By Kristy Johnson.

With over 15 years of international industry experience, The Squared Division is a force to be reckoned with. Two singular talents, Antony Ginandjar and Ashley Evans, join to equal a powerhouse team in high demand in Hollywood and on our Aussie shores.

Collaborating with some of the hottest names in the industry such as Ke$ha and Taylor Swift, Antony and Ashley fuse their love of fashion, recording, styling and choreography to produce one-of-a-kind events.

Dance Informa caught up with the boys to chat about their start in the industry, and continued success here and abroad.

Can you tell us how The Squared Division came about?

Antony
We were professional dancers before we met. We actually met back in 2005. We both dabbled in choreography, but on the side Ashley was always working in fashion styling and I had an interest in song writing and recording. So it wasn’t until 2007 that we officially joined forces and decided to put everything we loved doing under one umbrella: styling, recording and choreography. From there, The Squared Division was born.

The Squared Division. Photo by Marvin Joseph

How well do you think you complement each other?

Ashley
We really complement each other. For the most part as creative directors, we deal with the lighting, designing, set prop design and camera shots; then choreography is the next step. We have such a large scope of duties and we really know how to delegate according to each other’s strengths. I guess that shows the 100 percent trust we have in each other. We’re able to stand back and critique each other’s work objectively and come up with something we both love.

Ashley, would you say fashion is what inspires you with your choreography?

Ashley
Art and fashion really inspire us. Alexander McQueen and Givenchy; I think clothing can change a performance. That piece of clothing also allows us to transport to another time and place. That’s where we get our direction from, and then the choreography as well.

Taylor Swift with Antony Ginandjar of The Squared Division

When you’re working with stars such as Ke$ha or Taylor Swift, do you have an input as to what they wear?

Antony
Definitely. I guess that’s where the creative direction side comes into it. We put together what we call ‘creative treatments’ that involves not just the stage, lighting and choreography, but also the costumes for the dancers and performers. From there, we direct the artist’s personal stylist with what vision we’re seeing. They will then come back with their thoughts and it becomes kind of like a collaboration.

What is it like working with Ke$ha?

Antony
What we love about her is that she’s crazy in a really good way (laughs). She allows us to push boundaries and she pushes us quite far out of the box. We really love that. She’s a pop star but at heart she’s a rock god fusing her crazy rock and roll with her pop songs.

Ashley
We’ve been working with her for three or four years now, so we know exactly what she’s thinking.

Which choreographers inspired you when you were first starting out in the business?

Antony
I think for both Ashley and myself, the big one would have to be Bob Fosse. Then growing up in the pop era, Wade Robson is someone we have always looked up to. And then locally, Kelley Abbey is a major inspiration for us as well.

Ke$ha and Antony Ginandjar

Aussies are known to be hard workers. Do you think that’s part of the reason why you have had so much success in the States?

Antony
Definitely (laughs). I think we’re both workaholics. All our friends know that we just don’t stop. So I guess we consider ourselves hard workers. The reward at the end far outweighs all the hard work that you put in to get to that point.

Ashley
We’re definitely passionate. We do this for the love, and we do it for what we get out of it more than anything else.

When was the last time you had a ‘pinch yourself’ moment?

Antony
I guess the last time would probably be late last year. It was when Ash was back in Australia and he was working on the finale for the X Factor Australia, and at the same time I was in LA working on the American Music Awards with Ke$ha. It’s not often that we have to split up but we had two massive jobs on, so we had no choice. And then on top of all that, we got a call from our US agent telling us we just booked Taylor Swift! That was a spin out! After the meeting I called Ash on opposite sides of the world and we couldn’t stop laughing with amazement. We were literally pinching ourselves, thinking this was crazy, really stressful, and yet wonderful all at the same time!

Kylie Minoque with Antony Ginandjar and Ashley Evans

Do you ever feel pressure living in LA?

