{"id":5923,"date":"2013-09-18T15:51:36","date_gmt":"2013-09-18T15:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dancemogul.com\/news\/?p=5923"},"modified":"2020-03-22T11:15:10","modified_gmt":"2020-03-22T15:15:10","slug":"rick-long-dancing-makes-me-tick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dancemogul.com\/news\/rick-long-dancing-makes-me-tick\/","title":{"rendered":"Rick Long<\/strong> | Dancing makes me tick<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dance Mogul<\/strong> Magazine Exclusive…\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/center><\/h1>\n
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\"Rick<\/a><\/p>\n

With dance roots originating from the Broadway Dance Center in NYC, Rick Long has extensive training in the dance arts. Rick specializes in dancehall, jazz, and hip-hop styles. He has studied with notable choreographers, ranging from the likes of Frank Hatchett to Wade Robinson. \u201cDance is in my blood\u201d, Rick constantly states. He was born into dance; his mother, as well as many elders in his family, are all dancers. Rick Long has performed in over 50 major cities, some of which are international. He has danced and choreographed for artists like Lisa Lisa, and Daddy Yankee. He has performed on the same stage for Salt-N-Pepa, Trey Songz, and SWV. Rick Long was recently in the feature film Step Up 3D.<\/p>\n

As a choreographer, Rick’s style can be described as sensually artistic, yet with a smooth groove and a Caribbean swagger. When asked what about dance motivates him, his response is simple, \u201cDancing makes me tick because it has always put me in a joyful place; it constantly reminds me to sustain confidence in myself. I have complete control over it.\u201d Currently, Rick Long teaches dancehall and hip-hop classes at Pearl Studios. He also teaches at David Barton\u2019s exclusive fitness gyms in New York City. Rick was recently selected as one of the models for the 2013 New York Fashion Week, working with designer Adrian Alicea.<\/p>\n

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

Dance Mogul:<\/strong> When did you develop a passion for dance?
\nRick Long: <\/strong>I developed a passion for dance starting when I was about 5 years old.\u00a0 I\u00a0 remember my mom got married, and at the reception, one of my uncle’s bands were playing. I just couldn’t sit still. I was moving and dancing in my chair, so my Uncle Frank Hatchett, put me on the table to dance. And I danced. I did it with everyone watching and cheering me to “break it down”. I think that’s where it started for me.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:\u00a0<\/strong> Who were some of your early inspirations?
\nRick Long: <\/strong>My inspiration comes from, my Uncle, Frank Hatchett.\u00a0 He is a very well known and famous Jazz teacher, dancer, and choreographer.\u00a0 He is the Co-Founder of Broadway Dance Center.\u00a0 Ever since I was a little boy, he would send for the family to come down to New York City from Hartford, CT to see his dance showcase he would put on once a year.\u00a0 I always told myself one day when I got older, I would be up on that stage performing.\u00a0 In 2007, that dream was fulfilled, getting to perform my Uncle’s choreography at a Broadway Dance Center Showcase.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:\u00a0<\/strong> Who helped you develop your style?
\nRick Long: <\/strong>My style was developed from a variety of places I’ve lived in my life. Starting in Hartford, CT going to Reggae basement parties – or “bashments” – to the backyard parties in Alabama. My style and groove are Dancehall and Hip Hop meets the South Swag.<\/p>\n

Dance Mogul:\u00a0<\/strong> Give us some history on how you incorporate Dancehall into your style?
\nRick Long: <\/strong>I grew up on it!\u00a0 I would sneak out of the house to hit Dancehall basement parties as a pre-teen. So I always incorporate whining my hips, Dancehall style.\u00a0 There is always some part of my choreo where you will see that Rick Long whine in there!<\/p>\n

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