Being a Contemporary Dancer demands a unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and adaptability. For those immersed in the dance world, especially within companies like Whim W’Him, the dedication and resilience of these performers are truly striking. Their lives are a constant evolution, shaped by rigorous training, diverse musical and dance styles, and the ever-present need to connect deeply with audiences and fellow artists. The experiences of young dancers at Whim W’Him, such as Adrian Hoffman, perfectly illustrate these qualities.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a passionate contemporary dancer with Whim W’Him, striking a dynamic pose in rehearsal.
Adrian Hoffman’s path to becoming a contemporary dancer with Whim W’Him is a compelling narrative of passion nurtured from a young age. Growing up in Cambridge, MA, as an only child in a family deeply rooted in the arts, Adrian’s upbringing was far from conventional. His parents, both drama majors in college, instilled in him a love for creativity and physicality. His mother, a potter turned yoga instructor, and his father, an artist and activist, created an environment where pursuing passions was paramount. “My parents are really two of the most incredible people I’ve met in my life,” Adrian reflects, emphasizing their unconditional support for his happiness and exploration.
Alt text: Contemporary dancer Adrian Hoffman in a powerful leap, showcasing his athleticism and artistry during a Whim W’Him performance.
From Martial Arts to Musical Theater: The Early Dance Education of a Contemporary Dancer
Adrian’s journey into dance wasn’t a straight line. Initially drawn to martial arts at age nine, he achieved a black belt by high school. Musical theater became a “side” interest, where despite his self-proclaimed “awful singing,” his natural dance ability shone. “I always got cast as the lead dancer and thought it was just because I was good at that,” he jokes, attributing his early dance prowess to his martial arts background. Performances in Thoroughly Modern Milly and West Side Story with the Arlington Children’s Theater marked significant early experiences, exposing him to the thrill of performance and the camaraderie of the stage.
Alt text: Close-up portrait of Adrian Hoffman, a dedicated contemporary dancer, highlighting his focused and expressive face.
High School: Nurturing Passion for Contemporary Dance
The Cambridge School of Weston, Adrian’s high school, played a crucial role in solidifying his path as a contemporary dancer. This unique private school, with its small size and unconventional curriculum, offered classical modern dance classes and an annual dance concert. By freshman year, Adrian was immersed, dancing 4-5 days a week. The school’s innovative approach to education, with its intensive monthly courses like ‘Portrayals of masculinity in literature’ and ‘Art and the body—physiology and creative art,’ encouraged creative living and unconventional paths. This supportive environment fueled Adrian’s passion for dance and instilled in him the confidence to pursue it seriously.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a versatile contemporary dancer, captured in a moment of intense movement and emotion during a Whim W’Him piece.
Embracing the Peak Experience: The Philosophy of a Contemporary Dancer
Adrian’s quote on the Whim W’Him website encapsulates his driving force: “My goal in life is to have a peak experience every day, whether it be a moment of intense personal connection, pure adrenaline or discovery and when I dance I’m not only guaranteed one, but often all three.” This philosophy reveals the intrinsic motivation that fuels many contemporary dancers. Even before formal training, Adrian intuitively knew dance was his calling, deeply intertwined with his identity.
Navigating College and Self-Doubt: Challenges in a Contemporary Dance Career
College auditions brought a mix of surprise and uncertainty. Despite initial modest ambitions, Adrian’s talent was undeniable, gaining him acceptance into numerous programs. However, choosing between New York University and Fordham University proved challenging. In a humorous anecdote, Adrian recounts using a random number generator, guided by his math teacher, to make the final decision, landing him at Fordham.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a skilled contemporary dancer, photographed in a striking black and white portrait by Joe Ward, showcasing his dedication to his art.
Fordham, however, presented unexpected hurdles. The large class sizes and lack of individual support were stark contrasts to his high school experience. “It was not,” Adrian admits, “a great experience on the whole.” By the end of his first year, disillusionment set in, and he considered quitting dance altogether. A summer break of introspection was crucial. Questioning his path, he realized his passion was being stifled.
Reignition and Recognition: A Turning Point for a Contemporary Dancer
This period of doubt proved transformative. Adrian returned to Fordham with renewed determination. He resolved to “prove them wrong,” focusing on standing out and embracing the competitive nature of the dance world. This “reformulation” marked a turning point, enhancing his college experience and fueling his drive.
Alt text: Contemporary dancer Adrian Hoffman performing at Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Program in 2014, demonstrating his early professional achievements.
His sophomore year brought significant recognition. Out of 250 Ailey program students at Fordham, Adrian was one of only six selected for the prestigious Jacobs Pillow Contemporary Program under Milton Myers. This achievement, placing him among a select group of international dancers, solidified his belief in his professional potential. The experience, from backstage interactions to observing professional dancers, ignited his ambition and made a dance career feel attainable.