Ashley
Not really. Every time we’re in LA we’re working. I guess we’ve been really lucky that as soon as we’re here in LA we’re working on big jobs. We haven’t experienced too much pressure yet (laughs). We’re very much day-by-day people and look forward to what the future may hold.

How important is teaching to you?

Antony
We always say we wish we could do it more often. Master classes are definitely our way of getting back out there and seeing how the younger dancers are coming along. Hopefully we inspire them as much as they inspire us.

Ashley
At the end of the day, we’re only as good as our dancers. We really pride ourselves in working with amazing talent.

Where do you hope to see The Squared Division in the next five or so years?

Antony
I guess our goal is to continue to build our business in the US and all over the world, as well as continue to be strong in Australia. It’s always been a goal of ours to direct or choreograph an arena or stadium show for a music artist. That would be in five years or even less! And we’re both really passionate about the film industry, so all those things are on our cards.

To find out more about The Squared Division and keep up with all the news, visit www.thesquareddivision.com and www.facebook.com/THESQUAREDDIVISION.

Photo (top): Ashley and Antony of The Squared Division. Photo by Marvin Joseph.

The Tap Pack, an infectious, swinging, tap-dancing comedy, is set to take the Parramatta Riverside Theatre in Sydney by storm this March with its unique mix of cheek, charm and sophistication.

Inspired by the highly entertaining performances of the original 1960s’ “Rat Pack”, which formed around the great Humphrey Bogart and featured the undeniably cool Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr., The Tap Pack offers old classics with a fresh new twist in a tightly packed one hour show.

Written and choreographed by tap talent Thomas J. Egan, Jordan Pollard and Jesse Rasmussen, the show features five of Australia’s own triple threats, a swingin’ six piece live band and irresistible songs both old and new.

“People tend to forget how amazing live performance is,” says choreographer and performer Thomas J. Egan. “The Tap Pack picks up where the Rat Pack left off, putting high-energy tap dancing alongside witty banter, slick humour, sharp suits and, above all, a great night out. We feel it can reach the young and young-at-heart because it has a timeless charm, yet we bring a fresh, invigorating energy.”

A show inspired by the legends of yesteryear, the idea for the show came about through a casual chat over drinks. “It all started with a conversation at our bar. We started talking and all of us felt passionate towards creating something that inspires us so much. It just so happens that all of us love jazz music, can tap dance and wanted to bring back this style,” shares Jesse Rasmussen.

“From a young age, all of us have had a unique connection to jazz music and we were lucky enough to learn about Frank, Dean and Sammy growing up,” adds Egan. “If anybody has seen or heard the Rat Pack, they were just entertainers. Just like the Rat Pack, we Tap Pack guys have camaraderie from our close friendships through the industry. We wish to harness this into something reminiscent of the legends of the 1960s. We are just totally inspired to pay homage to the classics but overall bring laughter and joy to audiences.”

And now this dream has become a reality. “It’s not easy taking an idea, a dream, from nothing and getting it moving, but we’ve all had great belief in this project and all put such positive energy towards The Tap Pack that it doesn’t really feel like work,” explains Rasmussen. “Working together has been extremely rewarding, we have such respect for each other and we are motivated to making it succeed.”

From classic Rat Pack numbers “Lady is a Tramp” and “Straighten Up and Fly Right”, to Beyonce and Cee Lo Green “swingified”, The Tap Pack promises great music and impressive dancing from some of Australia’s most talented tappers. The five young men behind the show, alongside Director Nigel Turner-Carroll, share international dance and choreographic credits in over 20 live musical theatre productions, motion picture blockbusters, television series and more.

“Having all done a variety of shows, some coming from a similar era as the Rat Pack, we have come to thrive in this style. Working professionally in musical theatre, commercial dance and choreographing for artists gives you great experience to draw from and we will be bringing our unique flavour to it,” Rasmussen elaborates.

To get your tickets visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au. The show runs for three nights only from Thursday, March 21st to Saturday, March 23rd. For more information visit www.form.org.au.

