Chopper's Dance Studio

Top 3 Ways To Get A Professional Dance Agent.

Posted on 12. Aug, 2009 by chopper.

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Top 3 Duties of Professional Dance Agents

Posted on 12. Aug, 2009 by chopper.

What’s crackin

Lets talk about Professional Dance Agents.  Every up and coming Professional dancer wants one.  Why do you want one?  Is it because they can get you the dance job of your dreams.  Is it because they can hook you up with the choreographers?  Well a lot of dancer get it twisted on what having a dance agent means.  Well let me clarify what having a dance agent means.

Here are the Top 3 Duties Professional dance Agents

Duty #1.  Get you into Audition.

One of the most important job of your dance agent is to get your foot in the door.  Professional dance agent submit you picture or reel to the company that is looking for a curtain type of dancer that may fit your profile.  Then the company will call the agent back to confirm that they want to see you in the Audition.  It is up to the agent to know what company is having a audition, when and where is the audition and what type of dancer they are looking for.  then submit your picture or reel for that job and inform you that you have a audition.

Duty #2  Negotiate your pay rate and contract.

After you book the professional dance job music, video, tour, commercial.  Your Agent then goes into negotiating your pay rate for the job that you will be hired to do.  They make sure that all the dancer are receiving the same pay rate Sometimes the company might try to pull a fast one and pay one dancer or dancers more than the others.  So the Professional dance agent make sure that doesn’t happen. the also make sure you get payed on time.

Duty #3 Ensure your Safety.

On certain jobs you will be asked or required to do task that may lead to bodly injury like dance on platforms, dance on wet floors.  They agent make sure you are compensated for putting yourself in a potential dangerous situation, or you may have to go out of the country.  The agent will make sure the environment that you will be traveling to will be a safe and heavily secured.  you may have to go to third world country depending on the artist you will be dancing for. like Janet Jackson, Micheal Jackson Britney spears. etc… you will be dancing for.  In those countries body guards are a must.

Well that’s it.  Hopefully I have giving you some clarity on what are the Duties of a professional dance agent.  Please remember this important fact.  The professional dance agent can not get you the job.  That is totally Up to you!!  they only get you In the Door you have to do everything you can to seal the deal.  So dance yo ass off.

P.s Please leave me a comment if you feel that this information has been helpful to you.  Once again this is yo boy chopper the Owner Of Ography Dance Studio and remember There’s Only ONE.

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Extra!!! Extra!! Chopper live on CNN.

Posted on 27. Jul, 2009 by chopper.

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Chopper goes to Michael Jackson’s Memorial at Staples Center

Posted on 21. Jul, 2009 by chopper.

What’s crackin,

A friend of mine was a dancer for Michael Jackson’s latest tour ( This Is It Tour).  Each Dancer was giving 2 ticket to invite friends and family to the memorial.  He called me up and offered to give one of the tickets to me and he gave the other one to my teacher Bryan.  I was blown away but also hesitant to attend Michael Jackson’s memorial because of the crowd.  The Media estimated that there would be a over a million people attending.  I felt that this was a once in a life time chance so I sucked it up and went downtown to the Staples Center.  We had great seats on the floor right next to all of the celebrities.  I saw everyone from Larry king to Nikki Hilton.  Everybody came out to pay their respects to the King Of Pop.  To be honest it was a little too sad. I believe that the death of someone is far more a blessing than life itself.  After all, you can’t have one without the other.  I wanted to celebrate the life and the legacy that Michael Jackson left behind, not the fact that he was lying in a coffin.  I wanted them to play at least one of his upbeat songs like “Off The Wall”, “Remember the Time”, or “Speed Demon”, but they didn’t play a single happy song.   All in all it was a great experience.  WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON!  Thank you for all the great music.

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Beginning Hip Hop Dance Routine

Posted on 19. Jul, 2009 by chopper.

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Oldie but goodie! hip hop dance routine.  

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Ography Has Another Amazing Teacher…

Posted on 16. Jul, 2009 by chopper.

