Doug Varone Takes Dance Career Step by Step

Doug Varone is a busy man, and he wouldn't have it any other way. As an award-winning dancer/choreographer who has dabbled in theater, opera, film, television and fashion, Varone is in high demand.

"I've been able to do different things in a lot of different fields," Varone says. "I love having the opportunity to create art. I love it all because they all demand something different and I love the mix."

Growing up in Syosset, Varone was surrounded by dancing.

"My folks were social dancers and always had parties," Varone says. "I grew up in a pretty eclectic household. My sister still lives in the Syosset house we grew up in. I loved listening to a lot of the music my folks listened to, like the Andrews Sisters. I grew up listening to a lot of show music."

According to Varone, his high school experience was an eye-opener.

"In the 1970s, Syosset High School was progressive," Varone explains. "I took modern dance taught by Jean Levine–a visionary. She understood contemporary dance. She brought these amazing artists to our gymnasium. I got an early training in contemporary dance that most kids didn't back then because of her teachings."

It was during his time at Purchase College majoring in dance that Varone realized what his future would be. In 1986 he formed the New York City-based company Doug Varone and Dancers because he wanted to create original works.

"It was a chance to create work with more depth with artists I care about," Varone says. "There are eight incredible dancers in my company."

The company has performed in more than 100 cities in 45 states across the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada and South America. The famous stages they have danced on include the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and Moscow's Stanislavsky Theater.

Varone and his dancers have been awarded 11 Bessies, which are given for innovative achievement in dance and related performances. He's also won two American Dance Festival Doris Duke Awards for New Work, three from the National Dance Project, two New York Dance and Performance Awards and the Guggenheim Fellowship. 

In describing his work, Varone says, "It deals with humanity and who we are as a people. I find ways to create dances about that."

Having the opportunity to work with famed actor Patrick Swayze stands out as a career highlight for Varone.

"Working with him in One Last Dance was a phenomenal experience," says Varone, who also staged several seasons of designer Geoffrey Beene's NYC couture runway shows.

Living in Manhattan, the 53-year-old Varone says his creativity has just started.

"I feel as if I am just beginning to understand what's possible, says Varone, later adding, ""I love what I am doing because I love creative work. My brain is always thinking. I am a workaholic. I am grateful I am an artist and thankful that I am allowed to create. And to think it all started in Syosset."

For more information, visit www.dougvaroneanddancers.org.