You could feel the excitement in model/actor/dancer Christian Vincent’s voice as he talked about his upcoming role in the LA Dance Magic Convention/Competition that was to kick off right here in St. Louis.
“It’s what inspired me to get into the entertainment industry – this is where I got my start,” Vincent said referring to his experience in the dance convention sector. “And being a part of this keeps me connected to the dance world.”
Vincent, who has earned royalty status in the dance world with his Madonna dance captain credit alone, serves as an instructor for LA Dance Magic convention/competition.
The two-day convention, geared towards dancers of all ages (4-adult), offers dance students to learn several elements within the field and vie for an opportunity for a scholarship by way of the final competitions.
St. Louis is the first stop of many major metropolitan areas around the country as LA Dance Magic tours the nation bringing together the best and brightest dance talent.
The event serves as a learning experience to acquire the skills and technique as well an introduction to the fiercely competitive nature of the field.
But it’s Vincent’s goal to offer inspiration instead of a reality check.
“There is no need to be afraid of any of it,” Vincent said. “The thing for them to understand is that we base it on their ability and positive attitude – not color, size, shape or whether we know them or not.”
With a bio that will raise the eyebrows of any aspiring dancer (actor and model as well), Vincent knows the ropes of every aspect of show business.
As a dancer, Vincent has worked with such artists as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Ashanti, Prince, Gloria Estefan and Madonna – where he was dance captain for her Drowned World Tour to name a few.
He then made transitioned into a successful acting career, landing roles in films that range from Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom (which earned two NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominations and will be available on DVD February 6 in the U.S. and Canada) to She’s All That, Sex Politics & Cocktails, Starsky and Hutch and Ms. Congeniality 2.
Vincent also appears in Center Stage Turn It Up, now on DVD – produced by Lawrence Mark Productions (“DreamGirls”) – and is preparing for upcoming roles in the films Baby O and 500 Days of Summer.
His television appearances include Buffy, Disney’s Annie, Arrested Development, Baywatch, The George Lopez Show and Cold Case.
Vincent has also appeared in many theatrical productions including the off-Broadway production of “Radiant Baby,” directed by George C. Wolfe and as a lead vocalist in the stage show “Generations.”
In the ultimate sign of humility, Vincent was much more interested in speaking of his desires and excitement about his latest role – teacher and motivator – than he was any of his credentials.
He wants to be to the students of the LA Dance Magic what those members of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation tour were to him when he was a mainstay in the convention circuit of his native Ontario, Canada.
“As corny as it may sound what I am looking forward to most is connecting to these kids,” Vincent said. “Because I remember being in their position.”
While he will teach a combination or two (or more) with respect to choreography, Vincent wants everyone to allow their minds to stretch beyond the immediate final competitions and taking home prizes and focus on the big picture of their careers.
“Regardless of where you place in the finals, If you learn something and you have fun then you’ve won something.”
At the end of the day – or weekend in this case – Vincent hopes that the biggest lesson that his students walk away with is the power of positive thinking.
“I wanted to work in this industry it started with my thoughts and it has turned into this career,” Vincent said. “ I hope that they don’t let anyone deter them – when you want to be something, you have to believe.”
For more information about Christian Vincent, visit http://www.christianvincentonline.com.
The LA Dance Magic Dance Competition and Convention kicked of in St. Louis on Jan. 17th. The tour will include stops everywhere from California to Detroit, Chicago and more from January through April 2009.
For more information about when LA Dance Magic and its upcoming tour stops, visit www.ladancemagic.com.
