Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Jo-Ann Sundermeier Doesn’t Sweat the Small Stuff
After growing up in Florida, how did you adjust to the climate when you moved to Winnipeg, Canada?
It was shocking. The winter is brutal! Now I know what to expect, but it’s still a bit of a shock. I think the first day of snow was September 26th.
Do you have a go-to anecdote about company life?
Once we were on tour in Arkansas for Nutcracker. We got to the finale, and the music cut out. There was a womp-womp moment, the curtain came down, and we had to restart from the top of the coda. But the audience was excited they saw it twice—they felt like they got double their money!
Sundermeier as Giselle. Stanislav Balyaevksy, Courtesy RWB
You left Winnipeg to dance with Smuin Ballet for two years. What did you gain from your time there?
I started in RWB’s school and was in the company for 10 years before I left. Going to Smuin Ballet, I could start over; there were unbiased eyes looking at me. It’s unranked, and the rep definitely put me in my place now and then! I came back to RWB with a fresh outlook.
Why did you return to RWB?
I felt like I hadn’t fulfilled that principal opportunity when it was given to me. I came back and the first thing I did was Giselle, and then we went on a four-week tour to Europe. It was wonderful.
What aspect of your dancing have you worked particularly hard for?
Developing my artistry. I’m a bit of a technique nut. But I’m at a point in my career where I don’t need to prove anything, and I want to connect with my audience. I try to come up with facial expressions or movements for different scenarios, and in rehearsal I focus on being in the story and reacting to my partner.
Is there something you do really well outside of ballet?
I like to cook. I love golfing and swimming. Some of us RWB dancers go paintballing at the beginning of every season together—I’m a sharpshooter!
Sundermeier with Liang Xing in Carmina Burana. Réjean Brandt, Courtesy RWB
And you’re a new mom! What has that been like?
Wonderful. I’m definitely in the mentality of “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” because there are more important things in life. I feel like my body is slowly getting put back together, and I’m hoping that I’m good to go in February for Romeo and Juliet.
Do you have advice for up-and-coming dancers?
Really listen to the music. You could be doing the best thing, but if you’re dancing off the music, no one cares. Musicality is key.
