Dance through a new lens with Jordan Matter

How do you prepare yourself for a 10 Minute Challenge?

J.M: I do yoga (laughs). Usually, on location, I look around to see if I have any ideas and to get a sense of what feels right. I don’t like to plan it out too much. I like to be spontaneous. When the 10 minutes begin, I feel a little stressed, because I know I want to get a lot of material, and now it’s become a thing and there’s this expectation! Once you set the bar high, you have to match it over and over again. Fortunately, I always work with incredible performers who’re able to do a lot of my work for me.

Do you give any instructions or do you just let their imaginations run wild?

J.M: Both. Usually they prefer it when I give them some instructions, because I do this a lot and this is often their first time. The speed of it takes them by surprise! So I throw out ideas, but sometimes they come up with a better idea and that’s always really exciting!

Why did you choose Monaco as a setting?

J.M: I like to explore new places. There is a lot of beauty here, and there are a lot of stories to tell. I like to give my audience environments they haven’t seen before. I like to show people things they haven’t yet seen. My aim is to capture the very best of Monaco, like going to the palace. There are a lot of really gorgeous places in Monaco, it’s exciting! Also I like to do these videos, and as I haven't seen much of it myself, my own reaction to it is unique, too. 

If Monaco were a color, which one would it be and why?

J.M: It’s obvious: red (laughs). Red is passionate and fiery and exciting, and I think that's what Monaco is. It’s an exciting, thrilling place. When I arrived at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, my mouth just dropped open. I was like, “Wow, this is stunning!” I almost don’t want to work, I want to sit on the balcony of my room and write, like, a memoir! The view from my gorgeous room was very inspiring, truly extraordinary.