DanceLife Blog

Amy Pow started performing at the age of two years old and is graduate of The McDonald College Performing Arts School as a scholarship student. At age 17 years old she was the youngest hip hop teacher employed at Sydney Dance Company.
Travelling overseas on a regular basis she has trained at Broadway Dance Centre (New York, USA), Alvin Ailey (New York, USA) and The Edge (Los Angeles, USA) and has assisted Shawnette Heard (Janet Jackson dancer/choreographer) Bethany ‘Peanut' Strong (Janet Jackson) and Roger Lee (Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears) at the International Dancers Workshops. Performances include Disneyland (Los Angeles), Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony (tap) and Closing, MTV, Channel V, Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. She has performed with Guy Sebastian at the 2004 Aria Music Awards as well as touring with him around Australia. She has also been featured in video clips for Shakaya, Jimmy Barnes and Jade MacRae.

DanceLife caught up with Amy to chat about teaching, rejection, studying and choreographing!

1. There are so many young and talented choreographers emerging in Australia. You were only 17 when you started teaching at Sydney Dance Company. What advice do you have for young choreographers, especially those who are teaching?

Teaching can be really rewarding. Age is nothing but a number. I never thought I would teach nor get as much out of it as I did. The best teachers are the ones who give their all in every class. Be there because they want to be there, because they want to share and pass on some knowledge. Want their students to improve and get something more out of it then just 'steps'. I've been approached by students after class telling me that in that hour and half their life was changed. Whether it was a comment I made during class or the fact that they connected to the movement I realised at that moment that teaching is a privilege. I've had good teachers, okay teachers, bad teachers that have scared me and great teachers that have changed my life! Strive and be a great teacher!

2. You have taken classes all over the world by world renowned choreographers. Tell us about the choreographer that you will never forget and why.

Shawnette Heard. She danced for Janet Jackson in the Velvet Rope era, choreographed and directed some of Janet's shows and later tours. I only spent a brief amount of time around her but she had a strong presence. Sometimes people impact your life for a moment or for a lifetime but it's just as important to you. I guess her encouragement was something I needed at the time that gave me the confidence and reassurance that I was heading in the right direction.

3. Many Australian dancers are planning on going overseas to test the waters and see what opportunities are available outside of Australia. If you could give them one piece of advice on the move, what would it be?

Be prepared to start all over again!

4. As a dancer you deal with rejection. Has there ever been a time in your mind you thought, why do I continue to do this to myself? Why don't I just get a day job? If so how did you overcome this feeling and move on to become a stronger person?

I never really had those thoughts. I've been doing this since I was 2 yrs old and when I was 17 yrs old I realized I could make my passion into a career. Rejection isn't easy but the love of it gets you up another day to face it all again. If you're not driven and there's no passion, fun or love left then there's no point continuing and if that happened then I would probably change fields.

5. What would you say are the 5 key qualities that every professional, working dancer shares and why?

Passion, the fire, the love of it, the reason why you want to do it everyday. Determination, to bounce back from rejection. Discipline, to practice your craft. Being Humble, forever a student, continually growing. Inner Child, never forgetting that it should be fun!

6. When children that love dance are making the decision to go to high school they toss up whether to go to a performing arts school or not. Tell us about your experience at McDonald College?

I got a scholarship and decided to go there for my last two years of high school. It was the best and the hardest years of my school life. I loved hearing the bands playing over the courtyard at lunch time and the drama queens in class making up ridiculous stories on why their homework wasn't done! I loved being around creative people everyday but it also meant that it was very competitive and teachers obviously had their favourites. I guess I got to experience an insight into the industry. But I kept working hard on my craft and by the time i graduated I had got what I wanted out of the whole experience. I seem to get more out of hard experiences and the good experiences help with confidence.

7. As a choreographer where do you get your inspiration from?

I like to take different classes , various styles to broaden my spectrum and challenge myself. Watch live performances when I can and when I can't go on the net! I like just going to random everyday places and just sit and observe people and nature. Take it all in, let it settle then put some music on and freestyle. Be inspired by life. But it goes beyond that, I could see a photograph or an object and be inspired by its vibe. Is that a little crazy?!

8. You are working on your own material. Tell us a little bit about this.

Yeah I've been doing music for a while now but I've finally found my own sound, my producer and just having fun creating. I guess if I'm true to myself then the result can only be good!

Ambitious and bright Tiana Brown is quickly rising through the ranks and establishing herself as one of Hollywood's leading talents.

