Sonya Tayeh is a New York City-based choreography & director, and her work has been featured in many stage works, including Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Sing Street, Fall For Dance at City Center, and Rent Live!. During the pandemic, she has been working a lot in the dance world, workshopping new pieces at theatre and dance companies in the area, and teaching new associate choreographers of Moulin Rouge! the entire show via Zoom, in a new makeshift dance studio in her apartment.
Sonya answered five questions for Broadway Direct, where she tells us about what audiences will be most excited about seeing in Moulin Rouge!, her inspirations, and the NYC spot she’s missing most now.
1. What inspired you to become a choreographer?
Martha Graham!
2. Who in your field inspires you?
There’s too many to name! My colleagues like Camille Brown, Raja Feather Kelly do such innovative inspiring work. That’s two of a million on my list!
View this post on Instagram
3. What will most audiences be excited about seeing in Moulin Rouge?
There’s so much! The beauty of excess, the stellar company, the music nostalgia, but most of all for me the baseline that all are welcome. Inclusivity is abound at the Moulin Rouge.
4. What are some things you’ve always wanted to do that you’re able to spend time on now?
I have been taking more time for myself spiritually and mentally. I’ve been running and running through my life. So, to have a bit of space has helped instill a need that it is important for me to practice steadiness and stillness on a regular basis.
5. What NYC spot are you missing most now?
The theatre. Every theatre. I miss watching my community create such beautiful art. I miss the applause, the silence, the long lines, the smiles, the tears. Every single thing that makes being an artist in NYC so wonderful.
You can catch Sonya Tayeh’s work in Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and follow her on Instagram @sonyatayeh.