Our Shoot at Body Wrappers/Angelo Luzio's New Showroom

May 16, 2013

As you know, I am the official spokesperson for Body Wrappers/Angelo Luzio doing modeling and videos for the products. A fun shoot took place Monday April 29th at Body Wrappers/ Angelo Luzio's brand new showroom and studio in Manhattan. Here are some fun photos from the shoot.

Me on set

Me on set

Robbie on set with photographer Jesse Stein in foreground

Body Wrappers Designers Saundra Zelem and Karen Kunch

Robbie and me on set

Photographer Jesse Stein, makeup artist Niko Lopez and me

Robbie and me having fun on set

Makeup artist Niko Lopez fixing my makeup

Robbie and me on set with choreographer Matina Simegiatos and photographer Jesse Stein in foreground

Robbie and me posing

Robbie and me discussing the next pose

Robbie and me getting ready for another pose

The studio with busy staff members assistant Georgia Tetradise, choreographer Matina Simegiatos, photographer Jesse Stein, Marketing Director Trudy Christ and (head turned away) photographer of these photos Mary Ann D'Agostino

Opening Week of the New York City Ballet Spring 2013 Season

May 9, 2013

Last week was a very exciting week. On opening night, I was cast for one of my all-time favorite ballets to dance, Who Cares? I just love to dance The Man I Love pas de duex and the Fascinatin' Rhythm Variation. The Man I Love was especially memorable this time around because I danced it with my fiancé. It is wonderful to share a moment like that onstage with someone you're so close to. Who Cares? is just such a great ballet to dance. I am able to play with the music and just have fun :) The other ballets I performed during our opening week were Carousel (A Dance) by Christopher Wheeldon and Jerome Robbin's Fancy Free. Carousel holds a special place in my heart because it was the first ballet I performed after suffering a back injury about 6 years ago. I will never forget that show and all of the emotions I felt. As for Fancy Free, who can ask for a more enjoyable ballet to dance? I performed every night of the first week, and I am looking forward to our Gala and the rest of our season!

Ana Sophia Scheller and I posing backstage after our opening night performance in Who Cares?

My fiancé, in-laws to be, and I after a fun show of Fancy Free

Our Visit and Lessons at Newtown

May 2, 2013

This past week, Robbie and I had the privilege to visit Newtown, CT. After hearing of the recent tragedies they endured, Robbie and I wanted to do something for the community. Cindy Carlson, a NYCB fan/attendee and resident of Sandy Hook, was very keen on the idea and actually made this special day happen. We were given the opportunity to teach two classes to the local dance students in Sandy Hook.

We had an amazing day and the students were eager to learn and enthusiastic. It was wonderful to see smiles and get a few laughs from these students who have had to deal and overcome so much. We feel extremely lucky that the community and local dance studios opened their arms and let us come visit their hometown. We just hope that we were able to spread a little joy by sharing our love for dance. I truly think dance has the ability to heal!

Click on the link below to read about our trip, which appeared in Newtown's local paper. http://www.newtownbee.com/news/features/2013/04/24/nyc-ballet-dancers-offe red-private-lessons-newtown/131102

After class with the beautiful Sandy Hook dancers!

Teaching the students in my Body Wrappers Leo Premiere style P521 in Violet

Huddled around for autographs and questions :)

A Proposal Disguised By A Photo Shoot In Paris!!!

April 25, 2013

About 3 months ago, the New York City Ballet Press Department told me and Robbie that we had been asked to do a Kenzo photo shoot in Paris immediately following our NYCB tour to Copenhagen. I was beyond excited! So when we finished the Copenhagen tour on April 8th, the two of us deviated from the company the next morning and headed straight to Paris. We arrived at our hotel at around 11:30am and were suppose to meet the "Kenzo people" at 1:30pm for a fitting before the shoot the following day.

Since we had a bit of time to kill before the fitting, Robbie suggested that we freshen up quickly (so we would look presentable for the Kenzo people) and head to the Sacre Coeur, which is his favorite spot. We arrived at the beautiful church and decided to walk to the top of the Dome so we could see the 360 view of Paris that Robbie had told me about. As we started walking up the staircase, I immediately got a little nervous because it started to sprinkle. I was worried my hair and outfit would get wet and I wanted to go to this fitting looking my best. I started giving him a hard time saying "Is there even enough time to do this? We only have 15 more minutes before we have to leave for the fitting and we are getting wet." He told me "Oh we will be fine," and I later found out that he was laughing inside as I was asking him all of those questions.

We finally arrived at the top, and because it was a little rainy, the view was foggy. Robbie was bummed and said, "Well, normally you can see the entire city." He took me around to show me the spot where you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance and said, "Hey can you come here for a second?" I said, "Oh do you want to take a picture?" He said, "Yea that sounds good."

