Conversations with Megan, featuring Roman Mejia

Roman is a young corps member with New York City Ballet, but already a star with a glowing future. He comes from a fascinating family that is immersed in the history of New York City Ballet. His grandmother Romana was a student at SAB and then went on to be Joseph Pilate's protege. His father Paul Mejia trained at SAB as well, and after joining NYCB and performing soloist roles, left with his first wife Suzanne Farrell to dance with Béjart Ballet in Brussels. Roman grew up in Texas and has lovely training from both his father and mother, Maria Terezia Balogh, which you can see in his dancing. If you hadn't seen him perform before the pandemic, he should be the first dancer you check out when we are back. Huge thanks to Roman for humoring me with all my curious questions about his family. I love how humble he and his family both seem to be, I think I am more in awe of them then they are. Roman is a man of few words, but his dancing speaks volumes!!! Such an honor to be able to have him in our company and can't wait till we can dance again someday in the future!

[@brendadufaur37]

When I first saw film of Roman I was so excited. I couldn't believe how good he was. He was fantastic in every way. Spectacular jumps. Strong life force. I kept thinking wow this is Paul Mejia's son and he and his wife must feel so incredibly proud. I thought wow he must have had great training early. Paul in interview is so likeable and so pure and Roman is so humble too. I love so much that Roman watches so many performances in the wings or when he finishes his performances. That is such an honorment of other dancers. That total absorption and respect for his art. Roman is such a beautiful name. I love Megan's interviews because I get so much insight when she describes her thoughts and what she goes through. She is a wonderful dancer too (obviously). And I love her appreciation of the history of New York City ballet. How all the early dancers were and their part in creating Balanchine's company. John Clifford has so much to offer in exactly knowing what Balanchine wanted. And it makes a great difference in the way the ballet is performed. Clifford has an incredible memory and just knows so much. I wish N.Y.C.B. would use him in a big way and utilize his great wealth of knowledge. He his alive and well, why not take advantage of this true Balanchine disciple? I wish N.Y.C.B. would use Suzanne Farrell in a big way too. Excellent interview, as usual.

[@lec47]

"No one expects you to jump as high as the man!" LOL I LOVE Megan. Also, Roman is an absolute JOY to watch on stage. It's not just about the technique (which he has in spades) it's about putting on a show - - and he never disappoints! Can't wait to see them both on stage this fall.

[@DavidAsset78]

I just saw Roman again At Vail. He was a breakaway hit in 2019, and this year he emerged (at least in my eyes) as a real star dancer. He danced the Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux and was spectacular. At one point, I saw him warming up with Pilates, and I thought that was strange, but then he emerged for a pas de deux in just clinging boxer briefs, and I understand why he was warming up with Abs work. What a body! What a hunk!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Meghan is a diligent interviewer. She never gives up but is unpushy. Her charm and warmth are engaging and she is so respectful of her interviewees.

[@PoisonedApathy]

I knew Román's dad was a dancer with NYCB, but hadn't realised he was Suzanne's first husband!! She talks about him and their stay in Europe with Bejart quite a bit in her autobiography. If anybody hasn't read it, Suzanne's book Holding On To The Air is one of the great dance biographies!

[@Balletpro1]

Meghan, thank you for a wonderful interview with Mr Mejia. I grew up a ballet and Pilates student of his grandmother, Romana who was such a passionate, generous teacher and human!!! Roman has a lot of Romana's spirit in him!

[@Starlicious1386]

Roman is a major talent! Excited to watch his career progress!

[@paulinecheng3494]

What a great interview with someone who is naturally reserved. I saw Roman first at Vail when he was still listed as an SAB student. He completely stole the show from all of the superstars at Vail! So pleased to see him continue to succeed. Megan talking about the challenge she feels to motivate herself in her work is validating. I have has those same feelings about my work (which is a regular desk job). To hear her talk about dancing/performing in the same way helps me to realize that this is a universal experience. These interviews have truly been a wonderful gift from this terrible pandemic. Bravo! ❤️

[@brendadufaur37]

Pauline, how great that you could document Roman's impact when he was such a young dancer. He is reserved in interview but POW on stage, right?!

[@steve-o981]

This is a great interview. Among many. I recently bought a used copy of Suzanne Farrell's book and discovered to my delight that it had been signed by her. It's a terrific book...lots of history and wonderful stories, including about Roman's Dad.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

The beginning dancing footage was so great I thought I would faint. Meghan and Roman: gorgeous dancers.

