The man’s dance routines are recognizable. Just think of Jennifer Lopez’s “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” video. Britney Spears’ “Crazy”. N’Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye”. Jagged Edge’s “Where Tha Party At”. Christina Agulara’s debut “Genie In A Bottle”. If you know those videos, you know Darrin’s work. Some people are just born with natural talent and he is one of those. A self-taught dancer, Darrin Henson is one of the most sought after choreographers today. His instructional dance video, “Darrin’s Dance Grooves” has been on the market for well over a year and his DDG dance tour, where Henson and a roster of talented dancers/choreographers visit cities all over the country, offers up an intense, seminar/workshop for the dance enthusiast.
I got a chance to see the man in action on his recent visit to the Seattle area. Anxiously waiting to get to dancing, the crowd of people ranging in age from 8 to 40-something, mingled, stretched and got mentally prepared for what would probably be the most intense & vigorous dance workouts many of them had experienced in a while…if ever.
Darrin’s crew of choreographers was just as impressive. Dancer/Actor/Choreographer Tony Michaels, probably most recognizable as the choreographer/judge in the Fox show PopStars2. Tony is the dance genius behind N’Sync’s “It’s Gonna Be Me”, Jennifer Lopez’s “Play” (he was also a dancer in her “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”, which Darrin was the choreographer for!)Chuck Maldonado, highly sought after dancer/choreographer, has worked with some of the hottest acts: Left Eye, Missy Elliott, Pink, TLC, Blaque, Kelly Price, Xscape, Raven Symone and Lionel Richie. Chuck’s dancing can been seen in Missy’s “Get Your Freak On” video and the more recent “Gossip Folks”.
Liz Ramos has toured as a dancer with Earth, Wind & Fire, danced in “The Jennifer Lopez Special”, appeared on “Oprah” with Enrique Iglesias and more. Her dance repetroire includes Salsa, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap…you name it, Liz can do it!George "Geo" Hubela, rounded out the roster of dancer/choreographers. Along with Tony, “Geo” was a dancer in J. Lo’s “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”. He’s performed with the likes of Michael Jackson, NSync, Britney Spears, Pink and Deborah Cox to name a few. He’s also one of the dancers in the “Darrin’s Dance Grooves” video. Geo also has his own dance video entitled, “Geo’s Dance Party”.
Although I was purely a spectator, I couldn’t help but want to jump up and dance, too! All of the choreographers were upbeat, professional and you could feel the passion they have for their craft. The “classes” were broken up into “beginners” and “advanced”, with two of the choreographers doing the teaching. Tony, Chuck, Liz & Geo would alternate in heading those classes. Then it was time for the show: Darrin’s turn to teach.
At this point, all the workshop participants came together. Darrin’s first mini routine was to the Method Man/Redman banger “Da Rockwilder”. This one was intense….as is Darrin. At the end of his taught routine, the floor was cleared and Darrin got to freestylin’ and wowed the crowd of workshop participants (now catching a breather!) as well as the wall flower like parents who brought their kids to the event. The 2nd mini routine he taught was to Justin Timberlake’s “Like I love You”. While watching Henson at work, you can’t help but keep your eyes on him. It’s obvious that he takes what he does seriously and that is an endearing quality.
At the end of the day of dancing, dancing and more dancing, the 5 hosted a question & answer session. Questions ranged from “How did you get started?”, to “Do I have to move to NY or LA to be a dancer?” to “How much money do you make?”.
All offered insight into the ever evolving, unlimited options available to aspiring dancers. I was impressed with the fact that they all stated that being a dancer in music videos is not the “end all” and that while dancing & being a part of the entertainment biz is/can be fun, it IS still a business and hard work. Being the best at the craft and keeping focus were also points stressed.
My 9 yr. old daughter was my “assistant” for this event and after talking to Tony and Darrin for a bit, she was so inspired SHE now wants to be a dancer….these workshops and the professionals at the Darrin’s Dance Grooves dance conventions are that powerful.
Darrin credits Michael Jackson for inspiring him to be a performer. I think it’s safe to say that Darrin Henson is due credit for inspiring many young people to perform now.
For more info on Darrin Henson, check him out on SHOWTIME’s “Soul Food” series and at his personal website: www.darrinsdancegrooves.com.
**all photos taken by Stephanie L. Ogle with assistance from Jordan Ogle** (copyright 2003)
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