So we took the picture and then he looked at me and said, "So Tiler Peck..." and as he said that my eyes widened. He took me by the hand and and got down on his knee. I immediately started tearing. He looked me in the eyes and asked me if I would marry him. I didn't have to think for a second and through the tears I nodded a yes. I was so happy I couldn't even speak :)

Then the strangest thing happened...the sun started to shine and the 360 view that was once foggy suddenly became completely visible. It was almost as if he had planned for the sun to come out right after he proposed. We could see the entire city and it really was the most beautiful view I had ever seen! He told me that there wasn't really a photo shoot so we had the entire three days just to enjoy being in Paris together. I was completely surprised! He had planned this entire fake "photo shoot" and had the NYCB Press Department in on it. Katharina Plumb, head of the Press Dept. had written me numerous emails with fitting and shoot details. They totally tricked me! I never could have imagined a more romantic way to get engaged and I couldn't he happier to be Robbie's fiancé.

The moment after I said yes and he got up from his knee :) Luckily, there was a sweet woman who saw him on his knee and took my phone out of my hand and just started snapping pictures as he was proposing!

Reminder...

April 18, 2013

Tune in to @PBS on Friday, April 26 at 9:00 pm to catch me in @Live From Lincoln Center’s broadcast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL. Check your local listings for more info:http://www.pbs.org/programs/live-from-lincoln-center/tv-schedule/.
Here is a sample of what you will see:

New York City Ballet Tours to DC and Copenhagen! 

April 18, 2013

Since I have been in the company, Washington DC has been an annual touring spot for NYCB. I always look forward to performing at The Kennedy Center, seeing the historical monuments and museums that fill DC, and walking the streets of Georgetown.

This past trip I performed in two of my favorite ballets to dance, Carousel (A Dance) by Christopher Wheeldon and George Balanchine's Allegro Brilliante. It was fun revisiting Chris' version of Carousel after recently performing Warren Carlyle's with the NY Philharmonic.

Damian Woetzel and I performing in Christopher Wheeldon's Carousel (A Dance) Photo credit: Paul Kolnik

After a week in DC, our next stop was Denmark. I couldn't wait to get to Europe! I had been on a Copenhagen tour with the NYCB once before and was excited to go back for a second visit. Copenhagen was even more beautiful and fun than I remembered. This trip, our hotel was located directly on the water across from the Opera House and we needed to take a ferry to get there. I performed in George Balanchine's Symphony in C and Christopher Wheeldon's Les Carillons. The Danes gave standing ovations at every show and it was amazing to feel and see how moved they were by our company.

Besides performing, I also managed to squeeze in a lot of sightseeing. The first day we arrived we decided to rent bikes from the hotel and bike around the city. We had a blast biking the streets and seeing the famous sights. During my week stay, I climbed the spiral stair case to the top of Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviour's Church) which overlooked the city. I also walked through two beautiful parks, ate at quaint local restaurants, and did a bit of shopping. We even found a fun Karaoke place on the last night to celebrate the ending of a great tour. Hopefully, I will have the chance to go back to Denmark very soon!

Robbie Fairchild and I walking the streets of Nyhavn the first day we arrived in Copenhagen and enjoying the beautiful weather!

Biking around the streets of Copenhagen :)

Still biking

Robert Fairchild and I at the bottom of Our Saviours church

We made it to the top!

Me with dancer/choreographer Justin Peck and Robbie Fairchild at a party that the Royal Danish Ballet threw for the New York City ballet

Playing Louise Bigelow in the Musical Carousel in Concert with
The New York Philharmonic

April 11, 2013

After my last show of Sleeping Beauty, I felt like a weight was lifted off of me and I could actually relax. However, I didn't have much time since the day after season, I had rehearsal (video shown below of me rehearsing in my Body Wrappers Premiere leotard style P422) for my upcoming performances, in the 1945 Rogers & Hammerstein musical Carousel performed with the New York Philharmonic. I was asked to play Louise Bigelow in the production and perform the Act II pas, with fellow Principal dancer Robert Fairchild as the carnival boy. The cast could not have been more talented and combined all areas of art. Opera legends Nathan Gunn and Stephanie Blythe were combined with Broadway stars Kellie O'hara, Jason Danieley, Jessie Mueller, not to mention the wonderful New York Philharmonic. To be on the same stage as all of these stars and have the orchestra and music onstage to drive us, was a dream come true. I also had a few scenes and songs in the production, which allowed me to use some of my acting background from my childhood in California. This production was truly a highlight this year and something that went by too quickly. It was very special and something I will never forget. If you missed the five shows, don't worry, because you can watch it on April 26th on PBS as part of the Live From Lincoln Center Series. I feel so fortunate to have had these amazing opportunities!

