Few people can make coming out of a cake look as sexy, and effortless, as Jakob Karr, and yet the talented performer pretty much steals the show in the already wonderful Nutcracker Rouge, playing one of the vibrant beings that populate Austin McCormack's winter wonderland. From his memorable participation in So You Think You Can Dance, to dancing at the Academy Awards, Karr has become one of the dancers to watch. We caught up with him to talk about his work in Rouge, balancing fun and focus, and what he wants Santa to leave him under the tree this year.

You're probably not allowed any sweets when you're on a show, but since it's the holidays, what are your favorite holiday treats?

Here's the annoying truth: This show is 2 and a half hours of pure cardio! I can get away with eating complete junk before every show and it disappears before I take my makeup off at the end of the night. But if I could eat any holiday treat nonstop this year it would be spiced pecans and pumpkin pie!


It's always refreshing to see one of Company XIV's shows because, let's be honest, most modern entertainment lacks balls in the sexiness department. Why do you think sex is still so taboo in America?

I think sex and sexuality has become so overwhelmingly sterile in today's media. Every magazine cover is a half-naked man or woman. Every movie has a steamy sex scene. But none of it is really happening right in front of the viewer. That's why I think our show is so special. We invite the audience to visually participate in our sexuality every night. They get to see us experience one another throughout the show. I think that's part of what makes Nutcracker Rouge so exciting and stimulating.



What's the most exciting part about putting together the show with the company?

Working with Austin McCormick is nothing shy of a dream. He is one of the most generous and humble choreographers I've ever worked with. He's a complete genius and has never shown an ounce of ego about it. My favorite part of the rehearsal process is watching him realize his vision through our actions.

As much fun as the show looks, it can't be all laughs and games, how difficult is it to make such complicated/complex dance moves seem so effortless onstage?

There is definitely a great deal of stress that goes into the show during tech. Costume pieces are flying, lighting can be disorienting, and our set can feel limiting at first. But once we all relax and settle into the magic of our world, everything becomes seamless and lovely. For us, the aesthetic comes first, the movement comes second - so it's almost an afterthought by the time we open.

It's been six years since So You Think You Can Dance, have your fans from the show followed you to all your new ventures? 

I definitely have a small handful of people that keep up with my career. My season was really the last one to air before the social media craze blew up so I don't have tons of people trying to follow me through the streets of NY (thankfully). But the truth is, there is no fan in the world bigger than my mom. She's the best.

What's in your letter for Santa this year?

Santa, all I ask for this year is a knee-length camel coat from J Crew. And a French Bulldog. That's all. Thank you.

For tickets to Nutcracker Rouge click here.