Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest, Jarod Lewis, manager of the costume shop, New York City Ballet.

In this first episode of two with Jarod Lewis, the manager of the New York City Ballet costume shop, join host Joanne Carey as she dives into the intricacies of costume making for the New York City Ballet and some behind the scenes and stay tuned for Part II of our converstaion where we talk all things NUTCRACKER!

Jarod shares his unique journey from a small farming community in Eastern Kentucky to managing the costume shop at one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. He discusses the intricate art and science of costume making, the importance of communication in a diverse workplace, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jarod emphasizes the attention to detail required in costume design, including dyeing fabrics to match dancers' skin tones, and the collaborative effort involved in bringing a ballet to life. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication of those working behind the scenes in the dance world. Jarod's passion for his work shines through as he reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career and the exciting projects ahead.

Jarod Lewis, has been the Costume Shop Manager of the NYC Ballet since 2021 where he works alongside the Director of Costumes, Marc Happel, to lead the Costume Shop towards creating the costumes for new ballets and the refurbishments and rebuilds of existing works. During his time at NYCB Jarod and his team of 16 artisans have created 18 world premiere ballets and are preparing for 3 more for this coming Fall and Winter seasons. Before working at NYC Ballet Jarod was the Assistant Designer and Shop Manager at Halsey Onstage, a costume production company in Chicago, IL. There Jarod worked alongside the late Travis Halsey to create over 250 custom costumes that have been worn on stages such as Sea World San Antonio, Papermill Playhouse, Houston Ballet, Vero Beach Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, and for YAGP. They also created costumes that have been worn in various ballets, musicals, tv shows, and operas across Canada, Australia, and France.  

Before beginning his career in costuming, Jarod grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky where he began his journey working in the performing arts by receiving his BA in Music at Morehead State University and continued education of Music Production and Technical Theatre at Troy University. Jarod has performed with various music groups on stages such as Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra in Pensacola, FL, and on an international orchestra and percussion ensemble tour in Beijing and Tianjin, China. Alongside Jarod’s music career he also worked as a freelance recording engineer and the audio engineer in the marching arts with two Drum and Bugle Corps; The Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets from San Jose, California and The Cavaliers from Chicago, IL.   

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey 

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."