Who is Jessica?
That's a loaded question....
What were your dreams when you were a kid and have you make them come true?
I dreamed of being a dancer, a musician, and an artist. Mostly I dreamed of leaving a footprint on the world. I think I'm on my way to accomplishing that.
At what age did music start to play a role in your life?
My father has been a classical and jazz musician my entire life. So I would say music played a role in my life even before I was born. I started playing the piano at two years old, and dancing at three.
Everybody knows you are one of the dancers for the Crüxshadows, but you do a lot more behind the scenes, what is your exact role in the band?
Defining my exact role would be difficult, as I play many roles. I dance as well as choreograph and costume the dancers. I help each band member with their individual style while maintaining our overall style as a band. I do all of our tour management, which includes some management while not on tour. Sometimes I assist in the studio. Basically, I do whatever needs to be done at any given time.
As a kid you had ballet training, what do you remember of those days and did you like to have it or were there times you would rather play outside with friends?
I trained for a total of 16 years in ballet. I do remember being overwhelmed at times, but mostly it was because I had so many other lessons as well. I also played piano and flute, and performed with a baroque ensemble. Truly, dance is the one interest I have continued to cultivate throughout my life. Dancing is a lifestyle. It has been my one constant companion. No matter where I am in my life, I can just BE when I dance. I wouldn't be the person I am without it.
What are the differences to dance for a band like the Crüxshadows compared to what you have done before?
There are quite a few differences, In terms of control, I have a lot more freedom, but I am limited by the inconsistent and often difficult stage conditions. We do perform on more stages intended for traditional bands than we do on stages intended for dancing. Due to the look and feel of the genre, our costumes can be very difficult to move in; platform boots and restrictive clothing can be cumbersome. On the other hand, I've had the ability to travel the world and dance in places most dancers could never imagine. The other great thing is that I'm in control of my career as a dancer. I get to decide when its time to retire.
Part of the dances are structured while other parts are improvised on stage, what is the hardest to do and what do you love most?
The hardest thing is to dance an entire show with the same energy you started the show with. I love knowing that I succeeded at that the most.
Do you consider the dances as an extension of the music and the lyrics, how do they connect with it?
Yes, I do. Rogue and I have been together for 16 years. As I feel like his music and lyrics are just as much a part of him as my dancing is a part of me. I would say that the dancing and the music connect as Rogue and I do to each other; they complete each other.
The new tour will be some kind of “best of” tour if we are right, did you make some new choreography’s for some older tracks?
The new tour is actually in support of our new single "Quicksilver". I like to change some of the older choreography every tour.
What is the strangest thing that ever happened on stage?
Costume malfunctions are always embarrassing. I've almost lost my top several times. Luckily, I've never lost it completely!
How do the practice/rehearsal sessions look like, do you “design” the dances first on paper and then practice in the living room or does it work differently?
Usually I break down a song into its major elements: introduction, verse, bridge, chorus. Then I start with whichever inspires me first. Sarah and I have studio practice space, so we have a nice big mirror in which we can see how things look. I try to choreograph for an ideal situation first, then come up with alternative moves for different problems we may come across on tour. For instance, carpeted stages are very difficult to dance on and much of our choreography is compromised by carpeting.
How do you prepare for a big tour?
Practice, Practice, Practice!
What do you miss most and what do you like most when being on tour?
I miss my pets the most. They really are my babies. I like being around other artists the most while being on tour. Its a kind of camaraderie.
Last few years the Crüxshadows had quite a few line-up changes yet still you seem to be one big family, what’s the secret in that?
I think its fair to say that when we look for new members, we look for a very specific kind of person. We need people with open minds and open hearts. Its hard not to love people you spend so much time with when you know that essentially they are good people. You may not always like them, but you can't help but love them.
You like bartending (according your Facebook) if you should make a cyberangels cocktail, what would be in it?
I think maybe some Stoli Razzberry Vodka, a touch of Razzmatazz, and some cream. It would be sweet, smooth, with a pink tinge, and should glow under a black light.
How would the ultimate Jessica day look like?
I would wake to a hot shower, walk out my back door onto the beach, do some yoga, go to the studio and dance for a few hours, go home to take a long hot bath, eat sushi for dinner, and finish the night curled up in bed with a good book, or on the sofa with my husband and pets watching a good movie.
Any last words for the readers?
A lot of passion and a little creativity can open the doors to anything you want. Keep dreaming.
www.cruxshadows.com