As a dancer, she has worked with the top pop artists of our generation. From Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tiana trained at Dance of Iowa Academy and at Broadway Dance Center in New York. She has done two world tours with Christina Aguilera, and worked with Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Fergie, Toni Braxton, Christina Milian and Snoop Dogg. This beauty performed in the Olympics Closing Ceremonies in Utah and danced the stages on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America and several award shows.

DanceLife caught up with Tiana while she was working on "High School Musical: Get In The Picture". In this interview Tiana talks about her career so far and what's ahead for the foxy and super talented Tiana Brown.

1. As a triple threat performer you are always in demand. Let's start at the beginning. What was your first paid gig as a dancer and had you always wanted to be a dancer?
I've been dancing since I was in my mom's womb. She was going to Prince concerts, so that was the beginning. I've always made a way to dance: dance studios, dance teams, teaching dance. After high school I was an instructor for UDA (Universal Dance Association), I used to dance on the Disney Cruise Line. My first big job, professional, well paying job was Britney Spears "I'm A Slave 4 U" VMA'S and music video. I was scouted in New York City by Bloc Dance Agency and when I was in Los Angeles performing for Carnival, they sent me on an audition and that's what I booked! It was pretty cool to start off my career with Britney.

2. You finished up Christina Aguilera's world tour in Australia last year. I have to say that this was my of my favourite concerts of 2007. What was your best experience you had working on the tour?
Well, thank you, we worked really hard. There were so many different elements to the show, as you know, but I have a few favorites. I dreaded Dirrty and Welcome to the Circus, but in the end they became my favorite. I've never danced with a poll or on a swing (trapeze) before this, so it was all new to me. A lot of bruises, new muscle was being formed and extensive training. Performing those numbers every night always pushed me to be the best I could be. I loved Still Dirrty as well. So much interaction and fun, sassy dance moves that let me really explore my freestyle.

3. You can be seen in a number of films including American Dreams, Fat Albert and in 2009 you will be standing alongside Zac Efron in Seventeen Again. Tell us about your role in this film and how it was working with the ultimate 14 year old girls crush, Zac Efron.
Hahaha. Well, working with Zac was awesome. He's a very chill guy, he gets the job done and he enjoys what he does. I did a dance number with him, choreographed by Jamal Sims. It's a moment where we are back in time (1983-ish) and he's the cool guy that dances with the dance team. We take it back too...we do the running man, the roger rabbit, the cabbage patch. You name it, we did it.

4. Along with Christina you have worked with Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Fergie, Toni Braxton, Christina Milian and Snoop Dogg. What would you say are your key success factors when you book jobs for these international artists?
I maintain a professional attitude the entire time. On- stage and off-stage. I pick up choreography very fast, I execute what the artists and choreographer ask of me and I perform with my heart. No matter the size of the crowd, I will always put on a show like it's the last time I have to dance. Plus, I get along with everyone. It's easy to get cancelled out of a job if you don't get along with people. If you are a pleasure to work with, artists and choreographers will ask you back.

5. On your website www.tianabrown.com > you have a page titled ‘Tiana's Tips'. You have also created a workshop for High School Dance Teams "Get Down with Tiana Brown" where you inspire kids to reach their goals and dreams. As a young dancer growing up how important was it for you to have mentors and teachers who could steer you in the right direction and give you advice?
I find it very important. I received a lot technical support and encouragement to keep dancing, but I have to be honest, I also received a lot of resistance from my fellow dancers and teachers to pursue a life of dance. You can't blame them though. I'm from a small city in Iowa where there was a common direction to followed. I wanted to do hip hop, I wanted to go to New York City, I wanted to dance in music videos and I wanted to dance for pop artist. That's not a common dream of people that I grew up with. Making this decision was only supported by my mother. That's why I find it very important to inspire young adults to reach for their goals and passions because they may not make sense, but if you have them, what do you have to loose to reach for them? The one thing I have always taken with me was from my dance teacher. She said, "how can I see if you're trying, if you don't fall?" I think that speak volumes to anything and everything...she meant a triple pirouette! hahaha

6. On 20 July High School Musical: Get In The Picture debuted on the ABC. Tell us about your role on the show.
I am talent scout/faculty member of this show. I went to cities of America scouting talent for this show. While 5 other scouts were looking at the places I didn't see. From all the scouting and open calls, we casted 12 students to come to Utah and go through a major "boot camp" experience. They were vying for the main prize of a featured music video at the end of the HSM 3 and an ABC holding contract. Basically, I trained these students in dancing. We had master classes, an on location performance of some sort and a stage performance with their fellow students. In order to prepare for their performances, I would stage a certain song, while the other faculty member would work on their vocals, or the motivation of the performance. It became a group effort, but it wasn't easy because after we worked with them, it was our decision to send one or two students to the chorus each week. The beauty of our show, is that no one gets eliminated. They just move to the chorus. The chorus are then background vocals in the performances for the remaining students who are still in the competition. There's a lot going on, but I was always working with the students, it was a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun!

