Dancing his way to Asia

MANILA, Philippines - US-based choreographer Brian Green will dance his way to Asia as he was tapped to give three winners of AXN Dance Off competition a one-on-one workshop. The dance tilt was created for the now airing So You Think You Can Dance?, the American Idol for aspiring dancers.

If you wish to show your bootylicious and hip-hop moves, then put on your dancing shoes and record your 60-second routine and upload it to the dance-off website. Dance gracefully to impress the judges. For details, check out www.axn-asia.com.

“I think you’re born with a gift to dance,” replies Brian when asked if dancers are born or made. “There are people who can learn techniques to dance. Definitely, I believe dancers are really born to dance.”

Whether the dancing skill is inborn or taught, one’s dedication to it is what matters most.

“I look for someone who loves to dance. That’s the most important thing to me,” shares Brian. After that comes the dancing style, he adds.

So, what do workshopper-winners expect from the exclusive dance session with him to be held in Singapore? Brian only promises a lot of “hard work, love and dedication” to dancing, among other things to learn. Participants will also discover new moves and grooves from start to finish. Apart from learning to love the craft, winners of AXN Dance Off are expected to gain seriousness on dancing and improve themselves by acquiring new styles. Most importantly, Brian will be able to rub off his passion on the participants.

How did Brian get started with dancing?

“I come from a family that is (into the arts),” he answers.

Thus, it didn’t surprise those close to Brian seeing him dance professionally at the age of nine. Because of Brian’s natural liking to the performing art, he went to school to study different dances such as African, ballet, jazz, modern and tap. His five years in Phil Black, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Joefrreys Ballet gave him the formal training to perform these dances and smoothly cross over from one style to another. He also went to New York City in the ‘80s and appreciated the hip-hop culture. Brian also ventured to learn house and freestyle culture in Roseland, 4Ds and Paradise Garage clubs.

His learnings from school and dance clubs helped Brian to come up his own signature dance style characterized by unique, fast footwork movements.

He became known for this dance and people started to call him footwork. His footwork didn’t only reach the whole New York and but also all other countries.

Brian’s passion for dancing and loyalty to it have opened doors of opportunities for him to collaborate with celebrities Foxy Brown, Mariah Carey, Missy Eliott, Fergie, MYA, Salt-N-Pepa, Gwen Stefanie to name a few. Brian says he likes working with celebrities and dancers. It is a challenge putting the dancers in front and not overshadowing the celebrities, or vice versa.

With a vibrant career to be thankful for, Brian has been teaching funk, hip-hop and house history. This is perhaps his way of giving back and sharing the blessings that come his way.

Asked what’s the contribution of So You Think You Can Dance in promoting the art of dance, Brian replies, “It’s great that (through it) people have seen a lot of dances and different specific styles on TV.”

Thus, people learn to appreciate more the hard work that comes with dancing.