Answers4dancers recently spoke with celebrity choreographer, Vincent Paterson, about his book 'Icons and Instincts: Choregraphing and Directing Entertainment's Biggest Stars.
Our highly anticipated IG Live session with celebrity choreographer, Vincent Paterson was a huge success!
What began as an interview about Vincent’s new book, Icons and Instincts: Choreographing and Directing Entertainment’s Biggest Stars, turned into a Master Class on what a Dance Career looks like and the hard work that led to Vincent’s phenomenal success.We’ve uploaded the interview to answers4dancers.com … It’s a must-watch for every dancer, hopeful dancer, or creative of any kind. Vincent’s journey is unique; but make no mistake, becoming a celebrity choreographer did not drop into his lap. It took years of training and networking and his drive to always be prepared.
Check out the video. Our conversation was so impactful that we’ll post several installments so you can grab all that wisdom and incredible stories about some of the industry’s most iconic moments.
Part 1 of our interview focuses on Vincent’s early years and the behind-the-scenes stories from the groundbreaking Michael Jackson short film, Smooth Criminal.
Many thanks to A4D’s Dancer To Watch, Brandon Hudson for conducting the interview. And to Vincent Paterson for his generosity in sharing his stories with us!
WATCH IG LIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT PATERSON, ICONS & INSTINCTS >
GET YOUR COPY OF ICONS & INSTINCTS HERE >
When the pandemic hit, my sister Lenaya Faustman and I used the downtime to create our own choreography company, LTCreatives. We shared our work with connections we made as performers over the years. Premium Group became interested and wanted to keep us in mind for future opportunities.
Fast forward to 2022. We received a message that Premium Group needed choreographers for performances at HIYA International Airport for the FIFA World Cup. And they wanted us!
It all happened very quickly, as they do in Qatar. My sister couldn’t join me on this journey because of a ship contract. My best friend Sophia Bebyck and performer/choreographer stepped in to take her place. We were on a tight schedule had to start creating, casting, and choreographing at a distance until I could arrive. We used video calls, WhatsApp messages, and mood boards to begin creating.
Our first performance was the countdown to the World Cup, 100 Days to Go until FIFA.
We will be creating shows once a month to be performed at the Airport. Once the World Cup officially kicks off in November, we’ll have performances twice a day for passengers arriving from all around the world to embrace the soccer spirit. Our contract will run until mid December, choreographing and creating all the shows as well as embracing the World Cup in Qatar.
Throughout my years as a dancer, training, performing, auditioning, and travelling, I have learned, it’s so important to keep connections with industry professionals. It sometimes comes down to who you know. Work hard and leave a memorable mark. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, showcase what you’re creating, so if an opportunity comes around, they remember you, and think of you for these moments.
Congratulations Taryn. This is exciting and we look forward to hearing more from you. And we had one last question for her… How has Answers4dancers helped in your career?
I joined A4D back when I was 19. It’s a beautiful place to network and join forces with fellow performers. It’s great to know there are other dancers out there who are feeling the same way you do… after all, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. A4D is a great way to learn and gain more insight into this crazy career we all love!