7. You are currently producing and presenting your own internet television concept with Julianne Waters called "The Get In Or Get Out Show." What is the show about and how did you come up with the concept?
Yes, I am. Julianne Waters is my best friend and business partner. We have created a website that's a video blog that features all the hip and current places of Los Angeles. Shopping, Dining, Nightlife Entertainment and Museums. We try to include the boys too because it could easily just be for the girls. We wanted to do something like this for people who come to visit Los Angeles or for those who live here and don't get out of their comfort zone. The title is very slang. Basically, get in to what we are saying or don't.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I see myself hosting my own motivational show. I would call it "Find Your Light." I wouldn't call myself the next Oprah, but I definitely see a world of encouragement to women of all ages. I'm for sure going to hit the big screen as well. I know I would play a great supporting role. I'm inspired by Zooey Deschanel and Judy Greer of "Misguided" and "27 Dresses".

For more info on Tiana check out her website www.tianabrown.com

Catch Part One of our interview with the very energetic Turanga and Elenoa who play Chad and Taylor in the upcoming Australian production of High School Musical! Both of these guys were a pleasure to chat with! To catch more DanceLife interviews simply head to www.youtube.com/DanceLifeAustralia

DanceLife went to Melbourne last weekend to go and see Wicked and to have a chat with one of the stars of the show Lucy Durack who plays Glinda. See part one of the interview above.

Lucy has fast become one of Australia's rising young leading ladies of musical theatre with a list of major roles to her credit including Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Miss Dorothy in the Australian Premiere of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Lois Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me Kate, Rikki Rose in Respect and Laurey in Oklahoma!.

Originally hailing from Perth, Lucy graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) and prior to graduating was cast in the Brisbane and Sydney seasons of Mamma Mia! in which she understudied and performed the role of Sophie.

Lucy's screen credits include the lead role of Cassie Bennett on Channel 7's Headland, All Saints, the Australian feature film Finding Nigel and the worldwide broadcast of the BBC2 Voice of Musical Theatre Competition in Cardiff in which she was a finalist.

While regularly performing in concert with various orchestras throughout Australia, Lucy's cabaret appearances include Immaculate Confection which toured to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Tasmania and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, All Star Cabaret for the Sydney Theatre Company, Cavalcade for His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, and the 2003 Sydney Cabaret Convention for which she received the Judges' Award for her work with Matthew Robinson.

Lucy has a firm commitment to workshopping and performing new Australian work, having created roles for Mel Morrow and David Mitchell's The Palace Whore, Nick Enright and David King's The Good Fight, John Shand's Rainbow's End (including the subsequent SBS recording), Guy Noble's Karaoke The Musical and Matthew Robinson's Pratt Prize-winning musical Metro Street.

For more interviews please look at our YouTube Page www.youtube.com/dancelifeaustralia 

Wicked is currently playing at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne. To purchase your tickets please go to www.ticketek.com.au.

DanceLife will be bringing you an interview with different cast members of High School Musical - Live On Stage over the next four weeks. This interview is with Teagan Wouters (Sharpay) and Liam McIlwain (Ryan). Check Part One out above.

You may know Christopher from the film 'You Got Served' but what you might not know is that his career in the entertainment industry started long before this box office hit. This ultimate triple threat has performed with the world's greatest artists, acted in hit films and television shows, acted on stage and taught dance around the world. Christopher is here in Melbourne this weekend to kick off the Hollywood Competition. DanceLife caught up with him to chat about his career so far and what he will be looking for as a judge on the Hollywood Tour.

Australia was first introduced to you in the film `You Got Served´ but some people may not know you were in Forrest Gump and Big Momma´s House 2. What came first, dancing or acting?

A: Hard to say really. I started dancing at the age of 2, singing at the age 4, and acting at 7. Both of my parents were in the industry. My father was a talent agent, my mother owned a dance studio, and together they owned a very respected performing arts school. I have been doing all of it my whole life. I will say that it´s pretty awesome to be still working in all three fields.

 
How important is it to be versatile as a performer these days? What advice would you give young performers who want to dance, act and sing?

