Pros Teach Moves Online - choreographers, music video dance moves - Brief Article

Dance Magazine, Feb, 2001 by Pam Diamond

Top commercial choreographers are teaching their hottest music video dance moves via the Internet on Your Chance 2 Dance, a new interactive Web show at KIISFMi.com.

Your Chance 2 Dance is a collaboration among FMiTV Networks, KIISFMi internet jockey Chad Celi, who hosts the show, and the Millennium Dance Complex (formerly Moro Landis Studios) in North Hollywood, where the show is taped in a 4,000-square-foot studio called the Dome.

Organizers hope to air weekly shows, though a start date was still pending at press time. A class-style format, in which professional choreographers break down the movement, allows viewers from around the world to take class in the privacy of their own homes. Each segment showcases a master class-style format taught by choreographers like Wade Robson, Tina Landon, Robin Antin, Kenny Ortega and others whose clients include Jennifer Lopez, N'Sync, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Brandy and Aaliyah.

At a recent taping in the Dome, a warehouse-like studio with an arched roof and gymnasium-like atmosphere, about forty dancers lined up in front of the mirror. The diverse group of mixed races and ages (from 8-year-olds to thirtysomethings) in baggy pants, midriff-bating tops and street shoes got a basic warm-up with lunges, torso undulations, shoulder isolations and sit-ups before Celi introduced Fatima, who looked ready to groove in a sequined tank top and tie-dyed hip-huggers. She launched the dancers into her choreography for Aaliyah's video "Try Again," talking everyone through the tricky moves, separating dancers into three smaller groups, then giving one young girl a solo spot.

"If they're good and this is their dream, a show like this is part of their training; it helps them to establish style and craft," said Fatima, who picked out one dancer she might use in the future.

A former dancer in music videos and commercials, Fatima, who calls herself a "self-taught choreographer" also works with Will Smith and the Backstreet Boys. The first thing she looks for when auditioning dancers, she said, is individual style and the ability to pick up routines quickly. She advises dance hopefuls to take African, hip-hop and belly dancing classes to help them acclimate to what she described as her "sexy hip-hop style."

"I usually never get a chance to teach because of touring, so it feels really good to teach again, and to know that it [the show] will reach kids who might not be able to afford to take a class," she said.

For Celi, that's one benefit of the Internet show. "It's making the world smaller," he said. "We're able to bring the hottest dance moves to kids everywhere. They can learn from the original choreographer who's breaking it down step by step for them.

"I also hope, with the show, to recognize the real talent of these choreographers, who they are and what they're doing. Their work comes and goes so fast, it's nice to put a face with the name."

Southern California dancers who want to participate in tapings may attend master classes at the Millennium Dance Complex. The fee is $15 and classes are open to all levels and ages. The site is accessible at www.kiisfmi.com