Christopher Rivera | Dance Mogul Exclusive…

Dance Mogul: What inspired you to start dancing?
Christopher: Growing up I played a lot of sports but was always involved in school dances just for fun. Doing these for a while made me want to start taking dance classes as a side thing not thinking that it would lead me to where I am right now. Along the way, I wanted to get better and learn other styles, I also grew up my parents playing R&B which made me really love music, that lead me to be inspired by so many artists such as Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Usher to name a few.

Dance Mogul: How did you pursue training to develop your craft?
Christopher: I started training at a studio in Puerto Rico called Next Level with my first dance teacher who was Raphy Flores, he always taught me to not stay stuck at one studio or one particular style so I continued my training at different studios eventually ending up at the studio that brought me so many opportunities, Rhythms owned by Danny Lugo.

Dance Mogul: When was your big break?
Christopher: My big break in Puerto Rico was as soon as I started training under Danny Lugo, he taught me so much about performance, gave me the opportunity to teach at his studio, and also put me on stage with my first few artists.

Dance Mogul: How have your maintained progression throughout your career?
Christopher: I think one of the most important parts of being a dancer to me are the in-betweens and downtime. Any time I have a day off I always want to be in class training, learning from different people and being a sponge to all the information I can get and learn from. That’s really kept me on my toes at all times and has helped me get better.

Dance Mogul: What are you up to now in 2019?
Christopher: Starting off the year being blessed to be able to perform and continue to learn from people that inspire me daily. Also being consistent with my training to continue my growth/journey as a dancer. This year I also feel inspired to create more of my own work, being around so many people that motivate and inspire me gave me a little push to do so.

Dance Mogul: What advice do you have for the next generation of dancers?
Christopher: To the next generation of dancers I’d say train with as many people as possible, be open-minded, be a sponge, learn as many things from teachers and choreographers as possible, really take care of your body, learn foundations, also being involved in any activities outside of dance is important to keep motivated and in shape in order to prevent injuries.

Dance Mogul: Where do you see dance and your role in it in the next five years?
Christopher:
I definitely see myself pushing to grow and learn more in any way I can because the journey of a dancer is endless, there’s always more to learn and grow from. I also want to pass on everything that I’ve learned so far to other people so that they can grow as I did and doing right now, I don’t think I would feel accomplished if I kept everything to myself.

Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you want to thank for helping you on your journey?
Christopher: There are definitely so many people that I would like that thank, first off, if it weren’t for my family being so dedicated and supportive I would definitely not be where I am today. All the people that supported me to move to LA from back home in Puerto Rico, all the teachers and choreographers that I’ve learned from and continue to learn from till this day, and all the people that are a part of my life in some way whether it’s my friends, family, peers etc., I am who I am today because of everyone and everything that has happened to me.

 

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