As a member of Doug Varone and Dancers from 1994-2015, Ohio State Dance Assistant Professor of Practice Eddie Taketa served as the company’s rehearsal director and performed as an original cast member in 28 of Varone’s works, nine operas and plays directed/choreographed by Varone.

Now, thanks to the support of Ohio State’s Office of Academic Affairs, Taketa is directing rehearsals of Doug Varone’s Double Octet, for the upcoming Spring Concert, Together, We Move, April 10-12. I caught up with Taketa after one of his rehearsals to chat about his career, his inspirations, and working with the students on Varone’s piece.

Damian: How did you get started in dance and what inspired you to keep pursuing it as a career?

Eddie: By chance! After a year and a half in college, I realized that engineering was not my path. So, I spent my fourth semester exploring – computer science, art, business and DANCE (it was the time of disco). Spent the next three years tipping my balance of time and energy from half each in the computer lab and dance studio, to totally in the studio and theater.

Was I inspired to keep pursuing it? Or was it that there was no choice? Maybe they’re one in the same. I was fortunate to be gifted the opportunity and space to explore; and as, or more vital, was supported by wonderful teachers and mentors.