Alberto Gaspar is an OBT company dancer and choreographer. He has created Transfigurations (2019), 1 in 10^2,685,000 (2022), and Capriccio del Cuore (2023) for the company. This year, his neoclassical piece 1 in 10^2,685,000 will return for April’s production of Spring Rep. Step behind the curtain and learn more about his inspiration!
What’s the story behind the name of your piece?
The probability of human existence is estimated to be 1 in 102,685,000,—a fraction above zero. This means that the odds of being alive are unimaginably small. In other words, we are living miracles!
What inspired your choreography?
The sheer improbability of our existence in this universe is awe-inspiring. When we reflect on how unlikely it is that we are here, our everyday struggles seem to shrink in comparison. This realization brings a deep sense of gratitude and passion for life—something I wanted to explore through movement.
Why did you pick Michael Nyman’s music? How did it influence your creative process?
Michael Nyman is one of my favorite composers. His intricate phrasing and complex compositions allow me to add rich textures and layers within my choreography. His music creates a dynamic structure that challenges both the dancers and the audience, making every moment of the piece feel intentional and alive.
OBT company dancer Taylor Lim and guest artist Philipp Mergener in 1 in 10^2,685,000 in 2022. Photo by Into Dust Photography
This is the second time you are staging this work for OBT—what’s different this time?
We have an almost entirely new cast! Because OBT has grown so much, we have new dancers with fresh strengths and different movement qualities, which allows me to rework parts of the choreography. The piece will take on a completely new energy and interpretation. It’s not about making it more exciting, but about molding the piece to resonate with the new dancers so they can look their best and create an emotional connection with the audience.
OBT company dancers Jackie Iwamura, Mario Manansala, Rowan Catel, Wyatt Johnson, Sophie Powell, Carlos Narvaez, and Ria Adachi in rehearsal for 1 in 10^2,685,000. Photo by Hadley Kaufmann.
What do you want the audience to take away from this production?
That’s a great question! I’d love for people to find me after the performance and share what resonated with them. Every viewer experiences art differently, and I’m always fascinated to hear those perspectives.
What is it like to be both a dancer and choreographer in the same ballet company?
One of the biggest advantages is that I know everyone’s strengths, which allows me to highlight them in ways that make each dancer look their best. This familiarity also makes the process more relaxed, but at times, it can remove some of the excitement of working with a brand-new choreographer. That said, I can feel their energy deeply, and my hope is that we all breathe as one when performing this piece.
See 1 in 10^2,685,000 in the production of Spring Rep on April 12 and 13, 2025, at Edmonds Center for the Arts!