Whats crackin

Last week  My new teacher Me Me had her first official class here at Ography and let me tell you it was truly amazing!  All my teachers go through a 3 week training to be certified to  teach here at Ography.  I got a call from Meme and she wanted to know if i had any more room in the training and I told her to come on in.  From day one she gave me a 110% everyday until the end.   Last Tuesday night for her first official class she blew my mind! She went above and beyond the skills that she displayed throughout the training.  The thing I love most about Meme is her personality.   She captivated the class and had them eating out of the palm of her hand.  Everybody was laughing and having a great time.  All I can say is  WOW! she is  truly a sweet girl and a amazing teacher.  Thanks Meme for doing such a great job.

If you didnt get a chance to make her class please check her out every Tuesday from 8 – 9pm. You wont regret it.    For class schedule please click here

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Chopper’s Choreography Reel

Posted on 06. Jul, 2009 by chopper.

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Checkout my Choreography reel and tell me what you think about .

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Adult Beginner Hip Hop Dance Class

Posted on 29. Jun, 2009 by chopper.

OGRAPHY DANCE STUDIO is for People Who Want To Learn Hip Hop Dance Moves and Break Down Some Funky Grooves – While Getting An Exciting Workout. Hey it’s Chopper again, and as you know I’m a hip hop dance instructor, choreographer, and dancer in Hollywood California. I am here to teach you the hottest dance moves I picked up while touring around the world with major recording artist like Omarion, Ginuwine, Missy-Elliot, Ludacris, Ashanti, Marcus Houston, Faith Evans and more.

Learning To Dance Has Never Been This Easy! At OGRAPHY STUDIO You’re Going To Learn:

• how to feel more comfortable dancing in front of people
• how to feel loose and not stiff in your movements
• how to connect your mind to your body and gain more coordination
• how to find your personal groove
• how to have fun out dancing with your friends or even by yourself!
• how to pick up dance steps quickly
• how to turn exercise into fun!
• how to groove to the latest music
• how to build confidence in your dancing

Click Here To Sign UP Online

My instructors and I have personally helped develop these same skills with numerous dancers in the city and across the country. I know we can help you reach YOUR goals too.
This is the PERFECT Studio for If You’re “Shy” And Dread Dancing In Public.

Whether you want to improve your dance skills, want a new way to exercise or you just want to have a good fun time, you’ll learn all the basic skills you’ll need to get on the good foot.

Hey!!… This IS definitely the best Hip Hop Dance Studio in HOLLYWOOD for beginners.
And Now You Can Bring Out Your Inner Dancer!

In These BASIC LEVEL Hip Hop Dance Lessons you’re going to benefit from an EXPERIENCED TEACHER who knows:

• How to be patient with you, and help you move forward.
• How to create a positive and cool atmosphere
• How to challenge you just enough to get you to the next level
• How to give you some great tips for defining your body
• How to break down awesome choreography by using counts
• How to share their dance experience to help you reach your goals
• How to keep you and entertained focused throughout class

Click Here To Sign UP Online

Need More Reasons To Join?

Get In Shape, Get Sexy and toned, And Feel Great About Your Body WITHOUT dragging yourself to the Gym!

Now, that summer is basically around the corner it’s time to show more skin!

I know it’s really tough to loose those few pounds and keep them off. We all want to look our best, and feel great about our bodies and our health too.

I know you used to be a member or you are currently a member of some gym… but do you actually go to it on a regular basis? NO!

We spend tons of money out of our pockets month after month, thinking that we will have the discipline to return day after day and week after week.

Pretty soon we kiss that money good-bye, simply because there’s absolutely nothing to help us stay on track. But MY dance classes are different.Beginner

Hip Hop Dance Classes Will Help You:

• Define your stomach muscles
• Strengthen your leg muscles including your thighs and calves
• Firm up that butt and hips
• Feel more sexy and appealing around others
• Lose some weight without yo-yo dieting
• Increase blood flow through your entire body
• Improve your memory and retain more dance routines
• Feel more Alive, attentive and alert
• Feel more comfortable with your body and your clothing
• Feel more active and find yourself GETTING OUT MORE

Click Here To Sign UP Online

Seriously, isn’t this WAY more Appealing than staring at an blank wall while running on the treadmill?

Forget paying for an expensive trainer. With the high impact routines I Choreograph, you will squat, jump, kick, spin and Sweat into shape!

To top it all off…THIS CLASS IS SUPER FUN! Not only do I want to inspire you to stay fit and work toward your goals, but I also want you to enjoy the process! In no time you’ll be feeling healthier, stronger, and you’ll develop more confidence to wear what you want, and dance how you want with confidence!