Rehearsal for the New York Philharmonic's "Carousel" Production

Me modeling in the Body Wrappers Premiere leotard P422 in Fuchsia, the style I wore in Charcoal to rehearse in the video above

Me dancing with the Carnival Boy played by NYC Ballet Principal Robert Fairchild

Me dancing as Metropolitan Opera baritone Nathan Gunn, in character as my late father Billy Bigelow, looks on

Me dancing as my late father Billy Bigelow observes

Me in my speaking role as Louise, with Billy Bigelow (Nathan Gunn)

Robbie, Philharmonic Conductor Rob Fisher, and I

My Roles at NYC Ballet This Season

April 4, 2013

After meeting the President, I was on such a high. I was worried that everything from then on was going to feel like a let down. After all, it isn't everyday that I can say, "I just met the President." I still can hardly believe it actually happened :)

However, we immediately started our winter season at the New York City Ballet, and everything seemed to be happening quickly. I was cast for a number of amazing ballets that I couldn't wait to perform. The list included Allegro Brilliante, Theme and Variations, Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux, Baiser De Le Fe, the new Justin Peck Premier of Paz de la Jolla, and Peter Martins' The Sleeping Beauty. I really enjoyed performing each ballet that I had the opportunity to dance, and Justin's premier turned out to be a very exciting night. Justin Peck is not related to me despite sharing our last name, however, we did joke around at SAB and tell everyone we were cousins. I think Justin was able to really choreograph to my strengths because we went through The School of American Ballet together. He has seen my dancing evolve since I was fourteen. The premier turned out to be a huge success and Justin is definitely on the radar for being an extremely talented and creative emerging choreographer.

A sketch of my costume designed by Reid Bartelme for the premiere of the new Justin Peck ballet, Paz de la Jolla

Me in the Princess Aurora costume backstage at the Lincoln Center, David H. Koch Theater after one of my performances

The season ended with the beautiful classic The Sleeping Beauty. In my book, this ballet is the hardest role a ballerina can conquer. It not only requires immense technical strength, but is also emotionally and physically exhausting. The stress level for Aurora is extremely high and it definitely feels like a triumph when you finish the ballet. I get the most nervous for Sleeping Beauty because there is absolutely no hiding. It is as classical as a ballet can be and demanding in every aspect. I performed the role three times this season and each time I enjoyed it more. The music is so beautiful, which helps carry you through the ballet, and it is easy to get lost in it. I think the most important thing is to tell the story. I really try to show the difference between a young and joyous sixteen year old, a vision, and then transform into a young woman for the wedding pas. It is actually like three different ballets in one, which allows me to explore all areas of artistry. All I can say is what an amazing opportunity and challenge!

Kennedy Center Honors and Meeting President Obama

March 28, 2013

The second major event of this year was dancing at the Kennedy Center Honors! When Damian Woetzel asked me if I would be a part of the tribute, my jaw dropped! He asked if I would perform a solo from Other Dances, a Jerome Robbins' pas de deux that he created for Makarova and Baryshnikov. I was more than honored to be a part of the tribute for honoree Natalia Makarova. The tribute included dancers David Hallberg, Julie Kent, Marcelo Gomez, Angel Corella, Veronika Part, and Alina Cojocaru. To be among such a talented group of dancers was an honor itself. Not only did I have the opportunity to dance on such a special occasion, but I also had the chance to meet President Obama, the First Lady, former First Lady and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, David Letterman, and the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emmanuel. Meeting the president was an out of body experience. I shook his hand and he greeted me with such an incredibly personable welcome, I gushed, "It is an honor to meet you Mr.President. I will be dancing for you this evening in honor of Makarova." He immediately replied, "Oh you are one of the dancers! We are so looking forward to seeing you this evening at the Honors. Michelle, meet one of the dancers, Tiler Peck. " The First Lady added, " I can tell these are the dancers because of the way they carry themselves." Both the President and Mrs. Obama were extremely nice and afterward, I could not believe that I had just been to the White House and met the President of the United States. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world!

My rehearsal at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Invitation from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to a reception at the Department of State

Me and Robbie on the balcony of the State Department during the reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

The President and First Lady in their box at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with honorees Natalia Makarova and Dustin Hoffman

My performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honoring Natalia Makarova

Invitation to the White House reception

Robbie & I outside the White House

Being greeted by President Obama at the White House

Me with Kennedy Center Award Honoree David Letterman

Me at my table with guest, Mayor of Chicago and past White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanual

My Appearance on Last Season's Dancing With the Stars

Thursday March 21, 2013

Hi Everyone! This is Tiler Peck, Principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and the official spokesperson for Body Wrappers/Angelo Luzio. These last months have gone by so quickly that they have either felt like a dream or a whirlwind! I would like to share with you a few unexpected and exciting things that have happened. They are experiences that I never thought were possible and things that are truly memorable. I hope you enjoy reading my somewhat of a journal :)

Lately things have been extremely exhilarating. It started off with an appearance on Dancing With The Stars. Robert Fairchild and I had the opportunity to perform on last seasons semi-final episode with the ballroom stars Ana and Val.

The entire Dancing With The Stars team welcomed us with open arms and we had an absolute blast being a part of the show. We showed them a few ballet steps and they taught us a few ballroom moves. Our piece was ballet meets ballroom with me on pointe and Ana in heels. What an experience!

Me & Robert with Anna & Val

Makeup for Dancing with the Stars