Ray Mercer
Ray Mercer, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, is in his 16th year as a member of the Tony Award-winning cast of Disney’s The Lion King.
He has simultaneously emerged as one of New York City’s most prolific
choreographers. His dynamic, visually striking and thought-provoking
choreography has won the Best Onstage Presentation award seven times at
the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS annual Gypsy of the Year
competition, more than any other choreographer. Recipient of The Joffrey
Ballet’s Choreographers of Color Award and a Capezio Ace Awards
finalist, he has created work on Ailey II, Giordano Dance Chicago,
Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, New
Jersey Ballet, Pensacola Ballet and Philadanco, among others, and for
Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights
AIDS. He started his dance training at age 17 at the University of New
Orleans. He has performed with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, as a guest
artist with the Boston Ballet and on the national tour of The Lion King.
He has worked with performers Garth Fagan, George Faison, Aretha
Franklin, Kevin Iega Jeff, Louis Johnson, Rod Stewart and more.
Currently the resident choreographer for the Ailey/Fordham Bachelor of
Fine Arts program, he also directed and choreographed for the
Smithsonian Oman Project, and his work is archived in the Smithsonian
Museum. Last year, he choreographed Deep Love: A Ghostly Rock Opera at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
What first brought you to Deeply Rooted?
I was first introduced to Jubilation/Deeply Rooted at an International
Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. I immediately feel in love
with Iega’s choreographic voice. Soon after, I moved to Chicago and
danced with Deeply Rooted for two seasons, from 2000 to 2002.
How did learning from and performing with Deeply Rooted affect you as a dancer and choreographer?
I think the biggest impact Deeply Rooted had/has on me as a dancer and
choreographer was its humanistic approach to dance. As a choreographer, I
have always found it important that my work comes from the spirit. I
have always been attracted to experiences that touch the human spirit. I
remember Iega said one day in rehearsal, “You dance who you are.” That
has always stuck with me, and it is important that my work reflects
that.
You’ve
worked with a number of important contemporary dance companies. Were
there ways your time with Deeply Rooted prepared you for that work?
I have been very fortunate and blessed to work with so many amazing
dance companies around the world. I think Deeply Rooted has helped me
with my choreographic voice. I learned during my time with Deeply Rooted
that it is important as an artist to be authentic. This has helped with
my approach to my choreographic work. I strived to approach my work
from a genuine place. I think it makes me more tangible as an
artist/choreographer. I have always felt that Deeply Rooted’s mission
has been about authenticity and character and that it is spirit driven,
and I think this is what makes the company as a whole accessible and
beautiful to experience.
What has it been like to be part of The Lion King for such a long time? How has the production or your experience working on it evolved over that time?
The Lion King has truly been a huge blessing. To be part of one
of the largest Broadway shows in history, and to work with people of
color for 16 years and counting, has been beyond what I could ever
imagine. It has taught me the value of work ethic and commitment. I
think that my approach to the Broadway experience has changed throughout
the years; I have learned to grow as an artist and individual in this
company of beautiful people of color.
Anything else you’d like to share?
All these years as an artist and choreographer have taught me one very
important thing: God can dream a much bigger dream for you than you
could ever dream for yourself!! And that nothing good ever comes without
hard work and dedication!
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