By Rebecca Martin.

I first met Lockhart Brownlie when he was a young boy training at The Tasmanian Academy of Dance in Launceston. After leaving the Apple Isle, Lockhart trained at Sydney’s Brent Street before landing a spot in Wicked then relocating to the US and achieving further success.  He has performed at the Grammys, VMA’s, in music film clips, tv commercials, on Glee, alongside Britney Spears, and is one of Katy Perry’s key dancers.  Lockhart has travelled the world with Katy Perry and appeared in her feature film Part Of Me 3D.

When I caught up with Lockhart, he was on a private beach in Bali with Katy and her fellow crew, but he made time between cocktails to chat to Dance Informa about his career so far…

What inspired you to take up dancing as a young boy?

I’ve been dancing for 17 years now. I first started to show potential and interest when I would go along to my sister’s dance lessons and be up the back of the studio learning their routines with them. I was probably three at this time. My neighbour was a dance teacher so she encouraged my parents.

Tell us about your training.

I grew up in Tasmania, where I trained my whole life. Tap and jazz were my first styles, and then I started ballet at age seven. At 14 I started to travel interstate to do SourceDance workshops with the best choreographers from LA, as well as Brent Street summer schools and some workshops in Melbourne. Once I started to do these workshops interstate I started to recognize the dance industry and it made me anxious to move to Sydney. I moved to Sydney in 2007 to train at Brent Street in their performing arts course.

How did you end up in the US?

The reason I made the move to LA was because after finishing a 14-month contract with Wicked the Musical in Melbourne, I was itching to do something bigger and take a risk. I felt I had become comfortable and I didn’t like that feeling. I took a three month holiday to LA and NY not expecting anything but merely going because I had never been. While I was there MSA (McDonald Selznick Associates) were having an audition and I was curious to see how an American audition was run. I went and was chosen as one of 12 out of over 350 people who attended the audition to sign with them. After meeting with MSA they referred me to a lawyer to get my visa and they said once you have your visa you’re a part of our agency.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far? What have been some of the low lights?

After touring with Katy Perry for over a year, it’s a tough question to pin point only a few highlights. I do have one special moment when we were in Rio, Brazil. We performed at the Rock in Rio, which is a massive week long festival. On this particular night the crowd was 100,000 and it was an outside venue. It was so incredible to perform to that number of people.

Another highlight definitely was when we toured in Australia and my whole family came to one of the Sydney shows. I got very emotional having my family there. It was a very special moment.

Lockhart Brownlie with Katy Perry and dancers

A low light for me was when my visa was getting approved. Unfortunately I had to miss out on a huge job with Brian Friedman because they couldn’t get my visa processed in time. Brian had to replace me, and I was a little upset. But those are the kind of things that happen all the time. Schedules don’t work out and things change. We can’t control it, we just need to move on and look forward to the next job – a lesson I learnt quickly.

Do you get recognised on the street or in dance class?

Just yesterday, while vacationing in Bali, a few of the other Katy dancers and myself went Scuba Diving and the lady that ran the company recognized us from watching the Katy Perry Part of Me movie. It was super funny and very unexpected. She also knew us from other projects we had done. I think she may have researched us after watching the movie. Haha…

If you couldn’t dance, what would you be doing?

I used to be a springboard diver, as well as a dancer, and was Australian champion for quite a few years. I stopped diving at age 14 as I could see more of a career path in dancing. If I didn’t dance I would definitely still be diving.

What is something that readers would be surprised to know about you?

As well as starting tap and jazz at a very young age, I also did highland dancing with my sisters. I loved it. My family has a Scottish background and it’s a country and dance style I’ve always had a passion for. I haven’t done any kind of highland dancing since I was a little kid, but the other day in rehearsals we had some winners of an Adidas competition, who were from all around the world, join us. One of the girls was from Argentina and she knew highland dancing. Next minute I know I’m doing the sword dance with her in front of everyone. The shocked faces on the rest of the dancers from the rehearsal were priceless! None of them knew I could do this style and they found it very interesting and amusing.

