Get to Know Domo D’dante—the Hero Dance Captain Who Stepped Up To the Plate During “In the Heights”
We’ve talked a lot in the theatre community about how swings and understudies are the unsung heroes in theatre, especially during COVID times.
But have we talked about dance captains?! Domo Dante stepped up to the challenge during “In the Heights” when we had so many moving parts, new faces, new dance steps that had to get re-taught, even adapting ‘In the Heights’ dance choreography to our more intimate Kearny Mesa stage. Domo took on the challenges with grace and class, and we’re so grateful to have him not only as a dance captain, but as a performer! Get to know Domo more:
What inspired you to get into musical theater?
Actually it’s a funny story. All of my friends were doing theatre in middle school. So to hangout with them, I joined the theatre and was the stage manager and a week before the show an actor dropped out and the director told me I had to go on and after basically dragging me on stage. I was bitten by the bug and have been in shows ever since, the rest is HISTORY!
How many shows have you done with SDMT?
This is my SDMT Debut! I haven’t performed with such an amazing cast and creative team.
What are your favorite shows that you’ve performed in?
Well duh this show! Because of the amazing and powerful story and the talent in this cast is unmatched! Another show was The Full Monty at San Diego State when I was in grad school. We knew from callbacks that this show was going to be fun, the connection and trust we all had for each other made the process amazing!
What is your role and tell us the significance of it?
Ensemble, Benny Understudy and Dance Captain. I look at the ensemble as the beat of the barrio. If you’ve been to New York in Washington Heights or even Harlem, everyone knows each other and it’s those relationships that you cherish. As dance captain it’s my job to make sure everyone looks their best and feels safe.
How did you feel knowing you’d get to be in “In the Heights”
I was over the moon. It’s definitely one of my favorite musicals of all time and from day 1 when I heard the cast sing together I feel in love all over again!
Have you developed a backstory to your character? What have you enjoyed the
most about being in the show?
Of course, I have figured out how my character fits into the Barrio. What I have enjoyed the most is getting to know everyone and they truly have become my family.
Favorite song in the show?
My favorite song to be in is: “Carnaval Del Barrio”. This song is so special because you just see a group of people no matter where you’re from or your background come together.
My favorite song in the show is “Everything I know”. Because Vanessa Orozco is a BEAST! Her voice is just like butter and packs so much emotion.
Dream role?
Dream role, Donkey in Shrek The Musical.
Though “In the Heights” has come to an end, the performance is immortalized! We hope the spirit of the Barrio lives on, and to see more theaters produce this beautiful story.
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