There’s no more reason to ponder which class to take, when to get started, or where to get your groove on!

With all the hottest moves, techniques and funky styles you’ll learn, you’ll be showing off in no time at home and in the club! You’ll see why endless people from all walks of life enjoy taking these classes, and how we enjoy each and every minute we’re dancing with you… and there’s always a gift of wisdom to take away from each session.

Want proof? Check this video out to see what our previous students had to say:

You Will Experience The Benefits of:

• How to perform body isolations- to help make your movements look more smooth and graceful.
• How to dance with more “edge” and flare- people will stop and watch YOU dance
• How you’ll notice your increase in stamina- which will benefit your endurance and make breathing feel easier
• Learn to “perform” like professional dancers you watch every day on TV and movies
• How you’ll feel a noticeable increase in your energy- and feel more alive! Gain more focus

With my Beginner Hip Hop Sessions you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Watch how your skills develop in just a few short weeks.

What to Wear? Wear What You Want As long As It’s Comfortable and Stylin’

Click Here To Sign UP Online

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Interview With A Professional Backup Dance.

Posted on 01. May, 2009 by chopper.

What’s crackin

Here is Another interview with a Dope Professional backup dancer, Brandon Barton.  Brandon is what i call the Poster child for Professional Backup Dancer. He works non stop.  He has a made back up dancing a full time career.  I don’t know of any other professional dancer that works more than him.  Check out what Brandon Barton has to say about his experiences as a Professional Backup Dancer and his tips on how to book dance job after dance job..

Brandon Barton credits Janet Jackson, JoJo, Missy Elliot, Omarion, Brandy

What was your big break?

1. My big break came after being in Los Angeles for a cpl weeks and i heard about an audition through the grapevine, lol. it was a private audition for Aaliyah. of course I wasn’t suppose 2 b there but when i first moved 2 LA i use 2 go 2 every and any audition i would hear about regardless if i got the actual call or if i was even what they were looking for. I figured I needed to be seen. and it actually worked. The audition for Aaliyah was with Fatima Robinson. and needless to say I got the job and from there she hired me on another video for Mandy Moore and I booked a national burger king commercial around the same time. So all of that gave me a great boost of energy and had people curious as to who is this new young guy and he must be decent if hes working with great people like Fatima. I was decent, but still had a lot to learn. I think Fatima saw the potential in me. and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity she gave me.

Why do you dance?

2. i dance because I love to. its as simple as that. Its always been a passion of mine. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a dancer. I just always knew how 2 dance. I never took any sort of classes beyond some basic jazz when I was in gymnastics. but jus that along taught me about control and lines. Everything else just came natural. I sort of fell into professional dancing. Its also a way to tell a story through your body with movement which is an amazing thing. To be able to put people in awe with the way u move is kind of dope.

Who are your influences?

3. my influences are my mom Marcia Barton, my older brother Rodrick cotton, and countless other dancers: Ed Moore, Shotyme, Ro Ro, Tone and Richmond, Fatima, Othanne, Aakamon Jones, melody Benz, Shannon Lopez, Jamaica croft, swoop, Jamal, Rosero, Aaliyah, TLC, Musiq Soulchild, brandy, Mc hammer, Bobby Brown, Devynne, Chonique, Lissette, Tina Landon, Hi Hat, Shawnette heard, and great music producers like Kanye west, Neptunes, Rich Harrison, Quincy Jones, Rodney Jerkins and Timberland.

what advice would you give up and coming dancers who want to make in the biz?

4. I would just simply say remember that it is a business. be smart. be versatile as a dancer. The more stuff you can do the better.  Be able to adapt to different choreographers and their style of working.  In order to work a lot you have to be able to change up the way you dance depending on the type of gig and the choreographer’s style of dancing.  Also keep a great relationship with your agents and agency. never be afraid to voice your concerns to them and also let them know when they’ve done something good for you. from the small things to the little things. they are human to so those types of things leave lasting impressions. dont get caught up in the hype of i’ve danced with this or that artist and get the big head.  U have 2 remember that once a job ends you’ll need another one. Save your money and learn how to budget!! because as a dancer or entertainer period you dont have a set time frame of being paid. so its important that you budget accordingly so you are not living check to check.

Great stuff Right.  Brandon is dope if you get a cance checkout his myspace page to find out more about him

P.S  Leave me comment if you feel this information has inspired you.  Once again this is yo boy Chopper the Owner Of Ography Dance and Remember

There’s Only ONE.

