{"id":4476,"date":"2013-03-21T01:42:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-21T01:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dancemogul.com\/news\/?p=4476"},"modified":"2020-03-20T12:25:35","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T16:25:35","slug":"erik-saradpon-graduate-of-san-diego-state-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dancemogul.com\/news\/erik-saradpon-graduate-of-san-diego-state-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Erik Saradpon \/ Graduate of San Diego State University"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dance Mogul Magazine Exclusive…\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/h1>\n
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\"erik<\/a><\/p>\n

Erik Saradpon<\/strong> is a nationally-distinguished choreographer & teacher. A graduate of San Diego State University, Erik has dedicated his talents to empowering the lives of the youth by engaging them in positive lifestyles & healthy alternatives through music & dance. He is known for founding\/directing national champions, FORMALity, a professional hip-hop dance company. Since its birth in 1996, FORMALity has been featured on The Ellen Show and has done industrials for Pepsi, Sea World, and Paul Mitchell. He has recently choreographed for Monsters Of Hip Hop and a Paula Abdul Tribute for Choreographer’s Carnival. \u00a0His work was featured on Paula Abdul’s “Live To Dance” and Fox’s “Mobbed.” His routines have won choreography awards and championships at the regional & national levels at such competitions as Hall Of Fame, Showbiz, and ESPN Championships. In 2010, Erik was awarded Choreographer Of The Year at the KAR Nationals in Las Vegas. His students have received representation with top agencies Bloc, MSA & CTG and have since danced for Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Will Smith. He produces an annual show named PLATFORM, and the Urban Legends Hip Hop Workshop. International credits include Canada, Finland, Colombia, Germany, Holland, Croatia & the U.K. Erik was generous enough to share his journey, work ethic and work he is doing in the community for the kids, all the ingredients of a Dance Mogul. In any career, it comes a point in time after achieving so much that you have to sit back and say, well what am I doing for others. Dance Mogul Magazine has been known to be very preachy, so we will just start showing you examples and hopefully, the youth will be able to find inspiration and build upon it.<\/p>\n

\"erik<\/a><\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> At what age did you develop a passion for the arts?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> It had to be when I was in grade school. \u00a0I was never enrolled in any sort of dance class. \u00a0The only access to the arts I had was through TV, movies, or radio. \u00a0I never realized how much art was in the world until I was older. \u00a0I just remember hearing my older brothers playing music after school, and they would be playing everything from Duran Duran, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, New Edition, and of course, Michael Jackson. \u00a0Music came into my life first and dance was soon to follow.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> Were your parents supportive of you?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> In the traditional sense, no. \u00a0They\u00a0didn’t\u00a0support me dancing or pursuing the arts, but they did support me in succeeding. \u00a0It\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0until they saw the residuals of where dance could take me, that they took a liking for my profession. \u00a0Up until now, there\u00a0weren’t\u00a0very many Asian-American role models in the arts. \u00a0It\u2019s a large part of the reason why I am so invested in my career and my dancers.<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=25vyuCEtzSA<\/div>\n

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Dance Mogul:<\/strong> How did you balance dance and higher education?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> It\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0easy. \u00a0There were more days that I wanted to dance instead of study. \u00a0I\u2019m proud that I was able to earn my bachelor\u2019s degree and still pursue dance. \u00a0In college was where I was really developing the structure of my dance company, FORMALITY. \u00a0That was such a distraction, and ultimately why it took my seven years to graduate from San Diego State. \u00a0What kept me motivated was being able to prove to my parents, and myself, that I could master academics and the arts.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> What made you get involved with healthy living?
\nErik Saradpon: <\/strong>I realized early that most of the people dancing for me were kids, and that anything I expose them to could have a direct influence on their character. \u00a0To keep my company growing, I wanted parents to entrust me with their dance education.<\/p>\n

\"erik<\/a><\/p>\n

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Dance Mogul:<\/strong> How were you able to start your own dance company?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> In high school, a few of my closest friends were looking for a creative outlet to put our energy in. \u00a0We were all in the show choir together, so we were all used to working with each other. \u00a0Our high school threw a talent show, we entered and won, and the rest is history.<\/p>\n