What’s next for Lockhart Brownlie?

I’m an open book right now. I will do anything and go anywhere at this point. When I moved to LA my biggest dream was to go on a world tour. That happened pretty quickly once I got to LA so now I’m happy to do whatever. Another tour would be great, a musical movie would be a dream of mine, but I’m thankful to be where I am right now. Whatever comes along I’ll be happy with.

Photos courtesy of Lockhart Brownlie. Top photo by Vince Trupsin.

By Kristy Johnson.

Renowned Australian choreographer Stephen Baynes, most notably recognised for his work with The Australian Ballet, is lending his hand to the opera.

An epic new outdoor production of Verdi’s tragic love story La Traviata, will see 16 dancers become a part of the visual spectacle, taking place on Sydney Harbour this March. Perfect for first-time opera-goers, you can expect beautiful costumes, fireworks, spectacular sets and well-rehearsed choreography, all under a 9-metre chandelier made with Swarovski Elements.

Dance Informa sat down with Stephen during rehearsals to discuss the process and challenges of choreographing for the opera.

Stephen Baynes

How have rehearsals been so far?

It’s such an unusual set-up with this amazing huge stage and quite an unusual configuration too. We’ve had a week out at Olympic Park with the singers, but this is actually my first time with the dancers today. And the dancers are great. It’s been good.

Is there any difference choreographing for an opera, as opposed to the ballet?

Oh yes. As far as making up steps, it’s not that different really. I think the particular thing about this situation is that in a way, the actual choreography is the actual steps. Whilst they’re important, we want to have something that looks good. It’s more like the atmosphere you create and how it’s going to combine with the chorus in this particular thing, how it’s going to come together as a whole. In fact, I didn’t really want ‘oh here come the dancers to do their little debut’. I want it to be really organic, but this party is a really out there party. It’s quite an underground type of thing and these people are all dressed up. They’re dressed up as gypsies and matadors, and they’re putting on a show.

During the audition phase were you looking for dancers with a strong contemporary or ballet background?

They had to have a bit of a classical background I think. It’s like singing; you need someone with that basic training. Contemporary wasn’t so important. It was more important that they had a good schooling and that they would be able to pick up the choreography. I wanted to see a lot of style and pizzaz and they came with that straight away.

Are the dancers from contemporary based companies?

A few of them have told me that they’ve worked with the opera quite a lot before. I think some of them are more commercial dancers, and a few girls look like they’ve come from contemporary companies.

Stephen Baynes rehearsing for La Traviata with the dancers

Were you already familiar with the story of La Traviata?

Oh yes! I’ve seen the opera many, many times, so I certainly know it well, which was a help. If I was choreographing for an opera that I had never seen or heard before, that might have been difficult (laughs). I go to the opera a lot, although this is the first production I’ve actually worked on. I jumped to the challenge because I do like the opera.

And will you be returning to choreograph for The Australian Ballet in their 50th anniversary year?

Oh yes, I will be choreographing for Swan Lake. It premieres in September in Melbourne.

Get your tickets to Handa Opera On Sydney Harbour: La Traviata
To find special deals on accommodation, travel and dining packages, visit operaonsydneyharbour.com.au. Shows run from the 24^th of March to 15^th of April, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine – everything dance in Australia – dance news, dance auditions & dance events.

By Kristy Johnson.

He’s worked for the likes of Britney Spears and Jason Derulo, yet LA based hip-hop and house choreographer Tony Czar remains a teacher at heart. Dance Informa caught up with the in-demand choreographer, fresh off the 2011 Source Dance Hollywood Tour, to talk teaching, career highlights and how Aussie dancers fare in the American dance scene.

You have been to Australia numerous times now. How do you find the standard of dancers?

The dancers are becoming amazing. I have seen the transformation in the dance scene all over Australia over the past four years.