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Ography Dance Studio: Website Redesign

Posted on 21. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

Please be patient with us as Chopper’s Dance Blog @ Ography Studio.com is being redesigned.  While the site is making its phenomenal design change please be sure to use the search box for any articles you may be looking for. If you have questions about the studio and are unable to find what you need directly on the site please feel free to contact us.

Ography Dance Studio
Phone: 323-957-1515
Email:studio@ographydance.com
6767 W. Sunset Blvd. Suit 15 (upstairs)
Hollywood, CA 90028
(intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Highland Ave.)

Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your consideration and patience.

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Interview With Hollywood Professional Dancer Kiki From The ATL

Posted on 16. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

What crackin,

Here is the interview with me and Kiki from the ATL, who now lives here in Hollywood where she lives her dream as a professional dancer.  Kiki credits Mariah Carey, Usher, Christina Aguilera, the movie “Drum Line” just to name a few… Let me tell ya this girl can dance her ass off! For all y’all girls out there who want to become a  Professional dancer please read every word that she has to say.  She knows her stuff and is one of the top female dancers in LA.  So listen up and listen close.  I know it will inspire you to keep following your dreams.Interview with a Professional Dancer Part 2

Kiki What was your big break?

1. Chopper you won’t believe it but My Big Break was doing the movie DRUMLINE. That was my first job as a professional dancer..( lucky for me ) in Atlanta before I moved to Los Angeles. I also was the co-choreographer for the movie so it definitely got my foot in the door to pursue my career as a dancer. My first big artist I worked for in LA was Ashanti. She was a really big name and I was able to do alot of TV performances and shows.

Why do you dance?

2. When I was little I was verrrrry shy!! I mean I would not speak to anyone outside of my family but I would always love to dance as if that was my way of expressing myself without having to talk. I love dance.. It’s my passion.. it’s all I’ve known since a little girl. The feeling I get from moving my body is hard to put into words, but it brings me a since a joy and uncontrolable excitement. And I love it more now than ever because I get to share what I love with the entire world.. I’ve made so many connections with so many people through Dance.. it’s an unspoken language that touches everyone. You don’t have to know how to dance to feel it.. That’s amazing!

Who are your influences?

3. My influences are Debbie Allen.. LOVE HER!!!! Rosie Perez and The Fly Girls from In Living Color.. I used to learn the routines from my TV and teach all my friends. Shawnette Heard who was choreographer for Janet Jackson.. she’s RIDICULOUS!

What advice would you give up and coming?

4. Advice I would give dancers would be to DREAM and DREAM BIG! I am a strong believer in people following their Dreams and working hard to achieve them. If u believe in your talent and work hard at your craft you can achieve anything. I also think Training is essential for dancers just starting in the industry. Taking class is the foundation to many of the most successful dancers in the industry. Having a very good work ethic and being versatile is really important. Choreographers want dancers that are hungry and willing to go above and beyond of what they ask. As a dancer you should be prepared to deliver at any moment..

So That was it.  I know, Kiki is amazing right? I hope you have learned something from this interview.  Keep reading my blog for more great interviews with other professional dancers. Once again This is yo boy Chopper from ChopperDanceBlog and remember There’s Only One.

P.S  leave me a comment and let me know what you think about kiki and her advice to you.

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How to Make a Killer Dance Resume.

Posted on 14. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

What’s crackin,

In your pursuit of happiness to become a professional dancer there are some must have tools. One major tool is your Dance Resume.  Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of jobs and training under your belt to add to the resume.  Over time it will grow.  Just add as much as you can to start you off.  As you’re going along on this dance journey make sure you update your resume.  Don’t wait and let a couple of years go by and you haven’t updated your resume.   Then you’re going to have to back track and remember, which can be hard to do, especially if you have a memory like mine lol.  If you don’t know how to put together a Dance Resume I have decided to help you…

Here are the elements to include in your Dance resume:

1.)  The Heading

• name,

• phone,

• date of birth,

• height,

• email address

2.)   The Body

• Performance Experience,  Career highlights (start with the most recent). List of all your Dance gigs.

• Name of show.

• choreographer of the show.

• small description of show

3.)  Award section

In this section your can brag about yourself a bit, but dont get the big head, keep it simple and to the point  Only put the most recent awards. Don’t reach all the way back to your childhood.

