Dance is not often thought of as a sport, but there is no doubt that a professional dancer is an athlete, mirroring the commitment, dedication, focus and training required to perform at peak physical fitness.

Ballet and contemporary dancer Jean Paul Jr. has performed with dance and theatre companies across the US and Australia, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet NYC, David Parsons Dance Company NYC, Nimbus Dance Works, American Repertory Ballet NYC/NJ, and Opera Australia. His work includes roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Traviata, Aida, Rigelleto, Un Ballo and Don Giovanni. He has also choreographed several productions – Bungi Dangga and Travellers – in the US.

Not bad for someone who didn’t take a dance lesson until he was 16!

JP joins us on Crossing the Line, to chat about the passion and dedication required to be a professional dancer, his journey to Australia, and how he went from a New Jersey schoolboy to touring the US in just three years.

Listen to the show online.