Australian dancers are known to be quite versatile. But are we really on the same level as dancers in the United States?

Many of the dancers are on the same level. There are several dancers from Australia who are getting so much work in Los Angeles. They have the drive and the heart to make it work.

Are there any particular Aussie dancers or choreographers you feel have the potential to make a name for themselves in the States?

There are so many dancers in Australia who could dance in LA. Since you ask for a particular dancer – I believe Anti Fischer from Brisbane definitely can work in the US if she can get her visa. I have watched her transformation since she first came on the Source Dance Hollywood Tour four years ago. She has so much passion and determination.

When you visit Australia and have downtime, what do you like to do?

We really don’t have much downtime when we are on tour in Australia. However we love the Gold Coast!

Your experience as a choreographer is impressive, having worked with some of the best names in the business like Britney Spears and Jason Derulo. Do you ever stand back and think ‘wow, am I really doing this?’

I have always believed in what I do. In addition, I have been working with the right people at the right time to be given these opportunities.

Are there any music artists that are on your choreography wish list?

Missy Elliot, Beyonce, and up and coming Rye Rye!

Your workshops are always a great success. What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

I love having fun and passing on my passion of dance. I love watching the students when they have the ‘aha’ moment and get what I am teaching both physically and mentally.

Reality television has made a huge impact on the dance industry. Given the chance to have your own show like The Dance Scene, would this be something that interests you?

I am a teacher at heart so my favourite jobs are always going to be teaching jobs.

What’s next for you? What projects are you currently working on?

My schedule is fully booked with teaching jobs all over the world. I teach in Poland, Taiwan, Russia, Japan, Korea, and Guam, to just name a few of the places I will be going.

By Jessica Innes

It is said “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” and with tenacity and the right approach, the dream of dancing for a living can become a reality. We all dream of being a Broadway musical star or dancing in a Justin Timberlake video clip, however the sifting process in the performing arts allows only tiny portions of talent to make it through the brutal mill of the industry. So after hours of gruelling training and perfecting of your craft, what options do you have to utilize your hard work? It’s all about making yourself a versatile performer and finding your own niche to flourish in.

TEACHING: This is reliable and fulfilling work that will allow you to develop valuable choreography skills. Approach local dance schools and share your passion with the next generation of dancers. If you have no teaching qualifications look into taking the The Ausdance Skill Set for Teaching Dance as a start. It is a short course that provides experienced dancers and existing dance teachers with the skills and teaching strategies needed to successfully teach dance in community, recreational and social settings (including schools). A University Degree in Dance Education will open even more doors and allow you to teach HSC Dance.

INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS: Many countries draw from Australia’s talent pool to fill positions on cruise ships, in theme parks, for Bollywood and casinos all over the world. You need to ensure you have a valid passport and are willing to commit to a contract of at least 6 months. Experience other cultures as you dance all over the world!

MUSICAL THEATRE: Triple Threat’s have a huge advantage in this area so develop your singing and acting techniques to increase your versatility. You often need an agent to be put forward for auditions so finding representation is a good first step.

MODELING AND COMMERCIAL: Dancers have the advantage of maintaining a good level of fitness due to regular training and have an increased awareness of their bodies. Many dancers will find they are suitable for modeling and extra work for film or television. Photographers are always looking for amateur models so start putting together a portfolio. Online casting sites such as AT2, Showcast and even StarNow have some great opportunities. Dance Informa also lists opportunities in our AUDITIONS section.

STAGEHAND WORK: Surround yourself with inspiring performances by working backstage or as an usher at a theatre. You’ll save money on buying tickets and you’ll gain valuable contacts that can guide you to the spotlight. TAFE Australia offers many different courses in Lighting, Set Design and Audio Engineering and any additional qualification is an asset to your future.

CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES: You are the master of your own destiny, so if you want to dance and don’t have an outlet, do something about it! Form a crew, collaborate with other artists and put on a community show or make a dance film. Every experience is going to add to your credibility and wealth of knowledge as a performer, so be proactive and put your best foot forward.