A: I am a huge fan of the old school talent. Fred, Gene, Lucile, Audrey. They were all triple threats. Back then it was the standard. You had to be a triple threat. I feel that the industry is headed back in that direction. I think it´s great. With that being said I think that performers should be very versatile and experienced in all fields. It can only help you. Plus I just think it´s just better. Not to mention I also think that is good to study with multiple teachers. There are so many different styles and techniques out there. Studying as many as you can is so positive. That goes for everything: dancing, singing, and acting. Expose yourself to as much as you can. Never stop training and practicing your craft.

You have toured with 98 Degrees, Destiny´s Child, N´Sync, Dream and Shorty 101. What do you enjoy most about being on tour?

A: I would have to say the performance aspect of it all. I am a performer who loves to perform. I feel the most comfortable in front of a camera or on a stage. Not to mention that on tour it´s all live. Thousands of fans different each show. The huge venues. It´s on such a large scale. It´s just fun to entertain. I love it!

 
You´re coming to Melbourne this weekend to judge the Hollywood Dance Competition. What type of performer captures you as a choreographer looking for talent and as a judge?

A: When I watch people perform I am just looking for that lil something extra. Not just great skill but that spunk, fire, pizzazz if you will. Not just the movement, but the feeling and attitude that
should come with it. It is the fine line between dancer and performer. I like walking that line, and I love watching others do it as well.

What do you enjoy most about travelling the world teaching dance?

A: I enjoying travel the world and teaching because I not only get to teach and share my talent and knowledge with others but I get to learn myself. There is so much to learn from other cultures, styles, and experiences. Plus it is just amazing teaching in other countries because students are not as exposed to the industry as much as the US. Students around the world are like sponges. The suck up every little thing you say, teach, or show. It is an absolute thrill as a teacher and choreographer.

 
After you have completed your Australian tour what is on the cards for Christopher?

A: I am currently in pre-production for my next film. I am also choreographing for a couple of recording artist as well choreographing for ADIDAS global with my partner Mandy Kerr. When I´m not filming, dancing, teaching or travelling I´m pretty much hanging with my family and friends taking advantage of any time off that I have. Without a doubt there is still a lot more of Chris Jones to come.

For more information about the Hollywood competition please go to www.sourcedance.com for more information. The tour will be hiting your town in the next few weeks Sydney, Brisbane and Wellington! 

Todd commenced his training at Campbelltown High School of the Performing Arts. His passion for Dance and the Performing Arts led him to further his education at Brent Streets Talent Development High School. While completing his training, Todd gained extensive experience working as a Performer while studying. Credits include 'Dare to Dance' 7 Network, Variety Heart, Carols in the Domain, TV Turns 50, and other charity events. Todd is currently performing in the ensemble of Wicked. DanceLife caught up with Todd to chat about this awesome opportunity.

1. Tell us about your dance training growing up. What do youbelieve was the most valuable class you have ever taken and why?

My dance training started off as a hobby at a local dance school until I discovered it was I wanted to for the rest of my life. At this point in my career, I made the move to Brent St Studios to further my training. My favourite dance class growing up was hip hop and jazz but the class that I found to really help shape my style and technique was Ballet and Contemporary.


2. You have just scored a role in the ensemble of the mega hit musical Wicked. Tell us about the audition process?

My Agent, Instinct, had secured the audition for me months in advanced, so I didn't really think about it for a while! At the time of the auditions I started out with a Male dance call then was called back for another Male dance call followed by two more partnering auditions. After that I completed 2 vocal auditions. Then it was just waiting to see if I got offered a role in the show.


3. You relocated to Melbourne for the show. How have you adjusted to life without your family?

I definitely found it difficult at first being here without my family, however I got use to it pretty quickly as I have been so busy with the show!


4. Take us through a regular show night for you. From leaving the house to packing up and the end of the night and everything in between. Take us behind the scenes.

I wake up, have breakfast & pack my things go to arrive at the theatre by 1.00pm. We then have a half an hour physical and vocal warm up. About 1.30pm I start getting into costume doing my hair and have my mic check. Now we are ready for show #1, its 2pm. After the first show I have a break for an hour and a half, we usually all go and have a bite to eat or have a power nap. Now we need to get ready for the second show. I go home, wind down, sleep, get up and do it all again!


5. How are you coping with performing 8 shows a week? What tips have you been given to keep healthy and energetic?

At first I found it quite exhausting, but after time it becomes muscle memory. I find that eating healthy, resting my voice and looking after my body is the main key to keep fit and healthy for 8 shows a week. I have been given different techniques both physically and vocally to apply to my performance. I suppose I just love what I am doing, so it isn't that hard after al!


