Interview with Choreographer, Simone Maurice

What does your background experience in dance consist of? When did Hip Hop and Street Dancing become of interest to you?
My dance experience originated in Modern Folklore Dancing, which I started when I was five years old. I then moved on to Jazz, Tap and Ballet. Since my dance studio did not offer any Hip Hop dance classes, I began learning from music videos on television. I loved watching and learning the choreography that was seen in music videos.

I became inspired by Michael Jackson’s videos, and began adopting his style and technique. The more I practiced, the more I became known for being able to imitate a lot of his moves as well as for creating my own signature moves. I was featured on VH1 as the girl who dances like him and the responses from what was seen on VH1 eventually led to the opportunity for me being able to perform for him.

How did you come across the opportunity to perform for Michael Jackson?
I was able to perform for Michael Jackson because I was part of a party that was paying a tribute to Michael Jackson. He was also presented with an award at the event.

What did you perform for him?
I choreographed and performed a solo tribute to him that was to a mix of his songs. I started off with a Popping and Miming act. When the music started playing I went into a full interpretation of the way he dances, especially in terms of his facial presentation and expression. He has truly played a major role in me being able to develop my own craft and do what I do, especially in terms of me wanting to teach others.

What was the experience like being able to perform for your role model?
The entire experience was surreal, not only because I was only 22 years old, but because I had never seen him perform live before. I have lived in a lot of different countries growing up and had the ability to watch him on television, but I always thought that my first experience would have been watching him perform. Instead, my first live encounter with him was having looking at him directly in the face, and having him watch me perform.

Were you nervous or excited before the performance?
Well, since Michael Jackson had arrived late, a lot of people did not get the opportunity to perform for him. So, I felt lucky to be able to perform a solo act for him. But, the first thing that really hit me was the energy level. The energy level that surrounds him is insane – whether people are his fans or not, it is crazy to see how much people will do to get a glimpse of him! It was completely surreal! Along with that, came the sweep of emotions involved with having my mentor’s attention while I performed my solo. It all hit me after the fact, where all I could think was “WOW!”

How do you feel about the events that surrounded Michael Jackson? What do you believe and does it affect your perception about him?
I think that one thing everyone can agree upon about Michael Jackson hands down is the fact that he is incredibly talented. Perhaps that’s the only truthful fact ever said about Michael publicly. Michael has played a vital role in defining popular music, dance and entertainment at large. It is unfortunate that people often disrespect his overwhelming contribution not only as an entertainer but also as a humanitarian. Unfortunately the real events surrounding someone like Michael Jackson are often unspoken, untold and at best distorted. Certainly, I support Michael Jackson during this time but as far as the unfortunate media hype and sensationalism surrounding Michael Jackson, I believe it to be far from the truth.

You have made so many accomplishments in your life so far, Simone. Tell us, how did you become the host of Canada’s Only Dance Television Channel “BPM TV”?
Originally I discovered BPM TV, as a viewer. At that time, I was in the process of pitching my idea to a television network. I wanted to create a dance program that would teach people dance styles and choreography similar to what is seen in music videos. When the original television station I approached had gone under, I began looking elsewhere. So, I got onboard with BPM TV as an Intern, with the intention of bringing my original idea to them.

The dance programming that BPM TV featured at that time was showcase choreography, but nothing instructional.  When I presented my idea to them, it transpired for the next six to twelve months and at last the decision was made that we were going to go through with a show like this. As a part of the team, I worked with them in creating what you now see on BPM TV.

I had a lot of creative freedom while creating scripts and choreography at BPM TV. They understood and respected my vision and my background in dance, so I ended up with a lot of leeway, which made my experience so amazing and very rewarding.

Could you explain what “Dance Hall” is to our readers?
It is a style of dance that is created based on the music. For example, if you were to go to clubs in Jamaica, when a new song is played, there is a new dance style that is indigenous to the region. The type of dance is created to the music and is always very organic and has a life of it’s own. The dance tells the entire story, and it’s own story. The end result is original and creative movement that creates itself as a visual art form. This style of dance is a theme in one of our episodes.

