Rose Barbantan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Rose, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a normal day for me is a mix of structure and spontaneity. I usually start my mornings with a movement practice or a class sometimes teaching, sometimes training. Then I either head to a rehearsal, work on upcoming performances, or take care of admin tasks like emails, scheduling, or grant applications. Afternoons often involve more physical work or creative time, and I try to leave space in the evenings for rest, friends, or catching a show. Every day is different, but I love the balance between discipline and freedom that my lifestyle gives me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rose Barbantan, I’m a French professional dancer based in New York City. I trained at The Ailey School and have since performed with several companies, including Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet and Caterina Rago Dance Company. I currently hold an O-1 visa, granted to artists with extraordinary ability, which allows me to pursue my career in the U.S. and collaborate on a variety of meaningful artistic projects.
What makes my journey unique is how I blend my European background with my New York experience bringing both precision and vulnerability to every performance. I recently toured in Nigeria with Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet, which was a transformative experience and a powerful reminder of how dance can transcend borders. For me, dance is more than movement it’s a way to connect, communicate, and create change.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious and fearless mover always dancing, imagining, expressing without filter. Movement was my language, my refuge, and my joy. I didn’t know it yet, but I was already living my vocation.
I lived in my own rhythm, guided by instinct rather than expectation. I saw the world through movement, through sensation, through emotion. I didn’t have a plan, but I had a pulse and that was enough. In many ways, I’m still trying to return to her the girl who danced before anyone was watching, before anyone had an opinion. She’s my compass.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her: never give up, even when things feel impossible. Every challenge will shape you, and every choice you make whether it feels right or wrong in the moment will lead you exactly where you need to be. Trust your path, even in the dark. You’re stronger than you know.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is absolutely real perhaps even more so when I dance. Dance strips away all pretenses and defenses; it reveals my deepest self in a raw and powerful way. On stage, I am not performing a mask, but unveiling my truth. Movement is my most honest language, and through it, I connect with others on a profound level. It’s where I feel most vulnerable, strongest, and truly alive.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! There have definitely been moments in my career when I felt like tap dancing my way to work. Those days are fuelled by a mix of excitement, passion, and pure joy whether it’s preparing for a performance I’m truly proud of, starting a new creative project, or stepping onto a stage where I feel completely alive.
One particularly memorable time was during my recent tour in Nigeria with Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. The energy, the connection with the audience, and the cultural exchange made every rehearsal and performance incredibly thrilling. It reminded me why I chose this path and filled me with a vibrant excitement that carried me through each day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rosebbn
- Linkedin: Rose Barbantan
- Facebook: Rose Barbantan
- Youtube: Rose Barbantan
Image Credits
Alexandre Blanco
Richard Pelchat
Jean Mansuy
