Shane Sparks – The Man behind the Moves

Posted by jazzyj in Featured, Interesting News, Interviews | 1 comment

With the growing popularity of Dance shows like So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, and Dancing With the Stars, more and more people are opening up to the world of dance.

Now the people who create those moves we love and the lovely poetry in motion that we all rush to see and vote for on TV, are coming to the forefront and being hailed and properly recognized as the true artists that they are.

Shane Sparks

One of those is Shane Sparks, and I recently had the chance to peek into the mind of this genius.

Jazzy: Besides yourself, what choreographer today blows you away (or at least you give serious props to)?

Shane: Luther Brown, Free, and Nick Wilson. Also, Tucker, Phi from Jabba and Plex. They are the up and coming, the new generation!

Jazzy: What do you think about the possibility of Paula Abdul(@PaulaAbdul) being a guest judge or choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance?

Shane: Paula would be welcomed by everyone! We love her and I think it would be a breath of fresh air to have her compassion on our show. Plus, I would like to see her do her thang again and I’m sure shed like to see if she’s still got it!!

Jazzy: What was the “turning-point” of your career, when you graduated from being a dancer to a choreographer?

Shane: It wasn’t till the movie, “You Got Served” came out that people really took me serious as a choreographer. Michelle Tucker gave me my first workshop in Florida, that’s where I met Tucker and so many other aspiring dancers. It seems like after that it never stopped. I thank her for that and the rest is history!!

Jazzy: Your MySpace page says that you are Christian.  Do you have a laid-back approach to religion or do you take your faith very seriously?

Shane: I’m a Christian, and yes, I have my own personal relationship with god and he’s the only reason I had the strength to follow my dreams and stay out in LA alone with no family and no one I really could trust. My faith is my rock so I never worry.

Jazzy: You are a judge of the two top dance-competition shows on television! How did you get each of those gigs?

Shane: The movie “You Got Served” opened so many doors. Nigel saw the movie and requested me for Sytycd. I had been judging hip hop international for 7 years when Randy Jackson came to me and said “I need to talk to you.” Priceless!!!

Jazzy: What do you think the popularity of So You Think You Can Dance and other dance shows have done to make dance more mainstream?

Shane: In my opinion, these shows made parents realize that there’s a future in this dance world, they no longer have to feel like there kids are wasting time by wanting to be dancers.  I really didn’t have a lot of support coming up because no one believed in the dance game at the time but I did and that’s why I’m gonna change the world for dancers all over. I want to be the Sean John of the dance world and I need all dancers who aspire to do the same, to join me.

Jazzy: Bring us back to that touching moment in 2007 when Bryan Gaynor, the contestant with scoliosis, performed on So You Think You Can Dance.  What was going through your head when you saw Bryan’s dance routine?

Shane: Bryan Gaynor! He’s the kid that changed my life. Just when you think you’ve seen it all here comes a person that had so many obstacles in his life, but yet never let them stop him from doing what he loved. He touched me because he didn’t care what people thought of him, he had a love for dance and no one was gonna take that away from him. He’s the perfect example of chasing your dream. He’s my hero and hopefully well get to work together soon!

Jazzy: As a primarily Hip-Hop dancer, how do you feel about So You Think You Can Dance’s tendency to veer away from hip-hop routines?

Shane: It’s not that they veer away, I think that dancers who don’t train in hip hop make the show suffer. We have some of the best hip hop choreographers on the show but it’s hard to really show our stuff when 19 of the dancers are technically trained and have no hip hop back ground. I think the dancers should train all around so that hip hop can shine on the show. And the hip hop dancers should train in other fields because we have hundreds of hip hop dancers that try out and they’re all given a chance to represent. Unfortunately, a lot of them can’t pick up choreography or do anything outside of hip hop so the show suffers. Dancers need to open their minds and train outside of what they’re used to. The show gives everyone the opportunity to shine, but it’s up to them after that.

Jazzy: How do you feel about the present crews taking part in America’s Best Dance Crew?  Who do you think is a forerunner to win?

Shane: I think they all have a ton of potential. I have yet to see someone just blow my mind but it’s still early. I like We Are Heroes and Masssive Monkeys!

Jazzy: In addition to making a living for yourself, you also use your talent to give back to the community.  Tell us about the KIIS FM contest that you are a part of?

Shane: I love KIIS FM for doing this and making me apart of something that gives kids yet another opportunity to do what they love. I thank them for asking me to be apart of this event that gives the dancers who can’t get on Americas Best Dance Crew or So You Think You Can Dance because they’re not of age. We’re preparing them!

Jazzy: Your MySpace page also says that you are straight and single. Therefore, what exactly are you looking for in that “special lady”?

Shane: Ha, that’s a tricky question cuz were always saying we want the beautiful, talented, outgoing, funny girl. But once you have all that, all you really want is someone who adores you and loves all your flaws, who can hold her own. Oh and supports you100%! And I’m definitely straight!!!!

Jazzy: You have been advertising “Strawberry Fridays” all over your twitter account (@SPARKS5678).  Are you working as a club promoter as well now?

Shane: “Strawberry Fridays” is my baby! I’m trying to develop a spot with my partner Dcat, where anyone 18 and over  can have a place to go in the valley. Everywhere that’s worth going is 21 and over and all these dancers that aren’t 21 need a spot! So I’m providing it. Friday the 14 was my first night and it was bomb!!! I want thank everyone for coming out and making my night a success. So get ready for the next one it’s gonna be even bigger!

Jazzy: You have choreographed for a plethora of celebrities.  Who are some of the most fun and easy-going artists you have worked with?  On the flip side, who are the most difficult people you have had to endure?

Shane: Lindsey Lohan was not difficult it was scheduling but she did her thing. The cast of 90210 was the most fun!

Jazzy: What do you have in store for the next season of So You Think You Can Dance?

Shane: Good question…I don’t know all I know is I’m gonna change the game every opportunity I get. Congrats on the show’s 6th season. That’s beautiful!

Jazzy: Since we all know that you are a multi-talented man, what upcoming projects can we look forward to seeing from you?  Dancing?  Modeling? Acting?  Singing?

Shane: Glad you asked!!!

I just finished my first instructional DVD since like 2002 so I’m excited about that! The dance insider and code black presents ” Shane Sparks Dance Styles.” I’m bringing 4 different styles of my style something that no DVD has done, and on top of that I got a fitness section. Coming soon!

Also “Brinn Nicole Aka Madam”(@BrinnNicole) is my female solo artist. She’s a mix of Lady Ga Ga and Britney in her hay day with a pop hip hop feel and she performs like no other. Then there is, “Forever Heartbreak”(@4everheartbreak) my female pop group 5 girls that sing like a female version of Boys to Men, as sexy as Pussy Cat Dolls and the sweetest girls you’ll ever meet.

You heard it first…I’m working on something solo that’s gonna take the world by storm! Shhhhhhhhh!