Join "Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guests husband and wife team, Jessica Lopes and Isaac Sharratt
In this episode of "Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey , host Joanne Carey interviews Jessica Lopes and Isaac Sharratt, a married couple who both dance with the Minnesota Ballet. Joanne met Jessica & Isaac while working together on The Raffaella Ballet in South Bend , Indiana. The couple caught Joanne's eye early on during the rehearsal process standing out in their style of partnering and support of each other.
Jessica & Isaac share their individual journeys into the world of ballet, how they met, and the challenges and joys of being a couple in the dance industry. The conversation also touches on the impact of the pandemic on their careers and the intricacies of partnering in dance.
Together, Jessica and Isaac discuss the dynamics of their dance partnership, emphasizing the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and personal growth. They reflect on their experience working on the Raffella Ballet .
As they transition from performance to choreography, they share insights on embracing change and the realities of a dance career, offering valuable advice for those navigating similar paths.
Jessica Lopes was born in Brazil ,trained in 2014 at Escola de Dança Alice Arja, joined Miami City Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program in 2016. Returning to Brazil she joined Cia de Ballet do Rio de Janeiro as a Corps de Ballet member. Jessica returned to the states in 2017 and joined Milwaukee Ballet 2 Program where she had the opportunity to perform in ballets such as Michael Pink’s Swan Lake and Dracula, excerpts of August Bournonville’s “Napoli”, and Bruce Well’s “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream." In 2019 Jessica joined American Midwest ballet for three seasons, including a digital series during the lockdown where Mrs. Lopes had the pleasure to perform Frank Chavez's “If Only” with her husband, Isaac. Jessica has had the opportunity to work with many renowned choreographers during her training and career .
Issac Sharratt began ballet training in Tucson, Arizona, training first at Tucson Regional Ballet and then Ballet Tucson in 2004. He was awarded scholarships to attend several summer intensive programs including; San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Milwaukee Ballet. At 16 he spent three more years with Ballet Tucson as a company member. He worked closely with ballet superstars John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow, as well as renowned Jeffery Graham Hughs, Pamela Raymond, and Lawrence Peck. He moved from Ballet Tucson in 2008 to join the Milwaukee Ballet II program, spending only one year in the program before being asked into the company. Mr. Sharratt was cast in several world premiere full-length ballets by Michael Pink, doing lead roles in many and playing the title role in Michael Pink’s Beauty and the Beast. Over his time in Milwaukee Ballet Mr. Sharratt has had the opportunity to work with many renowned choreographers. Most recently Mr. Sharratt danced with American Midwest Ballet from its 2019-2022 seasons. During the company's digital series Mr. Sharratt was given the opportunity to perform Frank Chaves’ “If Only” with his wife, Jessica. Mr. Sharratt is also an aspiring choreographer, having set many pieces on Milwaukee Ballet’s second company and main company, as well as having choreographed on Ballet Minnesota in 2017, and various solos for both domestic and international competitions.
The Raffaella Ballet
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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey
"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."