International Exposure and Community: Israel’s Kibbutz Ga’aton Dance Village
Another pivotal experience arose from a masterclass with an Israeli dance group during his sophomore year. This led to an audition and acceptance into a program at Kibbutz Ga’aton in Israel. Intrigued by the program’s emphasis on community in dance, contrasting his perception of a “hostile, competitive environment,” Adrian pursued this opportunity despite initial obstacles from his Fordham dance director. His persistence paid off, leading him to “The Dance Village.”
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a globally-minded contemporary dancer, captured during his transformative dance program in Israel in 2015, photograph by Clair Blanc.
The history of Kibbutz Ga’aton, founded by Yehudit Arnon, a Holocaust survivor who vowed to dedicate her life to dance after surviving unimaginable horrors, deeply resonated with Adrian. His five months in Israel proved profoundly impactful. Immersed in an international community of 40 dancers from diverse backgrounds, Adrian experienced dance as a unifying force. The rigorous daily training, coupled with the unique kibbutz environment and travels throughout Israel, broadened his perspectives and forged lasting global connections.
Alt text: Contemporary dancer Adrian Hoffman exploring Israel, reflecting on the cultural and artistic influences of his international dance experience.
Focusing on the Finish Line: Graduation and Professional Auditions
Returning to college for his senior year, Adrian adopted a focused approach: “get out and get a job.” Balancing a demanding schedule with double minors in math and philosophy, outside work, and school, he relentlessly pursued auditions, including one for Whim W’Him. A friend’s recommendation and the company’s movement style drew him in. His audition experience, partnering with Tory Peil and Liane Aung, was positive, and artistic director Olivier Wevers expressed interest in staying connected.
Serendipity in Los Angeles: Freelance Life and Unexpected Opportunities
Despite the positive Whim W’Him audition, no immediate contract materialized. Post-graduation, Adrian’s path took an unexpected turn towards Los Angeles. A chance encounter led to a dance film project, diverting him from a planned return to New York. This spontaneous decision proved fruitful, launching his freelance dance career in LA. He quickly adapted to the challenges of adulting – budgeting, networking, and navigating the freelance world. Within months, he secured full-time freelance work in videos and TV, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a contemporary dancer.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a versatile contemporary dancer, captured in motion by John Lapham, demonstrating his dynamic range and artistry.
Seattle and Whim W’Him: A Long-Awaited Opportunity Realized
Later that year, a visit to Seattle coincided with a Whim W’Him rehearsal for Larry Keigwin’s piece. This visit, during a politically charged time, created a deep bonding experience with the company. Despite the positive interactions, Adrian’s established life in LA led him back there.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a professional contemporary dancer, in a powerful stance, captured by Christopher Baird Photography, highlighting his strength and poise.
Then, months later, an unexpected phone call from Olivier Wevers offered a contract with Whim W’Him, starting in just two weeks. Initially, Adrian felt conflicted, given his settled life and commitments in LA. However, encouragement from his boyfriend and former Whim W’Him dancer Patrick Kilbane convinced him to seize the opportunity.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a collaborative contemporary dancer, interacting with fellow dancers during a rehearsal for Adam Barruch’s piece with Whim W’Him.
Embracing the Whim W’Him Family: A Welcoming and Supportive Environment
Joining Whim W’Him proved to be an incredibly positive experience. The company’s dancers offered immediate and overwhelming support, helping Adrian settle in Seattle. This welcoming atmosphere, characterized by “humility and mutual respect,” resonated deeply with him, reminiscent of the community he experienced at Kibbutz Ga’aton. Adrian marvels at the unique camaraderie within Whim W’Him, contrasting it with other companies. His diverse freelance experiences in LA, ranging from tap to juggling, further honed his adaptability, a valuable asset for a contemporary dancer.
Alt text: Contemporary dancer Adrian Hoffman in a dynamic partnering sequence with a fellow Whim W’Him dancer, showcasing the collaborative nature of contemporary dance.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, an expressive contemporary dancer, conveying emotion through movement in a Whim W’Him performance captured by Bamberg Fine Art Photography.
Adrian Hoffman’s journey exemplifies the multifaceted life of a contemporary dancer. His story is one of continuous learning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and embracing unexpected opportunities. From his early explorations in martial arts and musical theater to international experiences and finally finding a home with Whim W’Him, Adrian’s path underscores the passion, dedication, and adaptability inherent in those who pursue a life in contemporary dance.
Alt text: Adrian Hoffman, a captivating contemporary dancer, in a striking pose during a Whim W’Him performance, photographed by Bamberg Fine Art Photography.
Photo Credit: All Whim W’Him images by Bamberg Fine Art Photography
