Gelan Lambert was conceived in Haiti and born in Miami. Because of a paperwork issue, his father was prevented from boarding the plane with the family, and his mother, arriving in Florida with baby Gelan in her stomach, raised him alone for a time.
The enthusiastic clapping during a school performance set a precedent to thunderous applause and standing ovations for later performances by Lambert, most notably for his latest role in the acclaimed musical Fela! Fela!—based on the life of famed African music legend Fela Kuti.
From Miami to Seattle to Atlanta to Sacramento, The Julliard School graduate is an electrifying figure on the stage. He was recently honored in his hometown by Mayor Andre D. Pierre, with the ultimate honor to a native son—he was given the Key to the City of North Miami.
Q & A
How’d you learn to tap dance?
My early beginnings of tap dance was taught to me by Linda Rogers Albritton at a studio in North Miami called Dancexchange Inc., which she co-owned with Yayi Faretta. She was my very first dance teacher in jazz as well as I was twelve years old when I received my first instructions. My training at the studio was a work scholarship, in exchange for dance classes. I learned more than money would’ve buy from that place, such as professionalism, good work ethic, camaraderie, performance history and quality. I’m truly grateful to them for opening their doors and allowing me to be a student there.
Do your parents give you the side eye because you’re a performer?
Yes, my parents gave me the side eye when I began training because they didn’t understand how passionate I was about performing and the extent of my talent. They eventually turned around because I won many competitions through the years and was awarded full scholarships to train at The Ailey School, The Joffrey Ballet in NYC, School of American Ballet in NYC, Urdang Academy in London, etc. It was something I pursued on my own and it frightened them to an extent, since they had aspirations for me to be either a doctor, engineer or lawyer.
You graduated from Julliard with a BFA in dance. Is the school as intense as it is portrayed in practically every dance movie we’ve seen?
I graduated at the top of my class at The Juilliard School with a BFA and the Martha Hill Prize, the highest award given to a graduating senior in dance. Yes, this institution is more intense than any film can truly capture. It’s a top bottom building up of individuals, to meet the demands of a very competitive art world and I am proud to have studied there.
So how did you come to be Fela on Broadway?
My agent called me up to say that Bill T. Jones was looking for someone to play the role of JK (best friend to Fela Kuti) that can dance modern, ballet, African dance, tap dance, act and sing within his gestural movement vocabulary. I auditioned with over a 100 people vying for a spot in the show and I won the position.
This was your first Broadway role, and it’s quite a role.
It was very demanding role, where I had to train everyday to keep my body supple, loose and ready. We did 8 shows a week, from Tuesday through Sunday; two on Sat, and two on Sunday. It’s very taxing on the body, however due to my training, commitment and work ethic I was able to sustain a high level of artistry and excellence.
How do you manage to bring the best of yourself night after night and give the audience a fresh performance every night?
I always keep in mind the sacrifices of our ancestors, such as Toussaint L’Ouverture, Jacques Roumain and Ti Manno and a host of others. Throughout history there have been women and men challenging forces that are contrary to equality on all levels and by their forthrightness they have given our generation the opportunity to be expressive with dignity, freedom and integrity; so knowing this enables me to give my very best every performance.
Did you do any special preparations for the role of JK?
Yes, I had a personal trainer Taaj Jaharah workout with me everyday at the theater on Broadway for over a year to ensure that I perform all of my shows without injury; so we would meet three hours before curtain. Also, I’d get up earlier than usual in the morning to work on creating a unique style of tap dancing that complimented Fela Kuti’s music.
Do you have a special regiment to tune your voice?
I vocalize everyday before performance and I have a voice teacher that I see regularly.
Do you happen to have a favorite song of Fela’s?
My two favorite songs of Fela are “Black Man’s Cry” and “Trouble Sleep”.
At which point did you realize that you had talent as a performer?
I knew when I was eight years old, when doing a talent show at Buena Vista Elementary School. I felt a very positive response from the audience when I was performing and the feedback was incredible; so I knew it was something I needed to pursue further with proper training and guidance.
Which actor-dancer do you look up to the most?
I love God and my vertical relationship to him is the most important aspect of my life and I allow that to be on display horizontally. The person I admire the most is my mentor Dr. Reginald Yates, a Guggenheim Fellow. His engagement of the world is through so many contexts and it is awesome; which is to make positive contributions to people’s lives and the world.
What’s your message to actors and performers just starting out?
Find your passion, hold on to it and keep fine tuning your craft.
Do you think that the fact that you were the son of immigrants made you want to work extra harder?
My parents made a great sacrifice by leaving their country of birth and origin, Haiti. I witnessed how hard they worked to keep a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back; so I had no choice but to find what I wanted to do in life and to do it to the best of my ability. By making that choice, I honor them and those who have come before me.
This is an oft-asked question, but oh well. When was the last time you were in Haiti?
I haven’t been back to Haiti for a long time and I sincerely want to return immediately. We’ve been trying to find time to bring me back over the years but my schedule hasn’t allowed that to happen yet. It’s in the planning stages.
You grew up in Miami. Were you teased as a kid for your love of the arts?
The funny thing is that the kids that I grew up with around my neighborhood, knew I could throw down at parties; so when they found out I was training in ballet no one messed with me and furthermore I’ve always had a tough demeanor, so growing up folks thought twice before saying something off the cuff. What I did hear often growing up were disparaging remarks of me being Haitian and that hurt more. It took much resolve and reading to know that my ancestors are greater than any derisive comment.
What’s next for you?
I’m in negotiations for another project and I hope to announce that soon. Secondly, I’m exploring opportunities to be a guest speaker throughout the world with my art, sensibilities and knowledge.
Visit the artist’s personal blog HERE.
[Photo Credit: provided by She Got Game Media]
