#FFB: Asmeret Ghebremichael
I'm so excited to be kicking off Day 1 of the 12 Days of Broadway with one of my favorite gals, Asmeret Ghebremichael. Asmeret and I first met in London when I was there last summer exploring the West End and she was performing in Book of Mormon. We bonded over our love of London and our mutual gal pal, Ashley Yeater who would kick our booties in spin class & DEFINE. We also realized back on this side of the pond that we were both in the CRF family (We love you Rodrick!) Asmeret is as good natured as they come and an open book of inspiration. She has been such an amazing example of dedication & strength from the inside out & has a whole wealth of knowledge to share about some cool new topics to the blog that keep her Fit for Broadway!
NOTE FROM ASMERET: Hi! My name is Asmeret Ghebremichael. My name comes from Eritrea, the small country in East Africa where my parents were born and raised. I was born and raised in the super exotic city of Pittsburgh, PA. I'm currently starring as Nickie in The New Group's production of Sweet Charity with Sutton Foster, and just before that I was having the time of my life starring in the West End production of The Book of Mormon. My Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon, Elf, Legally Blonde, Spamalot, Wicked, and Footloose.
“You Are Enough” Pullover from Fit for Broadway Apparel
INTERVIEW:
Q: Asmeret, we're going to have to make it back over the pond for some more fun adventures at some point! haha It was such a fun photoshoot in London with you and chatting about all things Broadway! Let's start at the beginning.. what was your journey to Broadway?
A: My journey to Broadway was pretty atypical. I started dancing when I was three, and by the age of eleven, I knew that I wanted to perform professionally. I started doing school plays and traveling from Pittsburgh to NYC to take classes, see shows, and audition. I decided to go to New York University so that I could be in the city and continue pursuing acting, but I studied Communications on an academic scholarship. Then, after a last minute audition, I was offered a role in Footloose on Broadway- halfway through my freshman year of college! I would go to class during the day and head to the show at night. After I left the show, I did one other show while still in school before I decided to focus on my studies until I graduated. I booked the national tour of Aida after college, and the rest is history.
Q: How have health & fitness played a role in your performance career?
A: As a dancer, I've always been in touch with my body- knowing the importance of warming up, being aware of when muscles are sore or fatigued, etc. But doing eight shows a week requires a lot of maintenance that takes place before I ever walk into the theatre for my show. What I eat before and after performances, waking up and getting moving long enough before a matinee so that my body and voice are ready to go are things that I've come to value more and more. I've also come to make self-care rituals like massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture a priority.
Q: My FFB motto is Food is Fuel! How has your relationship to food evolved with your performance career?
A: When I first started performing I don't think I gave it much thought! I ate whatever I wanted at any time. I remember being in Wicked and realizing that I couldn't do that anymore. Not only did I need to eat light meals before and between shows because of the movement, but my costumes would get so tight! So since then I've been(mostly) mindful of what I eat in order to feel my best and most productive on stage. Being in Sweet Charity right now is a prime example. Since coming back from London, I've been very focused on eating as cleanly as possible while still having enough nutrients for energy.
Q: You do a lot of holistic therapy like acupuncture and Reiki.. I am so curious about the benefits for a performer! Do tell.. :)
A: Reiki is a form of healing that takes place outside of the body, in what is referred to as the energy field. It's a healing modality that improves emotional well being as well as improving one's vitality without ever touching the patient! I know it sounds airy fairy, but it is being used more and more in hospitals as a supplemental therapy. With both acupuncture and reiki, I feel like I am able to heal specific ailments as well as relieving stress and replenishing energy. I leave each of these sessions feeling more grounded.
Q: And Craniosacral Therapy! What is it, how'd you get into it, & how does it keep you healthy?
A: Craniosacral therapy is awesome! It's a form of healing that uses very light touch to release restrictions in the central nervous system. I was first introduced to it by an acupuncturist who used it in conjunction with the needles. It's does a whole bunch of things, but the biggest one for me is that it resorts balance to your nervous system. That improves immunity.
Q: Any favorite spots in New York that performers should know about-- holistic health, restaurants, gyms, etc?
A: Juice Press all day! I've been a fan for years and years. I'm also a big Core Rhythm Fitness girl. Rodrick and the whole team have been a huge support to me.
Q: We are SO EXCITED to see you in Sweet Charity! What kind of mind, body, spirit shifts have happened for this role?
A: Well, for starters, I haven't danced like this in years! That required a huge shift! When we first started learning the choreography I would come home with swollen feet and the sorest back ever. I kind of missed that feeling, and as my body got used to the movement it subsided. But the real shift was in my spirit and mind. It's the first time I've ever created a role of this size from the beginning, and that brought up all kinds of vulnerabilities. When I realized that everyone around me felt the same way, I was more comfortable just staying open and playing with everyone on stage.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My parents are a huge inspiration. They left everyone and everything they knew behind to get an education and create opportunities for themselves. I'm inspired by risk takers and people who are brave enough to go after what they want despite the obstacles.
Q: What is your advice for aspiring performers?
A: Learn as many skills as possible!
connect with asmeret
Instagram: @asmeretyemane | Twitter: @asmeretyemane
