and choreographer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something I am most proud of is that in every dance I choreograph and/or perform the audience will see a part of me. I think that is what sets me apart from other performers and choreographers is that I am vulnerable and I open myself up too the viewers. My goal as an artist, is to allow my audience to feel, think, and heal. When I am done with whatever performance I am doing, I hope everyone leaves with at least one if not all of them.

Feel: the viewer is able to tap into emotions through the movement that I have created. Wether is it the emotion I am feeling or not, they are still able to connect to them movement in a way that is unique to them.

Think: Allowing the audience to ask questions, creating an environment where that can ponder and wrestle over the movement or topic I have addressed. Expanding the mind.

Heal: The audience member has felt, thought and wrestled, and now able to heal. They were able to tap into themselves so much that passed trauma, feeling, etc come up and are able to begin the healing process.

My journey to where I am now was not easy at all. I use to struggle with low self esteem, body image, depression, suicidal; thoughts and people pleasing. What helped me along the way was my family and friends. Their support was crucial with my development as an artist.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooooo this is a good question! If my best friend came I would first go to Trader Joe’s and get all of our favorite snakes for the beach. The first night I would take them to a roof top bar maybe Mama Shelter. Then the next day would be a beach day! I would take therm to Will Rogers then drive to Santa Monica for dinner/watch the sunset. Day 3 we would go to brunch most likely in Weho to Gracias Madre (they have the best brunch) I would show them around weho then head over to Rodeo Drive to show them all the designer shops. Day 4 we would probably do another beach day at El Matador Beach in Malibu, but only a half day, then I’d probably go over to Highland Park area there are some cute shops and restaurants over there and my favorite donut place Donut Friends. I would also take them to Highland Park Bowl that night as well. Day 5 we would go to Disney! Then day 6 OC and probably spend the day at Huntington Beach then If were feeling it we would go out in Weho. Last day probably go to brunch at Millys Cafe in Pasadena and spend the day there. During this time I would want to squeeze in a live show at the Pantages and on Friday night go to BArcari in Silver LAke they have live Jazz music and its such a vibe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person I want to shoutout is my mentor, friend, and second mom, Brooke Paulson. Brooke has been in my life for the past 20 years. At a young age she was a person that I looked up to and aspired to be. She is so strong, talented, and loving. Characteristics that I admire not only as a choreographer and director, but as a human. Brooke has helped direct my dream into becoming a reality. She knows how much I love her and I’m sending her the biggest hug!

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Image Credits
Christopher Curtiss Kat Pappas Zachariah Schmitt