6. There is an amazing cast working on Wicked. How has it been working with the celebrity cast members including Rob Guest, Maggie Kirkpatrick, Anthony Callea and Rob Mills?

Working with some of Australia's most talented performers is a privilege and also inspiring! It makes want to have a lead role in a musical or follow in their footsteps. I look at them more as "role models" rather than "celebrities".

Tony was first influenced to dance when he saw a hip-hop group called "Culture Shock" perform. When he moved to Washington, D.C. he joined their group at age 16. He has also toured with Ginuwine as a backup dancer. He also performed backup for Yolanda Adams (gospel) and P. Diddy. Tony teaches hip-hop and house at Debbie Reynolds in North Hollywood, CA to filled classes. Most recently, he was featured on the hit ABC Television series, Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann. Tony is a master teacher at Debbie Reynolds Studio and Millennium in Los Angeles.

Tony is coming to Australia is September to Judge the finals of the Hollywood Dance Competition! DanceLife caught up with Tony before his big trip out to us Aussies.

You moved to LA with $600 in your hand and a garbage bag of clothes. When you first moved to LA you were homeless for a month. What did you do to change this?

I worked really hard!!! lol I actually got a job at Starbuck's immediately and started working as early as 4:15a.m. everyday. After work at Starbuck's I would go to the two nearest studios (Millennium and Debbie Reynolds) and talk to the management and bring them free coffee until I got on the substitute list and eventually started teaching!! In between I would sleep in the lounges of the studio and take showers at friend's houses.

It´s funny how many working dancers are out there and have only had a limited amount of actual dance training. With only 2 years of training under your belt do you think some people just `have it´?

Well yes, Even though I only had 2 years of technical training music has been in me all my life. Every time my mother put music on, you could not catch me standing still. I was always freestylin . . . sometimes even without the music. I always had rhythm and moves training just taught me how to focus them.

You were one of the performers on ABC´s `Dance War´. Tell us about the show and how the experience was for you.

Well the show was basically a "reality" show batttling two groups of singer/dancers against each other. I feel that the show was a huge learning experience! I learned soooo much. Even though I feel like the show had limitations the kept me from performing to my full potential singing and dancing . . . . .contrary to popular belief.......I can actually do both very well. But I'm not worried about that too much, I still have the rest of my life to share my gift with the world.

You have been on tour with many international artists including P.Diddy, Ginuwine and Yolanda Adams. Who have you enjoyed working with most and why?

Well, enjoyed everyone I've worked with. I would have to say that I really admired P. Diddy for his professionalism and leadership skills. No matter what MTV and other television show portray him as. . .. . . .I know for myself he is one to be admired.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

With 3 oscars a grammy and 2 kids.

If you have not entered the  2008 Costume Gallery Hollywood Comps - IT IS NOT TOO LATE! The Jr Top Solo Winner and the Sr Top Solo Winner in each state will win the 2009 Hollywood Tour to take place in July, 2009 IN HOLLYWOOD!!!! Two very talented dancers from your state's Costume Gallery Hollywood Comps will be on their way to Hollywood. For more information go to www.sourcedance.com

Andre Fuentes has been a dancer and choreographer for most of his life. Having danced with Britney Spears for most of her career Andre has certainly had some amazing experiences. He will be coming to Sydney in September to Judge the Hollywood Dance Competition as well as teaching workshops for Source Dance. DanceLife caught up with Andre to chat about his upcoming visit to the land of Oz.

You have been coming out to Australia for a few years now. Tell us what we can expect from your visit this time around when you teach the masterclasses at the Source Dance Workshops.
The students at the Source Dance workshops can expect an intense program that will stimulate their minds, bodies and souls.

Do you think your style as a choreographer has changed over the years?
My style changes every day. I get my inspiration from excellent dancers that can bring something to offer from within.

Many dancers will be flocking to the Source Dance workshops throughout September. For some, two full days of dancing isn't what they're use to. What tips can you give to these dancers when packing their lunch boxes and accessory bag?
Bring lots of Tim Tams for me!! Haha, just joking. No, really it's important to have lots of H2O!!

You are continually travelling around the US and to other countries. How do you cope with being away from family, friends and loved ones so often?
It's part of this business and the people I care for so much realise that my job takes me away a lot but they know what I'm doing makes people happy and that makes myself happy too!!

