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S53E3: Tiler Peck: Suspending Time | Clip

How Tiler Peck Started in New York on Broadway

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Acclaimed dancer Tiler Peck explains how she got her start on Broadway at 11 and then became an apprentice at the New York City Ballet at just 15 years old.

TRANSCRIPT

When I was 11, I wanted to be in “The Music Man” on Broadway.

My mom, I don't think she ever thought I was going to get it.

We flew to New York and she was like, Okay, we'll just audition and see.

I don't think I thought I was going to get it either.

It was a replacement for an 18 year old, and I was 11.

But I got the part and my Mom was like, You are not moving to New York.

And I said, But what if I never get a Broadway show ever again?

And then you didn't let me do it?

So of course, I moved to New York with my grandmother, and I did this show for a year.

I would go to School of American Ballet during the day and train.

Then I would go to the Broadway show at night.

I never thought I would be a ballerina.

Ever.

Dad, can I get... Where is that hot chocolate at?

Can I use this?

I knew I wanted to dance.

So ballet was to classical music which I was like, Oh, that's boring.

And it took the most discipline and I just wanted to do my jazz dances.

And it wasn't until I saw the New York City Ballet when I was 11, I was here in New York doing “The Music Man” on Broadway.

My dad got us tickets to “The Nutcracker.” Really good, Dad.

I was just in awe.

I remember saying, Daddy, I'm going to dance on that stage someday.

There was just something about “The Nutcracker,” and it just seemed like something so untouchable.

Cali, come here!

You want a little?

Just a little bit.

Good girl.

When September 11th happened, I really started missing home.

My grandma and I were sleeping and my mom frantically called and was saying, Are you okay?

Are you okay?

And we're like, What are you talking about?

She had been trying to call us forever and she couldn't get through.

And then we looked out the window and you could just see so much smoke and haze.

You know, an 11 year old, you can't really comprehend it.

But I was terrified.

I just at the end was like, Mom, I want to come home.

I went home and I went to summer courses at School of American Ballet back in New York.

And they said, you know, I think you really should stay for the year.

And I'll never forget we were getting ready for the end of the year performance where the director of New York City Ballet comes, watches and then picks who he wants to be into the company.

They said, Okay, we want a picture on stage before.

And I remember being really upset because I had the first ballet and I thought, I really need to prepare.

I can't be taking a photo.

And all of a sudden there's like six of us on stage and the director walks in and he says, I just want you all to know that in October you'll be starting as apprentices.

And that's how I got my contract with the New York City Ballet.

I just remembered looking around like, Is this a joke or is this for real?

I thought maybe it would happen in a few years, but not at 15.