33 - Christian Vincent: Dancer (Madonna, Prince), Emmy nominated Choreographer, Actor & Masters Degree in Dance

Episode Summary: Christian Vincent, an Emmy-nominated choreographer and dancer with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, shares his professional journey. From his early beginnings in Ontario, Canada, to working with iconic artists like Madonna and Prince. Christian delves into the early influences that shaped his career, such as his pivotal encounter at Joe Tremaine's dance convention and the motivational support from choreographer Jackie Slate. His career in Los Angeles is marked by a dynamic range of roles from dancing to acting in films and TV shows like Hallmark Christmas movies. Christian discusses the transition from dance to choreography and directing, highlighting his work in various cities beyond LA, like Atlanta and Nashville. Furthermore, Christian offers sage advice for young dancers on navigating the transition from academic settings to professional stages, stressing the importance of continuous learning, networking, and versatility in dance styles. His approach underscores the need for dancers to be well-rounded and proactive in seeking opportunities. Show Notes: (0:03) Christian´s career in dance, including his early beginnings in Ontario, Canada, and his journey to becoming an Emmy-nominee (5:16) Dance career path, from early interest to college and professional training. (9:25) The importance of education in the dance industry. (13:53) Race and identity in the dance industry. (19:10) Dance and acting career progression in Los Angeles. (23:21) Career options for dancers beyond LA. (28:12) Career paths in the entertainment industry, choreography, directing, and producing. (32:58) Transitioning from dance competitions to professional dance industry (37:09) Dance training programs and their benefits for young dancers. (41:17) Transitioning from dancer to choreographer. (45:36) Dance career paths, visa requirements, and job opportunities in the US and Canada. (50:25) Dance career paths and recording self-tapes. (55:20) Transitioning from college to professional life in the performing arts. Biography: As a dancer, Christian danced and/or toured with artists such as Madonna (dance captain, Drowned World tour), Prince, Britney Spears, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Stevie Wonder, Chayanne, Mandy Moore, Geri Halliwell, Macy Gray, Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Ashanti. He was also featured in various film projects such as She’s All That, Starsky and Hutch, Rent, The Wedding Planner, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Flintstones: Viva Rock Vegas, Ms. Congeniality 2, and GI Joe 2: Retaliation.  In addition, his extensive television appearances include Buffy, Disney’s Annie, Arrested Development, Baywatch, Mad TV, The George Lopez Show, Cold Case, and Dancing with the Stars.  Christian was recently nominated for the 74th Emmy awards in the category of outstanding choreography for scripted programming for his work on The Porter series. Christian’s choreographic expertise can also be seen in Netflix’s series Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker, starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, the Lifetime biopic about rap super group Salt-N-Pepa, and The Christmas Dance. Christian’s other choreographic works include Noah’s Arc: Jumping The Broom, and the Global TV  series Canada Sings.  Christian appeared in the Off-Broadway production of Radiant Baby, directed by George C. Wolfe. He has made appearances on Smallville, Center Stage 2, Fringe, Fallen, Sins of the Mother, Continuum, and Hidden America with Jonah Ray. He´s currently a faculty member with LA Dance Magic Dance Convention and Triple Threat Dance Convention, and he was also a professor at the highly esteemed USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Christian is an active and proud member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/christian.jd.vincent https://www.facebook.com/christian.vincent Webpage https://www.christianvincentonline.com/