#FFB: Borris York
Borris is a walking current of happiness, in case you can't tell from these photos! *wink* We had such a fun day bonding over mediation, not to mention our family ties are back in New Orleans (we'll definitely be sharing King Cake together over Mardi Gras weekend!) Boris just finished up Holiday Inn and when I asked him his next show he responded, "Unemployment: The Musical (a limited engagement)". Best answer ever, right?! Borris is dropping some beautiful truth bombs in his interview about self-love, dedication, and living a lifestyle that's Fit for Broadway.
NOTE FROM BORRIS: Hi! My name is Borris York. I’m a New Orleans native (born and raised). I’ve always loved to perform. There’s something about doing live theater that fills me with light and I’m grateful I get to do it for a living. I love fitness, reading, traveling, cooking, and decorating. I’ve been in New York for 5 years now and I probably would not survive if it weren't for my incredible group of friends. They mean more to me than they will ever know. I recently made my broadway debut in HOLIDAY INN and I’m looking forward to my next adventure.
“Fit for Broadway” pullover from fitforbroadwayapparel.com | Click HERE or click the picture!
Q: Borris, the best friend photoshoot with you and Cody was so fun! You two lit up my week and I’m thrilled to have you on the blog as you embark on your next step after Holiday Inn! Let’s start from the beginning, what was your journey to Broadway?
A: A lot of hard work and trusting in the timing of my life. I was on the first national tour of PIPPIN for 2 years. After we closed I went on a two week European vocation with my mom and I got back on a Sunday morning. I auditioned for HOLIDAY INN the next day, had a final call back the following week and booked it. It came out of nowhere! Just trust the timing of your life!
Q: How have health and fitness been intertwined into your journey as a performer?
A: For me it works hand in hand. It wasn’t until I became serious about my health and fitness that I was able to maintain consistency as a performer. Being on broadway is hard work. Very hard work. And in order to keep my energy up and my body in line I must maintain a healthy diet and workout regimen. I always go to the gym and make sure I eat a well balanced meal before every show.
Q: I loved hearing about your passion for mediation! When did you first start meditating and how has it effected your performance lifestyle?
A: I started sometime last Fall after opening Holiday Inn. For me meditating has improved my life tremendously which trickles it’s way down towards my performance lifestyle. It has taught me the importance of surrender. To clear my head of any and all expectations of what could be or should be, and to simply be present, prepared, aware, open, and available to what is.
Q: Any suggestions for someone just starting a meditation practice?
A: Relax lol Know that your style of meditating will be different from others, so take the time you need to figure out what works best for you. Start by asking yourself what makes you feel most at ease and go from there.
Q: Can we play “My Week in Fitness!” ? (a brief outline/example of a week in your fitness life with as many details as you want to include)
A: Depending on my (audition) schedule I also find time to take at least 3 days classes during the week.
MONDAY Gym: Cardio - 30 Minutes, Free Weights: Chest/Abs 1hr, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes
TUESDAY Gym: Cardio - 30 Minutes, Free Weights: Back/Abs 1hr, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes
WEDNESDAY Gym (before the matinee): Cardio - 30 Minutes, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes // Gym (between shows): Free Weights: Arms/Abs 1hr
THURSDAY Gym: Cardio - 30 Minutes, Free Weights: Shoulders/Abs 1hr, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes
FRIDAY Gym: Cardio - 30 Minutes, Free Weights: Legs/Abs 1hr, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes
SATURDAY Gym (before the matinee): Cardio - 30 Minutes, Stretching/Foam Rolling: 30 minutes
SUNDAY REST // I do my best to remain consistent.
Q: How does nutrition play a role in feeling your best for each Broadway show?
A: I LOVE eating well. It’s one of my favorite past-times actually lol It’s honestly what gives me the most energy and what keeps me feeling great. I am working towards becoming fully vegan so I’ve cut all dairy and most meats out of my diet. I also make sure I drink a lot of water/coconut water during the day. By the time I get to work I always feel hydrated and energized. For me it’s about feeling my best in life. If I feel great, my performances will be great.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I have so many forms of inspiration I’m drawn to. I’m mostly inspired by people who unapologetically live fully in their truth. It’s something that I strive to do more and more of every single day. To love myself unconditionally with no apologies and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who have their sights set on Broadway?
A: Your journey/trajectory will be different from everyone else’s because it is YOUR LIFE. If you waste your time comparing yourself to anyone else you’ve already lost. Get honest with yourself about what you do best, take ownership of it, and never stop working to improve it. Be patient and prepared and allow everything to fall into place.
Q: How do you and Cody empower each other as best friends in different parts of the industry?
A: Cody and I are more than friends we are brothers, and one of the most beautiful things about our relationship is that we empower each other to project what we want out of life into the universe. As we move forward living in our individual truths I know I will always have his back and he will always have mine.
Instagram: @BorrisYork | borrisyork.com