Could you please tell us more about what BPM TV is and what their vision is in the near future?
BPM TV dares to be different. They are they only channel that I know that’s out there putting a spotlight on subculture as far as dance music goes. They know what’s hot or what’s going to be the next trend in dance music. They have also expanded this idea into dance through the show “Dance Moves”.  That idea itself has expanded into showcasing different styles of dance. We have had a Salsa episode, a Caribbean folklore episode and offshoots of what you would typically see in music videos, with styles like Popping, Locking, and Breaking. The programming stems out of different dance themes, like Jazz, and we do not necessarily go into great depth of all of the styles, but our idea is to inform and entertain audiences and give them a broad spectrum of the different dance disciplines that exist, that they can try. We want to get people up off of the couch and moving! This is particularly important for the increasing problems with Childhood Obesity.

Do you think this program could carry into schools and the education system?
I think it will definitely carry into schools because a big issue with youth is fitness and health. I don’t believe that the fitness market caters enough to youth and if you want to appeal to the youth, you certainly have to appeal to them by being located within their realm, which involves entering mediums like television, and music. Music is one of the first things that they identify themselves with and they have a strong bond to it and I think that in terms of an extreme sport, that dance is a thrilling, fun and exciting thing for kids to tune into.

After all, dance is branding. The moonwalk, for example, is a brand - people will get up and do it whether they make fun of it or enjoy it. What matters is that they are doing it. I have kids email me all the time and say that they watch the shows everyday. It definitely is breeding a culture and lifestyle.

I think the same thing applies with teaching dance over the internet, which is what I am also doing at www.simonemaurice.com . I can teach kids and people of all ages over the Internet because I am getting them within their realm. I would love to align myself with Playstation and the gaming industry, because it would inject an interest in them and formulate dance as a lifestyle.  I feel the same with fitness because there is a lot of room for it to become a lifestyle, and not just an activity. For example, if children are brushing their teeth everyday, then they should also be doing fitness everyday. You have to get them while they are young.

From your range of teaching experience, what do you think it takes to get men more involved and feeling more comfortable dancing?
I think the same applies, where you have to hit up the men where they are, and within their realm. Get them up and trying a social dance outside of an intimidating environment. For example, a lot of men feel more comfortable learning to dance in the privacy and comfort of their own home. I had one of many emails from men just recently that read, “ I don’t know how to dance, but I want to dance with my girlfriend at the bar -  HELP!” So, I know the interest is definitely out there, but they need an environment that is comfortable. Studio’s, for example, can be invasive and intimidating places for some men, so you need to get them in their most comfortable environments, like their house. Some of these crucial elements can be reached by tuning into learning electronically. This method will never replace or come close to the experience of taking Studio dance classes, but it definitely is a great place to start. I really believe that the future of dance will take on a very interesting role.

What are the most important elements that somebody can get out of dance?
Dancing has so many Fitness benefits and it rejuvenates your soul. It’s emotional and passionate and is a great outlet for emotions that you have. For some people, the best way for them to express themselves is through dancing a certain way. Dance is a social element and a universal language – dance transcends in some respects and breaks down any boundaries or ideas or fears that you might have – especially from an experience, where you can’t speak the same language. Dancing is what brings everyone together. Well beyond any form of communication, dance is also intimate. The principle of the art form also goes well beyond dance and beyond physical communication – it is a spiritual thing as well.

You are so inspirational and your passion for dance just radiates from you, so please tell us, what does dancing mean to you?
To me, dance is more of a feeling. It is having a yearning to express yourself because you are conscious and alive. Even the way you walk is a dance. Everything that you do is a dance. It’s the way you emote, express and emit your energy to someone through body language. The idea that actions speak louder than words holds true for me when I think of dance and I believe that dancers are able to really tune into body language – it is almost like their sixth sense.

What is your major source of inspiration, Simone?
I am inspired by something that is cutting edge – something that is different and really transcends any kind of boundary that you can even imagine. For example, watching dance videos has helped shaped me. I liked the feeling I get from watching the theatrical component of dance infused into another medium. So, combining two key elements to create something that you have never seen before, or being able to recreate the same elements in a different context is what inspires me.

What are your future goals with dance?
Right now, I am working on my site and hoping to do video tutorials that are more of an extension of dance magazines. I want to provide more media for people who want to learn more about dance. Being able to see a visual representation online of how to do things highlights the basics of the art form. The Learn to Dance Online section of my site has been a useful tool for youth and people in different countries, or people who do not have access to dance lessons because of various reasons. It serves as a technological arm to introduce and inform people who are hungry for dance. There is a huge market and I am realizing that I cannot provide it all by myself, so I want to align myself with other studios and dance venues.

For more information about Simone Maurice, visit www.simonemaurice.com.