Conversations with Dustin Ripkens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Ripkens.

Hi Dustin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Germany. At a young age, I discovered my passion for dance. Throughout my teenage years, I danced and choreographed after school and I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a professional dancer one day.

At the age of nineteen, I moved to London, England to study dance for three years at one of the most prestigious performing arts colleges in the UK – Performers College. I trained in contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, gymnastics, tap, partnering, voice and acting.

During my time in college, I was awarded ‘Male Dancer of the Year’ for outstanding achievements in dance which fueled my aspirations to move to Los Angeles to pursue greater dance opportunities.

In 2012, right after finishing College, I had the opportunity to work as a company dancer for a theater production in Branson Missouri, USA. This job was a huge stepping stone for my future life because I made the needed connections in Branson to be able to apply for a working visa that would become the bridge for my eventual move to Los Angeles.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I absolutely love living in Los Angeles to pursue my passion, dance. Life has many ups and downs, especially as an immigrant. To ensure that I can continue the life that I have built in this beautiful country over the years, I am required to renew my visa every three years. Even though I have been very blessed, a positive outcome is never guaranteed. I am more than grateful for all the opportunities I have had so far and I am determined to do whatever it takes to continue an artistic life in Los Angeles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My favorite thing about dance is that it has so many different styles and feelings. With having had the opportunity to train in a vast variety of dance forms during my teenage years and especially during college, it allowed me to have a diverse dance career. Between 2013 and 2020, I danced all over Los Angeles in different companies such as the LA Follies, Élan Artists, and Louise Reichlin & Dancers. I also booked commercials, worked for artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Lilly Singh & Take That, performed in the Musical ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and danced with some of the best choreographers in town for various projects. Furthermore, I was fortunate to be a part of the Mystic India World Tour. This Bollywood dance spectacular allowed me to perform not only nationwide but also in Canada and South Africa.

When Covid-19 hit and the dance industry shut down, I quickly pivoted to teach Zoom dance fitness classes. My experience as a dance instructor & fitness professional opened up the door to work closely with Shaun T on his newest dance workout program, LET’S GET UP!, produced by Beachbody on demand.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Now that the dance industry is slowly opening up again, I am excited to go out there to pursue opportunities to perform, choreograph and teach.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @dustin.ripkens
• Other: TikTok: @dustinripkens