While many of us still struggle trying to discover our true calling in life, Chris Payne Dupre knew at a young age exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to work in entertainment, and nothing would stray him from this destiny. “I believe that the script has already been written for me, and all I have to do is show up. In the times that I didn’t show up, the opportunity passed me by.”

This Los Angeles native has shared the stage with a range of stars, including Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Prince, Brian McKnight, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, and Kylie Minogue, and he has performed as part of the original cast of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. In touring the world and teaching various levels of dance workshops for all ages, he has trained an impressive number of dancers (close to 1,002!), including winners of So You Think You Can Dance. His latest role is as Sup...

Combining style, charisma, and a sharp sense of humor, Kevin Maher is one of the most sought-after choreographers and teachers in the industry. Not only is he a huge inspiration to a new generation of dancers, but he also brings a fresh approach to everything he touches.

“I wasn’t a natural-born dancer; I had to work really hard at it,” Kevin tell us. “I’m living proof that even if you weren’t born with it, you can still be anything you want to be.”

This story is not your typical “I knew I was going to dance the day I was born” tale. Kevin decided after years of contemplation that he was going to pursue a career in dance, a decision that in turn would lead to a successful career as a top choreographer. In between rehearsing with the New Kids On The Block and Britney Spears, Kevin had the time to talk one-on-one and convey what it took to get him to wh...

Mateo Magazine:  You’ve worked with many prominent celebrity artists (choreographers & singers), what keeps you inspired & producing fresh work every time?

Kevin Wilson: I think my love of dance, music, art, fashion, technology and anything creative keeps me pushing to stay fresh.  Also, when we work with singers and other choreographers the collaboration is very inspiring.  The ebb and flow of a "team” of creative people working together, allows for one idea to spawn the development of multiple ideas.  As artists, I believe some of our best work comes from working together and combining our individual creative voices and ideas.

Marcel Wilson: Working on a project and being able to experience the process of conception to manifestation is completely inspiring. When a simple idea moves fro...

Mateo Magazine: What is Dance Sweat Live?
Benjamin Allen:  The class itself is called GROOV3™.  The 3 stands for Dance Sweat Live which is our motto. Not only is it what you will get when taking a GROOV3™ class, it is also a way of life.

What projects are you currently working on?
I recently just released 2 dance instructional's that are available for download on DancePlug.com.   I had the opportunity to work on a music video directed by Drew Barrymore and to give choreography to Mark Steines and Nancy O’ Dell of Entertainment Tonight for an upcoming project.  GROOV3™ continues to grow and give back with our fundraisers and community outreach. We just launched our 6th location in Torrance at BoogieZone Utopia, and now have classes at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood. We are about to host a GROOV3™ instructor certification course, finalize some new designs for our GROOV3GEAR, and continue to further our mission to inspire change and build communities through the power of dance.

Every summer, the Toronto Fringe Festival takes place giving the opportunity for artists to showcase their creative work, no holds barred. 140+ productions are featured at 125+ venues across the west end of Toronto drawing in a massive audience to everything from musicals, comedies, drama, dance, family programming, improvisation and anything else you can imagine.

Deciding to give it a try for the first time, Catalyst Dance Company submitted their self-produced show “The 5th Element” that was created after working internationally in the commercial industry and returning back home to Toronto. With beginner’s luck on their side, their show was successfully selected. Re-mounting their show, they have recruited new dancers, revamped key pieces in the show, and as amateurs to the largest Theatre Festival, are continuing to wrap their heads around the whole Fringe experience. Although supported by the Festival, all companies are left to their own...

With an adventurous travelling gene in her blood and a generous heart that gives more than it has to offer, Reina Hildalgo is making movements far and wide. To her, it’s simply being open to the energy that the universe offers her. To others, she is a rare miracle that - quite honestly - the dance world needs more of.

Entering the world on a boat travelling from Cuba to Miami during the Castro movement in 1980, Reina’s parents knew they created something special and worked hard to support their talented, no-fear spirited performer. Knowing at a young age that she wanted to dance professionally, she has turned her dreams into a reality and now shares the stage with superstars such as Rihanna, Pink, Missy Elliot, Miley Cirus, and Paula Abdul, just to name a few.

Being ‘Free’ has its costs especially when becoming a choreographer in the entertainment industry. Choreographer, Free Crawford, has achieved an impressive array of credits choreographing Justin Bieber’s tour and music videos for Omarion, Marques Houston, The New Boyz, Justin Bieber & Tyrese. These accomplishments did not come easy and to this day others question his creative integrity.

As a teenager, Free stumbled upon his hidden talent at a house party. With no intentions of becoming a professional choreographer, he discovered his vocation when performing on stage for the first time. “I started mimicking dance at house parties...

You’ve seen it on YouTube, you’ve seen it on Good Morning America…you’ve probably witnessed it at a wedding…Im talking about surprise dances breaking the old tradition of slow boring first dances and Minerva Mohabir and The Wedding Choreographers & Co. are supplying the brides and grooms with the moves to get down and boogie.

Mateo Magazine: What inspired you to start The Wedding Choreographers & Co. (TWC)?
Minerva Mohabir (TWC): In 2007, a dance was choreographed for my best friend’s wedding. It was an unforgettable grand entrance into the reception to the song of “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson. The bridal party was nervous but within seconds, adrenaline was pumping. All the guests were on their feet and some were even standing on their chairs as the entire bridal party broke out into a full choreographed routine with canes. It was an unforgettable moment not just for the guests but it was a historic moment for the bride and one particular bridesmaid…ME! I was so surprised by the success and positive feedback we were getting from the guests at the wedding that a few months later it hit me that ‘perhaps I should make a business out of this’. I got the pen to the paper (sometimes to post-it notes if ideas fired out of nowhere) and a year later a fun vision became reality.