Zodiaque Dance Company: Interview with Company Member Nathan Eck

Zodiaque Dance Company’s (ZDC) 51^st Fall Program opens in just two week, running October 23 – 26, 2025, at UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are only $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/zodiaque-dance-tickets/artist/836688

In keeping with ZDC’s mission, the fall program features a diverse array of dance styles, including modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop. Works are created by UB Dance faculty Kurt Adametz and Chanon Judson, among many others.

Zodiaque Dance Company member Nathan Eck is a senior dance major at UB from Long Island, NY. His passion for dance began at a young age, where he trained competitively at Legacy Dance Center and later studied at Long Island High School for the Arts. He has trained with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Spectrum, Entity Contemporary Dance, and Instincts by Theresa Stone. 

Nathan has performed as the prince in the American Academy of Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” and was a featured dancer in Starring Buffalo’s production of Grease, and week as a performer for Stanzi Vaubel’s Indeterminacy Festival.

Dancing at UB has propelled Eck’s versatility and fueled his ambition to dance professionally. Nathan is also an assistant to the Zodiaque Dance Company directors for the 2025-2026 season. On top of performing, Nathan has choreographed works for Choreographer’s Showcase and Dancer’s Workshop. Nathan is very grateful to continue dancing and choreographing.

What brought you to UB, and what are you focusing on academically? What do you hope to do upon graduation?

I came to UB because I know I wanted to dance in the future, but I was unsure of the exact route I wanted to take in the field. UB offers a rich versatility of styles and many opportunities to explore the wide range of the dance genre. Through the curriculum, community, and caring faculty, I have found my focus in the field. Upon graduation, I am seeking to perform in any capacity possible, whether it be in New York City or on a cruise ship. I also found a love for teaching and choreographing, which I am motivated to keep doing as I look for performance opportunities.

Who choreographed your piece(s), and how would you describe their style or approach?

I am in three pieces this semester, and one of the pieces I am in is entitled “Groupthink,” by Kurt Adametz. I would describe Kurt’s approach to choreography as a blend of contemporary and jazz, having a deep connection to the music and a specifically rich quality of movement. Kurt approaches creating a piece by involving a meaning while also ensuring the work is entertaining for an audience to watch. The goal is to keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seat.

As one of only a few male dancers in ZDC, what do you think might inspire more young men to explore dance as a field of study?

I think it is so important for men to dance! In the history of the world men have always danced to communicate and express themselves. It’s important for young men to see dance, and see the athleticism, storytelling, and artistry it demonstrates. There’s a strong and powerful ability to break the stigma surrounding it.

How do you mentally and physically prepare for a performance?

I love preparing for a performance surrounded by my peers. I think mentally just being grateful for the ability to perform gets me ready and excited for the show. Having that gratitude gets me in the mindset to do my best with a smile. Physically, seniors lead warmups an hour before the performance and ensure the company is stretched and ready to go!

Why should people come to see this performance—what makes it special?

Come see Zodiaque so you can see the voices of each choreographer and the embodiment of those stories in the dancers. There is complexity in athleticism, rhythm, and storytelling to be seen. It’s exciting, entertaining, and an important part of our community at UB!

What’s pushed you the most in preparing for this concert?

Rehearsal processes and tech week can be a lot of hours on top of everything else in a dancer’s life. I think pushing through the fatigue and staying disciplined has been a real push every season. Maintaining consistency in showing up with a positive attitude is often a trait built in dancers through these long days.