Q&A with dancer/author Jimmy Hibbard
1. What inspired you to write the book?
A. About 11 yrs ago my dance colleagues in LA suggested that I write my memoirs. They said, because I had done so much work, that it would be interesting. After 2 yrs of constantly nagging me to do it, I decided to put it down on paper. At first, I thought it would be something my grandchildren could read about what their Grandfather had done. As I began to write it, I realized that it might be something that would inspire young dancers who wanted a career in this business. I also realized, that I truly had a passion to give back. I had realized my dreams and I wanted to tell them that they could do it as well. I could tell them what it takes to get there.
2. When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer?
A. After I had seen Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain and then in American in Paris, I started dance classes, and I was hooked.
3. How old were you when you started dancing?
A. 8 yrs old.
4. Who were your mentors?
A. Oh my, there have been so many. At first, of course were my parents, especially my Mother. In dance, Lilliane and Delores Winger ( my first dance teachers ), Nico Charisse, Gene Nelson, Maurice Kelly, Zita Charisse, Alex Plasschaert, Dick Humpreys, Roland Dupree, Toni Basil, David Winters, Paul Becker, Kenny Ortega, and without him knowing it, Gene Kelly. I've studied everything he has done, over and over.
5. What was your first professional job?
A. My first professional job was singing and dancing with the Lennon Sisters on the Jack Benny Shower of Stars TV series at CBS studios in Hollywood. My tap and jazz teacher, Gene Nelson, sent me to audition for his ex-wife, Miriam Nelson, who was choreographing the show. I was 14yrs old.
6. Who did you work with?
A. In my career, the list is too long to go into. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with all of my idols and then some, including Gene Kelly, Gene Nelson, Ray Bolger, Bobby Darin, "Frankie Avalon, Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell, Mickey Rooney, Ann-Margret, Tom Jones, Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, and many more.
7. What was your favourite job/movie, show?
A. I've been asked this question a lot. There isn't a single favourite job....every job I've ever done is my favourite.
8. Who was your favourite performer/director?
A. Two- Gene Nelson and Gene Kelly.
9. Are you still working/performing/teaching?
A. Yes! I've been blessed with a healthy body and a positive spirit. I teach tap wherever I go and I've been lucky enough to have performed in more than 20 TV shows, movies, and stage shows in the past 7 years.
10. What is next for you?
A. With my book being launched in January of this year, it will require touring, interviews, and book signings. There are plans for filming a documentary on my life as well. Of, course, I will teach wherever I am.
11. What do you want your readers to take away from your book?
A. Firstly, of course, I hope the readers will enjoy my story. Mostly, I hope my story will inspire young dancers or anyone, for that matter, to pursue their dreams without ever giving up. Everyone has the right to realize their dreams. With commitment, dedication, and hard work, they can do it. I'm living proof that it can be done, so, get up, get out, thump and bump, because all of the alternatives stink!