Dec. 22, 2024

Palette of the Modern Impresario | Paul Seaquist

A true modern day producer who has traversed across different art forms in the search for talent and great work!

One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding classical ballet is the notion that they are too old-fashioned and rigid. However, true arts enthusiasts recognize its inherent diversity and multi-disciplinarity even in the so-called "olden days." A prime example is the Ballet Russes, one of the greatest ballet troupes of all time, led by the legendary impresario Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev. Fast forward a hundred years, and the landscape has evolved, yet the core principles of collaboration and innovation remain unchanged. My curiosity about the craft of producing and curation has led me to one of the most influential ballet impresarios in Europe today: Paul Seaquist.

Paul is a visionary in dance, having founded Seaquist Dance Marketing, one of the first dancer and choreographer management companies globally. He has played a pivotal role in developing and directing the careers of some of the most celebrated ballet stars, including Aurélie Dupont, Vladimir Malakhov, Polina Semionova, Carlos Acosta, Daniil Simkin, and Iana Salenko, to name just a few. More recently, he created and directed the “Grand Prix Vladimir Malakhov,” the first ballet competition in Cuba's history, as well as the “Gala de Estrellas de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic,” both charity-driven dance competitions. Now, he is the CEO of SwanSea Productions

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Interdisciplinarity, this episode explore the nuances of working with the world's biggest stars and the challenges of being at the forefront of modern day performing arts. Ready to discover the producer within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtracks:

Birds - Tyler Twombly
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Ballerina Shoes - Geoffharvey
Free Love Story Clavinet - Lobo_Loco

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Chapters

02:06 - Introduction

17:41 - The art form is more important than the artist

28:16 - Knowledge and wisdom and the human quality of a dancer are perceived onstage

40:58 - A manager is always the first to be blamed and the last to be paid

Paul Seaquist

Impresario / Music Producer / Author

Among his many accolades, Paul was named “Time Person of the Year” by Time Magazine in 2006 and received the “Ballet Impresario of the Year” award from Tanz Magazine in 2008. His influence extends beyond dance; in 2016, he founded SP Records And Music Management, a multi-gold and platinum-selling record label representing a roster of Grammy-awarded artists.