By Kristy Johnson.
He’s worked for the likes of Britney Spears and Jason Derulo, yet LA based hip-hop and house choreographer Tony Czar remains a teacher at heart. Dance Informa caught up with the in-demand choreographer, fresh off the 2011 Source Dance Hollywood Tour, to talk teaching, career highlights and how Aussie dancers fare in the American dance scene.
You have been to Australia numerous times now. How do you find the standard of dancers?
The dancers are becoming amazing. I have seen the transformation in the dance scene all over Australia over the past four years.
Australian dancers are known to be quite versatile. But are we really on the same level as dancers in the United States?
Many of the dancers are on the same level. There are several dancers from Australia who are getting so much work in Los Angeles. They have the drive and the heart to make it work.
Are there any particular Aussie dancers or choreographers you feel have the potential to make a name for themselves in the States?
There are so many dancers in Australia who could dance in LA. Since you ask for a particular dancer – I believe Anti Fischer from Brisbane definitely can work in the US if she can get her visa. I have watched her transformation since she first came on the Source Dance Hollywood Tour four years ago. She has so much passion and determination.
When you visit Australia and have downtime, what do you like to do?
We really don’t have much downtime when we are on tour in Australia. However we love the Gold Coast!
Your experience as a choreographer is impressive, having worked with some of the best names in the business like Britney Spears and Jason Derulo. Do you ever stand back and think ‘wow, am I really doing this?’
I have always believed in what I do. In addition, I have been working with the right people at the right time to be given these opportunities.
Are there any music artists that are on your choreography wish list?
Missy Elliot, Beyonce, and up and coming Rye Rye!
Your workshops are always a great success. What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I love having fun and passing on my passion of dance. I love watching the students when they have the ‘aha’ moment and get what I am teaching both physically and mentally.
Reality television has made a huge impact on the dance industry. Given the chance to have your own show like The Dance Scene, would this be something that interests you?
I am a teacher at heart so my favourite jobs are always going to be teaching jobs.
What’s next for you? What projects are you currently working on?
My schedule is fully booked with teaching jobs all over the world. I teach in Poland, Taiwan, Russia, Japan, Korea, and Guam, to just name a few of the places I will be going.
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