We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours and a successful and fulfilling dance career!

By Chris Bamford.

As Usher toured across the country, some of us were lucky enough to take master classes with his talented team of dancers. Fierce, fresh and amazing, Usher’s dancers are the best of the best in the commercial dance scene. Dance Informa’s Chris Bamford chatted with three of the dancers, Devin Jamieson, Saidah Nairobi and Marc ‘Marvelous’ at Sydney’s Caramell Dance Studio.

What’s it like to work with the world’s most famous music stars?

Devin: It’s always an interesting experience because you get to see their lives and who they really are as human beings, and not just as an artist. You get to see the amount of pressure that they are put under to deliver. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for them! In terms of the experience, you get to work with these amazing artists that lay the platform of what music and dance is and you get to witness this first hand! It’s just a great experience altogether.

Saidah: It’s pretty amazing. I never thought when I was training that I would be touring the world and actually making a career out of dancing! There is so much you learn that you never thought you would learn from doing something you love. With working with Beyonce and Usher I’ve liked seeing their work schedule and what they are like on stage. They are very detailed artists. They both love to dance in rehearsal. They are so focused to get the dancing down.

Marvelous: Every artist is different and as far as the calibre of artist is concerned, I treat every gig the same. I’m very grateful to be on a job, let alone to be working for an artist that’s a world known icon. I still look at it as a blessing that God gave me and I’m here to do what he wants me to do and use my talent to inspire people or speak to people. Every gig is different as every artist has a different crowd, but the energy is still the same as the audience is excited to see the artist.

Mel Hitchcock of Caramell Dance Studio with Saidah, Marvelous and Devin

What is it like to dance with Usher ?

Devin: Usher has been amazing. He has been the most down to earth artist that I have had a chance to work with. He has been the most ‘chilled’ and the most real person. He is a very smart guy. He isn’t just paid to sing, he knows what he’s doing. He is definitely in charge of everything he does and he has been very inspiring.

Saidah: Being one of Usher’s dancers is not easy, especially for the female dancers. We have to perform in heels and flats, we have a lot of quick changes and we are constantly moving. When you’re on stage there is so much to take in, but when we go backstage it is crazy! There is sweat, make-up and clothes flying everywhere!  It’s intense. I have grown a lot on this tour. There are a lot of styles to master. There were eight choreographers for this tour and I had only worked with two of them before, so six styles were foreign to me. It was a challenge, but a good one.

Marvelous: It’s great. He’s like my big brother. We joke around a lot. He’s cool. I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of artists but very few I would call my family.

Have you enjoyed your time in Australia.

Devin: This tour has had a very hectic schedule. Our days off have really been travel days, but I have been to Australia a few times and I always enjoy my time here. The crowd is great in Australia. The crowd is one of the best in the world!

Saidah: This trip I haven’t been able to do much. I have taught a few classes while here and have gone to a few after parties, but it has been a very busy schedule. I did go up the Centrepoint Sydney Tower and to the wildlife museum.

Marvelous:  I’ve been to a lot of parties. I love Australia. I have been here five times and every time it gets better.  I haven’t had many days off this tour as the schedule is pretty intense. Even Usher said ‘I think I organised this wrong!’ But one thing I tried this time was kangaroo meat. I was scared. It was ok, but I love kangaroos and I don’t think I’ll be doing that again.

You have toured all over the world. What has been the most memorable place?

Devin:  Australia has always been my most memorable place. I always have a good time in Australia. It reminds me of home a lot. Dubai was very interesting. It’s a totally different culture and different scene. We actually had to change our show a bit due to their cultural beliefs, so that was definitely an interesting time.

Saidah: Australia is my favourite! The UK is cool, but the weather is a downer. The weather in Australia is always sunny and the people make the experience. Dublin was also cool.

