Gregory Williams

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am a part of Tap Cats and Jazz Cats. I am also a part of George’s Hoofers Club.

Do you remember your first dance routine?

My first dance routine was tapping to Sea Cruise by Frankie Ford. We were basically sailors.

What was your Center Stage journey?

I started off taking hip hop, tap, and ballet. I then joined Tap Cats and then still continued to take other classes. Then I eventually was asked to join Hoofers and I’ve been there for a few years now. Then this year I decided to join Jazz Cats.

Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put into it and the sacrifices you’ve made?

Dance has taught me some very valuable lessons. I’ve learned to work with all sorts of people and it will all benefit me when it comes time to go out in the real world.

Being a male dancer has its own opportunities and challenges. Did you ever feel like you should give it up because of the pressure of ‘boys don’t dance?’

In the beginning, letting people know I danced was a struggle. As I progressed in dance and got better I saw other boys around me dancing who were older and this gave me more confidence to continue.

Though in the past few years, you’ve really started to round yourself out as a dancer, it seems apparent that your first love is tap. Why? What’s the appeal?

Funny story actually. I was watching my sister’s dance recital and there was a Pink Panther tap dance on stage and for some reason I thought it was amazing. I started a tap class with the impression that I would eventually do that dance but that thought eventually left my head. Somehow I just clicked with tap. I think it’s the fact that I can make noise and it is socially acceptable. Also the fact that I couldn’t sit still when I was younger.

And acting? Where did that come from? Are you surprised that you became serious about acting in the past few years?

I didn’t think when I started acting that I would be as serious about it as I am. Acting is a lot of fun especially when there are people around you who make it fun.

And now we find out you sing, too? Hey, Greg! Why were you hiding all these skills from us? When did you start singing?

So I have always been in chorus and enjoyed singing. I’ve grown up around singing specifically 90s music aka the best music. I don’t like singing in front of people which is why I’ve been “hiding” this talent. Singing for the show should be fun though.

What skill would you like to have that you can’t do now?

One skill that I wish I had was being able to play the piano perfectly. I’ve always tried to learn and then I get frustrated and stop.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

If I were an animal I would be a panda because all they do is eat and sleep and I love eating and sleeping.

What’s next?

I’ve committed to Rowan University and I will be double majoring in elementary education and dance. Hopefully some Broadway in my future too.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully in 10 years I will be teaching in a school. By then I would want to have gotten some dance experience under my belt to have for my future.

Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the door?

It’ll be hard to not come back. I will really miss Center Stage once I’m gone.