What makes a great dance teacher and why do you enjoy teaching so much?
Patience and motivation makes a great teacher and I enjoy teaching because it's only for that I give back what the great teachers before me gave so dance can grow and continue their education.

Watch Andre's choreography to Believe below. He will be teaching at the Source Workshops throughout Australia during September. Along with Andre, Ticker Barkley, Christopher Michael Jones and Tony Czar will be teaching all the latest moves from the USA. A limited amount of places are still available for the workshops. Go to www.sourcedance.com or contact info@sourcedance.com for more information.

Cats is currently playing in Korea and is lucky enough to have a few Aussie on the tour. DanceLife caught up with one of the lucky cats, BJ Rorke who has performed with Australia's leading artists and even Fergie Ferg after completing the Talent Development High School course at Brent Street Studios in 2006. BJ tells us about the audition process for Cat plus explains what else he has been up to.


1. You are currently in Korea performing in Cats. How did you find out about the roles available and what was the audition process like?

The Cats audition was very tough with only enough time to watch the dvd, look up a few characters and have a singing lesson to prepare a couple of songs. It started off with an open dance call, going in with groups of about 20. There was a combination which we learnt and then performed in groups of 3 for Jo-Anne Robinson, the Choreographer/director. Jo then asked each of the 3 to do different things according to which role she thought suited them.
Some of the things I had to do were turns in second, splits, tours, backflips and aerials. She then told us who she would like to stay and sing and who was cut.

In the singing audition we were auditioned by Fiz Shapur, the musical supervisor and Jo-Anne again. I sang my first song and then Fiz asked me to do some different types of scales to hear my range. After that I left and I waited outside for about 10 minutes while they discussed me (which made the next person to audition very nervous) then their assistant came out and told me that I was finished and could go home and that even though some people are required to come back to sing some numbers from the show tomorrow, they liked me and don't need to hear anything else but may in the future call me in by myself if necessary.
When I hadn't heard anything from them after about 1 month, I had naturally written if off my list as I make myself do after every audition, my agent Nick Bozanic received an email from Cats offering me a role!

2. Any dancer in Cats needs very strong technique. What advice would you give to our readers in terms of training to audition for such a show?

My advice to any dancer is "GET TO CLASS"...especially ballet classes. As my focus for the last couple of years and most of my jobs have been jazz and hip hop, if I hadn't been keeping up my ballet classes there's no way I would be here doing Cats.

3. You have recently formed a production company with Hilton (SYTYCD) - Milk N Cookies Productions. Tell us about this new business venture.

Milk N Cookies Productions is a new company that Hilton and I have created but have been thinking about and planning for many years (Hilton and I went through high School together at the Brent St Talent Development High School). It was quite a challenge setting it all up as we were only 18 when we first registered the name but within a few months we had everything set up and ready to go with some help from some great people.
Our long term goal is to put on our own full length stage shows in theatres around the world, but at the current stage we are mainly choreographing entertainment for functions and events and putting on dance workshops around different dance schools and halls around Sydney. We have many plans for the future so hopefully they can all be realised.

4. This year you have been choreographing for the new BDA Hip Hop Syllabus. What processes did you go through to create the syllabus?

Hilton and I have been working with the BDA and a few other great people to create a new hip hop syllabus. We are very excited about it as we think it will give kids a chance to learn all the basics of the many different hip hop styles at a younger age and work up to build their skills as they get older. Some of the sections that the syllabus will include are floor work, popping, krump, lyrical hip hop, gliding and commercial combos. Something to look forward to very soon.

5. You have danced with many great Australian artists. What has been your best experience so far?

Doing Cats right now is amazing and I'm having the best time but I don't think I could say I have a favourite experience but some great times I have had are dancing with "Fergie" at the Australian MTV awards, being a part of the top 40 of SYTYCD, being flown to compete in Las Vegas for winning the Showcase dancer of the Year competition, working with Graeme Murphy on the upcoming movie "Mao's Last Dancer" and anytime I get to watch something I have choreographed on stage.

6. What has been the best advice any one has ever give you?

This is definitely a tough question. I have had SOOO much good advice from all my amazing teachers at Brent Street, my agent Nick Bozanic at Instinct NSW and family and friends through the years but I guess the best thing that has helped me in my life is that if you want to do something, then do it, figure out what you have to do to get there and DO IT NOW! Don't waste any time and never be afraid to ask for help.

 If you would like more information on BJ please contact Nick Bozanic at Instinct NSW on 02 9211 0535 or nick@instinctnsw.com.au