Marvelous: Australia, because here the audiences are very appreciative. Some European audiences have attitudes and they’re hard crowds to perform to, but the audiences here have been amazing.

What’s your advice for aspiring dancers?

Devin: Make dance your first priority. It should always be in the front of your mind, on top of the list. Never give up and treat dance professionally – treat it like a job. Treat it like you are saving to provide for family because it is possible.

Saidah: Never give up on your dreams. Auditions can be hard and there is a lot of politics within commercial dancing. It’s not just about your talent; it’s about your image as well. If you’re six foot and you want to work with Janet that’s probably not realistic as Janet is little. It’s not that you can’t dance but you need to keep in mind the height and body type of the artist. But study who you want to work for and study choreographers as there is definitely endless opportunity.

Marvelous:  Get your ‘vocab’ up. Have a strong ‘vocab’ in all styles, but also have your own style. If you can do what they can do, but they can’t do what you can, then you are winning!

Lady Gaga Dancer Montana Efaw.

 By Kristy Johnson.

At only 18 years of age, Montana Efaw is already making a name for herself. Chosen to dance for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour, Montana will be heading to the Australian shores early this year. Excited about the tour, Montana spoke with Dance Informa’s Kristy Johnson.

Congratulations on being selected as a dancer for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour.
How did this come about?  

Back in August or September ’09 there was a big audition held to dance for Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards.  I was fortunate to book that job. It was a highlight moment I’ll never forget.  The concept was so amazing, incredible and theatrical and Gaga is the absolute best singer/songwriter and entertainer!  I didn’t want the experience to end!  So when I got the call from my agent that I was chosen to be booked for the Monster Ball World Tour it was like my dream came true.

For you, what does it mean to be a Lady Gaga dancer?  

Oh man! Gaga is such an incredible talent. It is a dream job to dance for her and go full out at every performance for her.  Dance and performing is my passion.  I’m 100% a Lady Gaga Monster!

Relocating from Portland to Los Angeles, how did you prepare for the move?  

For me, the key when making that move to LA is to have a  plan!  I knew at about 14 or 15 that I wanted to dance/choreograph as a career. So looking back at those years, every step I did brought me closer to that.  Although I am 18 years old, I had prepared for the move for several years with training, traveling, working hard and grasping every dance opportunity along the way. I didn’t wait for things to come to me, but I pursued everything!  And did I mention training, traveling, training, traveling….lots of that!

Your career to date reads like a dream, what advice would you give to aspiring commercial dancers?

Get into the best studio in your area and train, train, train!  In all styles!  In this business you have to be able to master several styles of dance. Don’t focus on just hip hop or just jazz.  Train the hardest on what you are weakest in.  Teach class, get used to working with dancers and setting choreography on them.  Find local shows and conventions where you can get stage performing opportunities. Be relentless.  And be yourself! Don’t try to imitate another dancer. You can definitely learn from other dancers, but you are what makes you unique.  Then when the time is right for you (you have a plan, a place to live, job opportunities, an agent, etc) you make that giant step!

Which choreographers have you been working with for the tour?  

Laurieann Gibson!  Ahhhhhh…..amazing!  I assisted for her for a couple years at a dance convention called The Pulse. Her style is so unique and entertaining and when she teaches class she includes tips and tricks on how to be a better performer. Listen to everything she says – golden advice.  If you ever have a chance to take her class, DO NOT miss it!   She also has an incredible assistant, Richie Jackson who works with us a lot too – very inspiring! (For information about The Pulse visit www.thepulseontour.com)

With the tour heading down to Australia, what can we expect to see from the show?  

Be prepared for the show of your life!  Lady Gaga will give you a performance you will be talking about for years to come!

What’s next for you after the conclusion of the tour?  

Oh, I really can’t think about that!  My job is here and now and I give it 200% of myself.  Right now I’ll keep my Monster Paws up!

Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour is currently touring the US, before heading to the UK. Her first concert in Australia will be March 17^th at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Check out www.ladygaga.com for dates and locations.