Name
Attila Csiki
Occupation
Choreographer / Dance Educator
Short Bio
Attila Joey Csiki is an internationally acclaimed choreographer and dance educator, recently presenting work at the Puccini Festival in Tuscany, Italy. A former member of the original Broadway cast of Christopher Wheeldon’s *An American in Paris*, Csiki has performed with Tokyo Ballet and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and has shared the stage with legendary artists, including prima ballerina Alessandra Ferri. He has taught and created work for leading institutions such as The Juilliard School, La Scala, and the China National Ballet, and currently serves on the faculty of Universal Ballet Competition and The Rock School for Dance Education.
In each day that we are alive, can you tell us the three things you are grateful for?
Each day, I’m grateful for movement because my body has carried me across the world and still speaks when words fall short. I’m grateful for love — my husband, my doggy, and my chosen family. And I’m grateful for curiosity because it keeps me learning, creating, and believing that there’s always something beautiful just ahead.
Favorite type of music?
It depends on the day — classical when I need grounding, contemporary when I’m creating, and music that surprises me when I want to feel inspired. I’m so gay… I love a good Kylie Minogue throwdown.
Who would you switch lives with for one day if you could?
Maybe a composer for a day. Specifically, Mozart — just to hear the world the way he would.
Name the biggest pet peeve you have. It can be anything and it’s no-holds-barred.
People who talk during performances. I truly can’t recover.
How do you psyche yourself up for the day ahead?
I move (after coffee), even if it’s just a few minutes. Movement clears my head and sets the tone for everything that follows. I do a lot of Pilates, so this usually gets me going for the day.
Go-to products in your bag that you can’t live without?
Lip balm, sunglasses, AirPods, and my current favorite scent, which is Diptyque.
How do you use Sundays to de-stress from work?
I start with the gym, then cook brunch at home — usually with a fun cocktail in hand and my dog supervising every move while listening to some jazz music. It’s the perfect Sunday reset.
How would you describe yourself?
Curious, creative, and always in motion — equal parts discipline, imagination, and lived experience.
What is your biggest weakness and strength?
My strength is resilience. I adapt, recalibrate, and keep going. My weakness is trusting my instincts before giving myself time to pause.
What’s your hidden and weird talent that no one, not even your partner, knows about?
I have an oddly precise sense of direction in any city. Drop me anywhere, and I’ll find my way home. I get it from my dad.
What is a trend that you wish to obliterate forever?
Anything that feels more TikTok trend than point of view.
The best compliment you ever got from anyone?
From my students: “You make people feel seen.”