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\"erik\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Dance Mogul: <\/strong>What have been some of your favorite experiences that dance has brought into your life?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> This is so tough to answer. \u00a0This covers almost 20 years of my life. \u00a0I still teach dance because of the satisfaction it brings to my life. \u00a0Although winning is sometimes the objective for some dancers, it has never been enough. \u00a0I was fortunate enough early on to experience this. \u00a0With FORMALITY, we won every competition out there, and it wasn’t satisfying. \u00a0I wanted to experience success on several levels, and that meant being noticed as a great teacher & choreographer. Recently, I was asked to choreograph the Paula Abdul Tribute at Carnival. \u00a0Although she doesn’t know me personally, I have been a big fan of her work. \u00a0I grew up dancing her to music videos and award show performances. \u00a0To prepare for this tribute, I had to do my research and watch old footage of her material. \u00a0It was nostalgic! I felt like a kid again, and the music brought me to a very special place in my life. \u00a0It was special for me to share that with my students because I was their age when I first listened to Paula Abdul. Some of my other favorite experiences have been seeing my students succeed. \u00a0When one of my students booked his first job, I was so proud. \u00a0Anthony Kin was cast for Jasmine V, the opening act of the Justin Bieber World Tour. \u00a0It was a joy to watch someone else\u2019s dreams come true because of my influence in their life.
\n\"erik<\/a>
\nDance Mogul:<\/strong> How does it feel to help dancers get to\u00a0the\u00a0next level, what does it take for a dancer to get picked up by an agency?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> I enjoy when my dancers succeed, whether it\u2019s through agency representation, recognition, a trophy, a scholarship, a booking, \u00a0or anything as intangible as experiencing growth or beating a personal best. \u00a0It\u2019s very personal because as teachers, our students are a reflection of our commitment and ability to teach. \u00a0Every agency has its own needs, and that changes based on their clients\u2019 needs. \u00a0However, being a smart, universal and responsible dancer with a strong work ethic will make you employable. \u00a0Leaving a strong impression on every employer is key.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=t7jXmh6xg0M<\/div>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> What advice could you provide young upcoming dancers about attitude and work ethic?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> Never let your eagerness and enthusiasm take precedence over your sensibility and rationing. \u00a0I see too many young dancers with poor class etiquette and a weak work ethic. \u00a0Your first job may be booked because of your talent, but a strong work ethic will ensure you a second, third, and even more bookings.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> Who are some of your inspirations past and present?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> Kenny Ortega, director of Newsies, High School Musical, Dirty Dancing \u2013 He sees the big picture. \u00a0He\u2019s not only a choreographer but a director. \u00a0It\u2019s inspiring to see the work that he creates. \u00a0I\u2019ve also been inspired by many artists: Michael Jackson, Janet, Madonna, Paula Abdul, TLC, M.C. Hammer, Usher, Beyonce, NSYNC. \u00a0I love dance music, and I have grown up watching the brilliant work of these artists. And choreographers that I admire today are Rhapsody, Nappytabs, Kevin Maher,<\/p>\n

https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=usfY0R3IjDg<\/div>\n

Dance Mogul: <\/strong> What are you currently doing to give back to the community?
\nErik Saradpon:<\/strong> I am donating proceeds from my events to enrich the local dance programs in Temecula. \u00a0There are many talented dancers who cannot afford tuition, so I help regularly by donating what I can to these dancers. \u00a0If these dancers never had this kind of help, they would never get to pursue their passions.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you on your journey?
\nErik Saradpon: <\/strong>I immediately want to thank my closest friends on FORMALITY: Joey Cruz, Anthony Kin, Arnel Vasquez, and Alex Vasquez. \u00a0Joey has been my main source of support for TEN YEARS!! \u00a0He is my confidant and the person who keeps me balanced and motivated on all my projects. \u00a0Behind every great leader is a great collaborator. \u00a0Joey is that to me. \u00a0Anthony, Arnel, and Alex are also that and more. \u00a0Collectively, these guys have made it possible for me to succeed by believing in me, pushing me, and trusting me. \u00a0I\u2019ve had many accomplishments in my many years of doing this, but nothing brings me more satisfaction than having the privilege of experiencing this with great people such as my them. \u00a0The key to success is not only doing what you love but enduring it with your loved ones. \u00a0I thank them for the many years of chasing the dream.<\/p>\n

For More OnErik Saradpon\u00a0Check Out:<\/p>\n

www.eriksaradpon.com<\/a><\/p>\n[vc_row][vc_column]