4.)  Dance Training

• Dance training background (Once again list the most recent first).

• list the name of the school or workshop.

• The teacher you trained under.

• How many years you trained.

5.)  Education

• High school

• College

• trade school

6.) Special Skills (Non dance skills)

• roller skating,

• gymnastics,

• martial arts,

• acting

• jump rope

• joggling

• skate board

So, There You have it The 6 Ingredients To Cook Up Killer Dance Resume. If you need anymore help in this area please feel free to hit me up.  Leave me a comment in the box below.  until next time remember There’s Only ONE.

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Top 10 Professional Dance Jobs.

Posted on 09. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

What’s Crackin,

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a professional dancer.  My biggest dream while growing up was to be in a music video.  I couldn’t stop thinking about it .  Once I moved to LA and after doing my first music video. I discovered that music videos weren’t the only way professional dancers get paid.

Here are the Top 10 Professional Dancer Jobs

1.) Music Videos

2.) Movies

3.) TV shows

4.) Commercials 

5.) Awards ceremonies

6.) Tours

7.) Industrials

8.) Dance companies

9.) Teaching

10.) Broadway Shows

That’s All focus folks. Hopefully I have helped open your eyes to the world of professional dancing and how you can make a career out of it.  I was once in your shoes and wish I had someone like me to help me out. I had to discover everything on my own. If you need anymore help please ask, just leave me a comment in the bottom box and I will hit you back. Until next time remember. There’s Only ONE.

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TOP 4 MISCONCEPTIONS BEGINNERS HAVE ABOUT HIP HOP DANCE CLASS

Posted on 07. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

TOP 4 MISCONCEPTIONS BEGINNERS HAVE About  HIP HOP DANCE CLASS
     

1. You Have To Be Cool-  Most beginner hip hop dancer think if they are not cool enough they can’t take hip hop class.  This is absolutely not true.  If you feel that your not cool enough, taking a hip hop dance class is how you will gain your cool.  Go ahead and sign up for your beginning hip hop dance session.  Then tell you friends that you can’t hang out cause you got to go to you hip hop dance class .  See just how cool you will be.  They will be amazed that you doing something so cool.

2. You Have To Dress A Certain Way  Yes hip hop dance is about style and personality.   Everybody has their own style.  You can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident about yourself.

3. You Have To Be Part Of A Hip-Hop Dance Crew.    Being a part of a beginnig hip hop dance class means discovering your individuality through hip hop dance.  You don’t have to be a part of a Hip hop dance crew to take a hip hop dance class.

4. You Have To Be As Good As The Other People In The Dance Class.  The great thing about Ography’s beginning hip hop dance sessions for adults is that everyone will come in at the same level and move together as to improve their hip hop dance skills.  This way no one feels less than anyone else and no one will be left behind.

written by Chopper

Go ahead and sign up for your first beginner hip hop dance session at Ography Dance Studio for adults and lets get it crackin!! and remember There’s Only ONE. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR BEGINNER ADULT HIP HOP DANCE SESSION

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Top 8 Tips To Writing a Killer Dance Resume.

Posted on 06. Apr, 2009 by chopper.

Whats crackin

As a professional dancer there are some tools that you will need to help you progress faster.  One tool that is a must have is a dance resume.  For Every Professinal Dance audition you go to they will ask you for your resume.  If you don’t have your resume it makes you look unprofessional and could cost you the job,  so be prepared.  I put together some tips to help you create together a killer resume.

Here are some Top 8 Tips To Writing a killer Dance resume

1) Make sure you proof read and spell check.

2) Keep your resume objective / don’t try to show off or brag about being the best dancer.  keep it simple and to the point.

3) Make sure your information is relevant to the job you going out for.

4) Your resume should only be one page.

5) Only Highlight the most recent projects.  /  Don’t Go back in the day.

6) keep your resume simple.

7) Use Readable Font.  Don’t use some crazy, funk, font that the client can’t read.

8.) Your resume should be standard letter size and you should be able to staple it to the back of the resume.

Please make sure you do this check list before handing out your resume to anyone.   IF you need anymore help putting together your resume check out my other post How To Put Together A Killer Dance Resume or leave me a comment and I will Answer any question you have.  Thanks for reading and remember There’s Only ONE.

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