{mosimage}You've seen him on "So, you think you can Dance?" and he's brought hip hop dancing to lime light – find out more about the man behind the moves and the newest "Freak Nasty"
What’s going on…?
A little bit of everything (laughs)
Starting in the beginning when and how did you decide dancing was going to be a part of your life?
I put it like this – I never decided it. It was something that was already that was decided for me. I never took dance classes. Never went out to be to be the best dancer or the best choreographer. I just could dance. But as I grew up it seemed like it was always the hobby I did. Then when I got to my teens it took over. It was like the most important thing in my life.
During that time was there anyone you looked up to?
Well, I had a friend of mine Keith Spurlings who was really the first person to teach me choreography. We were in dance crew together. A far as somebody famous there was a guy called Poppin' Taco from the movie Break Dance.
What actually made you want to connect with "So, you think you can dance?"
Actually Nigel connected with me and he saw "You Got Served" a said he wanted the choreography of that movie. Which was a couple choreographies but I was the one he chose. He went to my agent and said "I want to have a meeting with Shane Sparks," which was crazy to me because the concept of what he was talking about was the next level for me. It was perfect. So we met up for like an hour and the rest was history.
So, you knew automatically that this was going to be the next big thing?
Oh my god! Me being a dancer and knowing the success of American Idol and knowing this was the guy that created American Idol was trying to do a dance American Idol. I KNEW this was going to be the biggest show in the world.
No doubt. And it is. But now that it’s blown up do you feel that it’s helped the hip hop industry?
Actually it’s helped every industry. Every dance genre in the world. Before this show I never really paid attention to ballroom dance and all the different styles: Quickstep, Foxtrot, Latin, Samba. I never really knew what were about. There are a lot of people out there that do that stuff for a living and never had the respect like Hip Hop. A lot of people do hip hop but don't have the respect. That show has put all dance styles to life and a lot of people respect that. All styles of dance are just important as any style of dance. They're all beautiful styles. That show has brought it to life. Now, people are making money of Ballroom classes, Samba classes, Salsa classes, Hip Hop classes.
Switching it up – music-wise: 50 and Kayne. Did you cop one yet?
I didn't get either one but I’m going to get Kayne today. I was talking to a couple people today and they said Kayne's CD is the best by far. Even though I'm a 50 Cent fan. But a lot of people are saying it’s dancing oriented or cruising in the car. So, yeah I think I'mma go pick it up today.
Who are you listening to you now?
Actually I’m still listening to NEO. And there's a new song out called "Low" by a group called Flo-rida. The song is so dope and that’s about all I've been listening to the last couple weeks.
I heard you came up with this new thing: "Freak Nasty" that you came up with?
Yep. Well, Freak Nasty is a dance that I came up with. It’s actually 2 dances. It’s a dance I did back in the day called the "Calvin Klein" where you shuffle your feat in and out – left to right. Then you’re jerking your fist and your hips at the same time. It’s something you have to see but your hitting them all at the same time. Its one of those things where walking, talking and chewing gum. You're doing three different dances at one time.
How did you even come up with that?
Just at rehearsal when I was working with Marques Houston. I was doing the feet and I was thinking, "I wanted a chorus that was gonna stand out and be different than any chorus anyone would do." So I started doing the feet. Then I started feeling another rhythm. So I started snapping my arms, and popping my hips at the same time and it just came together. And the dancers were behind me and they started feeling it and we were saying "Damn, this shit is tight!" Then it just turned into that dance. And I called it the "Freak Nasty" because "Freak Nasty" is anything that’s done to slow music but real quick and sexy.
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Speaking of Marques Houston – is there an artist out there that you would like to work with?
Yeah – Neo is one. Chris Brown. I love what Chris Brown is doing. I would justs like to a project with him – a single with him.
Did you get to catch him at the VMA's?
Yeah yeah yeah. I wish he wouldn't have lip synced honestly but I did like the show.
I hear you got some side projects going on as well?
Actually, I got a couple deals going on right now where someone wants me to be an artist. I've been recording a lot of music. So, we're just going to see what happens with it. Nothing serious right now. The potential of the project is really really big.
Now, is that something you've always wanted to do?
Well, actually that’s why I came out to California doing. I was in a 5 man singing group. I like all types of music. So I’m not coming out as a rapper I'm coming out as an artist. So I’ll be a little bit of everything IF this project took off.
What would you say to the readers who want to dance but in all honesty can't?
Like I said before in any interview – anybody can learn to dance. It’s all about how persistent and determined you are. I've seen kids come into my class with no dancing ability at all and within a year or two dancing with tours, other TV shows – it’s because they took every style of dance and were consistent with it. They really really wanted it. Dancing is basically moving to a rhythm and expressing yourself. Once you master those principles of the rhythm and controlling your movement then you can do anything. I hate people who say, "I got two left feet – I can never dance." Dancing is not just what you see in the video – Dancing is moving to a rhythm and a beat.
I know as a dancer you gotta stay in shape – what’s your regiment like?
Honestly, in hip hop dancing you have to be in shape to do a lot of dancing that we do. I work out at least twice a week – watch what I eat because I want my body to be strong. I'm not saying dancing keeps me in shape but I do other things that keep me in shape because there's nothing worse than doing hip hop dancing and being out of breath. I kind of prepare before I even dance.
What’s the future of Shane Sparks?
The future of Shane sparks is to have his own TV show. To be hosting shows. I'm actually writing an animated feature film right now that’s going to be so so beautiful. I'm a man of many talents. It’s just right now my talents are being respected. So you can look forward to a lot things – I got my own shoe that I just signed with "Bloch” and they are 100% behind me. I'm working with Jennifer Lopez on a "Secret" deodorant campaign which I'm actually looking for a hot female to be in the studio. I'm traveling around the world now looking for a hot girl.
When are the Bloch Shoes going to be ready?
Well, they are actually in the process of being created. When it does it will be posted everywhere and I am going to be the spokes-person for Bloch. They are letting me do a shoe that is more hip hop oriented but yet comfortable for the foot.
I appreciate the time – any words you would like say to readers out there?
If you’re coming in this world to be a dancer know who you are before you get out here. Don't settle for anything – always strive for the best and get control of your career and your life. That should be your goal. To get control – don't be a puppet in this world.
