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Christos Tsiantoulas is the form of dancer who’s accomplished a bit of little bit of every part. Versatility is constructed into his persona – he leads with openness and curiosity. For dancers who need their careers to span the spectrum of the trade the way in which his has, right here’s how he made it occur: say sure. To every part.
Tsiantoulas’ began his profession in L.A., with an abundance of alternative. He was provided contracts with three high companies: MSA, Bloc and Go 2. He signed with Go 2, and from the sound of it, that’s the final time he thought of narrowing down his choices. Tsiantoulas has carried out on the Grammys with Unhealthy Bunny (a number of Grammy, Billboard, MTV and American Music awards). He’s been employed as skeleton crew for a touring ballet manufacturing with Jacky Cheung (Cantopop icon) and a drag present with drag queen Shangela (RuPaul’s Drag Race). He has danced for the Toronto Raptors basketball crew, toured with the trade revered PULSE dance conference, and from there was booked on the America’s Received Expertise reside present in Las Vegas, amongst different films, music movies, and festivals.
Though he was nicely appreciated on the America’s Received Expertise reside present (initially employed as a hip hop dancer, then introduced on to do extra acts as a result of he was expert in a number of), he prefers the number of gig work to prolonged contracts. “I used to be so lucky to try this residency in Vegas, but it surely felt like a 9 to 5. To have a full-time contract, constant revenue, was reassuring. However consistently being an extension of an image the place I used to be simply one other particular person within the ensemble – I didn’t transfer to the States to be hidden.” Since then, he’s lived the gig life on hyperdrive.
Tsiantoulas danced in an upcoming Brad Pitt and George Clooney film, titled Wolves. He dances by Clooney, making certain the actor was saved secure and on observe with the choreography inside all of the shifting components of the large dance scene. Caring for a star with out getting in the way in which of their appearing is usually a tremendous line to stroll; solely trusted dancers are tasked with the job.
Most lately, he starred alongside singer Jordy (named Excellent Breakthrough Music Artist by GLAAD Media Awards, additionally nominated for Queerty and iHeartRadioMusic Awards) in his music video for his newest single, “Second Minute Hour,” which at time of writing is sitting fairly at 107k views on YouTube. Tsiantoulas performs a heated duet with the singer, trusted with some intimate, intense and charming choreography.
He’s additionally formally on school on the nationally esteemed Mather Dance Firm, sharing his information with the following era of dancers by way of their summer time intensive and Bridge Into The Business program, in addition to judging competitions. His strongest asset as a instructor is his blanket expertise throughout the trade, and educating college students discover alternatives wherever.
For instance, “Once I stated sure to David Archuleta,” (runner-up on the seventh season of American Idol, and winner of a number of Teen Selection Awards) “about dancing for a few his LoveLoud Festivals, it result in me choreographing to his music ‘Crush’ for some spot dates at his pageant. I put myself able the place I received to ask for what I needed.” Because the saying goes, simply ask – the worst they will say isn’t any. “Or depart you on learn,” Tsiantoulas jokes. “However even when I’m not the best match, they’ll nonetheless see who I’m.”
Saying sure to every part, embracing versatility as a core part, does include its personal distinctive drawbacks. “Since I’m attempting to do some little bit of every part, it appears like I’m shifting a bit of bit slower,” says Tsiantoulas. “I’ve a choreo gig right here, I’m motion teaching a music artist there. I’m not with main labels but, as a result of I’m chipping away versus leaping on one factor. Dancers by no means really feel like we’re doing sufficient.” There’s no quick observe to 1 area of interest space of success, however you’ve gotten extra expertise to tug from in something that you simply do. “It’s extra fulfilling. I chase emotions, experiences and people who make me really feel excited.”
He continues, “I did a ballet skeleton crew,” for a live performance tour with singer and actor Jacky Cheung. “And I’m not a ballet dancer, but it surely allowed me to be sincere with myself in that, sure, I’m coaching every part, however I could not excel at every part.” Even in a method that wasn’t his forte, Tsiantoulas knew himself nicely sufficient as an artist to see the place he would be a profit to the choreographer. “I informed the choreographer, ‘Why don’t you get any individual to switch me, and I’ll stand in because the artist?’” Doubling for Cheung, he was in a position to contribute to the choreography and provides his inventive enter in a means that was most helpful to the venture, and most fulfilling to him.
So saying sure brings three huge advantages, whether or not or not the gig is your property model. Firstly, it helps you discover what else you’re good at or may get pleasure from. Secondly, it helps you discover what you’re not so good at. And third and most significantly, it helps you discover what you’ll be able to provide anyway.
“Possibly what I’m providing for a gig isn’t my dance skill, perhaps it’s my inventive enter, or my abilities as a choreographer, or my suggestion of different artists who is likely to be proper for the job. I’ve discovered that totally different individuals have totally different perceptions of professionalism.” He makes the purpose that it’s onerous to be poorly perceived whenever you’re respecting peoples’ time, working out of a spot of encouragement, of generosity, of ‘sure.’ “Once you facilitate a constructive work atmosphere, that permits individuals to advocate you sooner or later, or prolong additional for you, or throw your identify into rooms that you simply’re not even in. ”
You possibly can comply with Christos Tsiantoulas on Instagram: @christos_tsiantoulas.
By Holly LaRoche of Dance Informa.
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