I want to focus on my dance career for the next three to five years, but after that, I plan to broaden my focus to choreography as well as mentoring the next generation, especially commercial dancers trying to make the transition from Europe to LA.”Ĭan you tell us some of the items on your dance bucket list? Speaking of choreography, do you see yourself as primarily a dancer, or is choreography something you also want to pursue? I also try to work when I go to Europe, and had the opportunity to choreograph a tour on my most recent trip.” I try to go home for the holidays because of course I miss my family, and they all live in Croatia and Rotterdam. “I’ve only been back twice since moving to LA almost three years ago. At 26, after visiting America for three months to see what was what, making lots of connections and meeting with multiple agencies, I decided I was ready to make the big move, and signed with Bloc Agency, who I’ve been with ever since.”ĭo you miss anything about being home? Do you go back often? He saw that I was hungry for dance, and gave me my first assistant job. In addition to choreographing my own work, I danced for Nike for around four years, presenting their new lines at various events.Īt 23, I met Gerald van Windt, who is the biggest commercial choreographer in Holland.
#Chris brown run it dance routine professional
Professional opportunities starting coming once I turned 18 and moved to Amsterdam: TV shows like The Voice and American Idol, commercials, concerts. I worked on getting a commercial education first but wanted more technique and versatility, so I joined Codarts Rotterdam, where I did a year of classical training. By the time I turned 16, I knew I wanted to dance professionally with the best of the best, and gave my heart and soul to training. “I didn’t know right away that I wanted to move to America, but I did quickly realize that the ‘NBA league’ of what I wanted to do was in LA.
Even though music video shoots mean long, tiring days, the energy in the room kept me going, and I didn’t feel the exhaustion until well after leaving the studio.”ĭid you always know that your dreams were in America, or did you discover them somewhere along the way? Despite having to follow strict COVID safety protocol (testing, masks except when shooting, no contact), the whole experience was smooth and professional, and I felt very appreciated.
It felt super special to be back in the studio again after COVID with three other incredible dancers. “I recently got to be part of ‘What U Need’ by Jojo, who is making a comeback. What music video that you’ve danced in has been the most memorable? “Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ and ‘All for You’, Chris Brown’s ‘Run It!’ and ‘Gimme That’, and Omarion’s ‘Entourage’ and ‘Ice Box’.” What are some of your favorite music videos of all time? Sports are just sports, but to me dance is the most artistic sport.” I wanted people to think that about me. As much as dance is entertainment, it is also art. I remember thinking, ‘He’s not human’ about a dancer and the way he moved. Even when I was an absolute beginner who hid in the back of class, I was welcomed into the circle, and given constructive feedback.Īs a teenager, I fell in love with commercial dance. I learned foundational classics like popping, grooves and breaking, but my favorite part of the day was always the cypher at the end of class. I remember feeling intimidated at first but quickly fell in love with the encouraging environment and welcoming energy at HipHopHuis (House of Hip Hop) in my hometown of Rotterdam. I didn’t care for typical sports, but I loved music videos, so my mom put me into dance when I was 13 years old.
“I was equal parts shy and rebellious as a kid.