[@raquelcolon5785]

Great intro. Didn’t recognize that it was you. Lovely young man but felt a little sad that he comes from the background that he does and knows nothing about it. I feel like you Megan. I would have been obsessed to get all the information that I could from my parents from their era of dance. He is young so I am sure that’s part of it. I wish him a great career as soon as the ballet is back......

[@jcliff26]

Really charming interview. Mejia is the real deal, and a charmer too. Great questions from Ms. Fairchild.

[@giaflowers2994]

Down boy hes way too young for you miss thing

[@jcliff26]

@@giaflowers2994 What’s wrong with you?

[@giaflowers2994]

I know your old ass be craving these young studs miss honey dont lie

[@tamirmickens89]

@@giaflowers2994 i just hollered SOO LOUD

[@marymohagheghi4875]

I saw you Roman in ny dance allegro with tiler in allegro 🎉🎉 You were fabulous …. Definitely a HIGHLIGHT Alf the evening👏🏻🎀🌻

[@kcstill3108]

Oh wow, I had no idea the family was connected to Romana (of Pilates fame). Fascinating interview!

[@jsl1952]

the stage is a magical place, being in the wings and watch is awesome.

[@JSG4869]

I like the new intro!

[@judithricca6915]

Megan, I like the new look to your channel: new images, new signage, etc., but thank goodness your interview style has not changed. You ask great questions, and you actually listen to the reply. Roman Mejia is one of my favorite dancers at NYCB. I am always happy to see his name listed for a featured role in a ballet. As already mentioned in the interview, he not only has technique but he has stage presence. Thank you.

[@meganfairchild6135]

Yay! Thank you!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Meghan, please interview John Clifford, Suzanne Farrell, Gelsey Kirkland, Allegra Kent. Mr. Clifford has wonderful unique knowledge of these dancers and Balanchine and so much more. Mr. Clifford is a reverent purist of Balanchine but with the spirit of individuality as well. People dont live forever and these dancers are gems that can never be duplicated. Please grab them for posterity - a lasting contribution! Maybe you could do individual interviews of them but also maybe do 2, 3 or 4 of them together also! The exchanges would be so great and different in each format. Please have Mr. Clifford re-create his beautiful "Reveries" ballet.

[@rgfan12345]

Yes, would love to see a Gelsey interview!

[@FredCompton]

Thank you for another great interview. I know it's a lot of work and we all appreciate it. Well Done!!

[@meganfairchild6135]

😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@peggyclark5328]

I love your interviews and would love to have you interview your brother, Robert. I miss seeing him and would be interested to hear what he is doing since he left NYCBallet.

[@LChonie]

Love the new intro and footage, so fun!! Wow I did not know any of that about his family, I would be obsessed too. Time to research lol! He’s so sweet and kind, what an amazing person to have in the company.

[@edwardwillinger8438]

Thanks for another charming interview. I also find it funny that he seems to take his unusual family background for granted, and was glad to hear that Suzanne Farrell is on friendly terms with her ex-husband.

[@rezashayesteh9718]

I think that Georgina Pazcougin would be an amazing interview!!

[@richardvergara]

Megan: Your family is so awesome. Their history is amazing!!! Do you know anything about them? Roman: No. Megan: Okay. Thank you. (Ends interview)

[@lollylula6399]

I enjoy these interviews so much. I wasn't that familiar with American ballet before, as I watch more of your interviews I can now start to piece people & times together. & its great getting to know you more along the way too ☺️

[@barbaraparisi4094]

Thank you for another great interview and sharing insights into NYCB and the Ballet world from the point of view of different genes rations!

[@pattygilbert9335]

A wonderful interview, as always! I always look forward to these. There's a typo in the description above: you meant to say that his father is Paul Mejia, not Roman.

[@meganfairchild6135]

Thanks Patty!!! Super helpful 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Caroline-jt6ez]

2023 update: Roman is now a principal with City Ballet at 23 years old!

[@katherineb9763]

Was he named after Romana? I studied with her for years and years. His first cousin, Daria, and Daria's mother (Sari) also went to SAB and are active Pilates master teachers down in Florida. They would tell us great stories

[@WeirdLittleDreams]

I wonder if he might work on any roles while with his parents?

[@kimian6779]

Friendly feedback: I usually click on ur new videos as soon as I spot them in my feed, but this time I almost missed it because of the new thumbnail.

[@meganfairchild6135]

They will always look this way from now on! 😉