How do you channel Eartha Kitt and Peggy Lee so well?
Davon Rainey: When I think of Eartha Kitt, I think of being like a firecracker, an overly sexual cartoon character. Her voice is gravely but sweet at the same time. She had such a powerful essence. I also draw from my family members who grew up watching Eartha Kitt and I channel their experience of being fans of her into my portrayal. For me, Peggy Lee’s songs are very melancholy and sad, but hopeful. And I try to channel those emotions. Have you performed non-gender-bending roles with Company XIV? Davon Rainey: Yes, recently I performed a man in a dance piece by Austin called Delusions of Grandeur, based on a poem by Charles Bukowski. It originally started out as a solo but later morphed into a love triangle. There is currently a lack of black dancers in American mainstream companies. In Company XIV you are given a range of roles to perform. What is your opinion on this lack of African American dancers and the opportunities afforded you at Company XIV? Davon Rainey: I am so grateful f
