Meet the Dancers: Will Brighton’s Artistry Beyond the Studio
From Saint Louis Dance Theatre's "Meet the Dancers" series.
Will Brighton is the kind of artist who believes in removing expectations. That might sound counterintuitive for a professional dancer, but for Will — now in his sixth season with Saint Louis Dance Theatre — it's the secret to staying present, authentic and genuinely alive on stage.
His favorite approach to movement? Countertechnique, a practice that emphasizes efficiency and expansiveness. "I love how freeing it feels to fly through space," he explains. Before every class, rehearsal and performance, Will pulls a couple tools from his Countertechnique toolbox to focus on. "Having a tool to focus on helps ground me in a state of exploration and helps remind me to lower the stakes, remove expectations and just have fun experiencing dance."
That sense of play runs deep in Will's artistry. He points to Playfolk by Bradley Shelver as one of the most meaningful works in STLDT's repertoire. "The piece gives a lot of room to play around and make your own, unique choices that can change from one run to the next," he says. "It really shaped my understanding of how to stay present and adapt during performances and how to bring myself and my personality to the stage as authentically as I can."
Will's favorite memory from last season perfectly captures that spirit. Performing Playfolk on the company's tour to Joplin, Missouri, he danced the duet track for the first time. "Being in a new city with such an enthusiastic audience brought such an exciting atmosphere that unlocked a higher level of interaction and play than I had ever felt before."
Offstage, Will's creative pursuits extend far beyond dance. He's a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and playwright — and he has an unexpected passion for ice cream making. "I love studying both the history and science of ice cream and applying that knowledge to develop new and unique flavors!" It's yet another way he brings curiosity and precision to everything he creates.
When Will needs inspiration, he turns to the St. Louis arts community. "We are blessed to have so much dance, live theater and art available in St. Louis," he says. You might find him catching another show, taking class with local artists or wandering the Contemporary Art Museum. And when he needs to recharge? He walks through the Central West End, grabs Thai food to-go from Thai 202 and carries it to Forest Park for a solo picnic by the water.
As for what matters most to Will? Quality time. "Showing up for people I care about and just being around them is really important to me," he shares. "We don't even need to be talking or doing anything that meaningful, but I definitely feel the most loved when I'm just in proximity with those I care about."
It's that same generosity of spirit — showing up, being present, making space for discovery — that makes Will's performances so compelling to watch.
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