Andrew Herro

September 19, 2010

Wisconsin-born Andrew Herro never dreamed that he’d end up a dancer. In fact, the former athlete, who played football and tennis and wrestled in high school, didn’t set foot in a dance studio until his freshman year at Marquette University. Looking for an alternative form of exercise, he stumbled upon modern dance. He was a natural—and he was hooked. Herro graduated in 2003 with a degree in theater arts (he has confessed that, even today, he dreams of performing on Broadway). Tipped off by a dance-savvy friend, he trekked to New York to audition for Pilobolus. He wasn’t hired, but six months later he got a call: One of Pilobolus’ dancers was injured, and the company wanted Herro to take his place for two months. Now, five and a half years later, Herro is Pilobolus’ dance captain and one of its star performers, excelling in the company’s distinctive acrobatic works.  —Margaret Fuhrer

 


Dear Andy,

I bet you weren’t expecting this, but let’s talk.

I know that school seems like some sort of cruel torture right now, but take the time to really listen and learn. Believe it or not, your future will be in the arts, where you can draw inspiration from everything you have studied. Look at the intricacies of nature, the physicality of sports, the logic of mathematics, the patterns of foreign languages. Everything can be translated into art.

Your future will involve a whole lot of dancing. And let me tell you: Many people can dance, but one really has to work at being an artist and a performer. Discover now what you find interesting, what you like and dislike, and most importantly, why. Explore your capabilities of expression. Create as much as you can.

You have the ability to be your own worst enemy or your greatest friend. What is to come is up to you and you alone. Ch
oose boldly and wisely.

Your Friend,

Andrew Herro

 

Photo: John Kane