Conversations with David Matthew Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Matthew Rodriguez.

Hi David Matthew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began dancing in High School. My best friend at the time invited me to dance in the student run talent show. She and I would dance together often at school dance parties. She knew i had the moves. haha. That same year, sophomore year, that same friend invited me to audition for the school dance team. I didn’t know what to think of it and was sure there to be a rule against it. I auditioned and became the school’s first (2004) male dance team member. By senior year i was captain. Had been training in jazz, ballet and hip hop as well as competing more with area dance studios. I had found my thing. It was that or continue my JROTC Marine training… By graduation, 2006, I had scored a full scholarship to dance at a Jr. College in NW Kansas. For two years, I danced and competed with the dance team at Cloud County until transferring to the University of Kansas for my final two years. I graduated with a BFA in Dance the spring of 2012. At KU, I studied ballet, modern, jazz, flamenco, and Bharatanatyam.

Shortly after graduation, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Commercial Dance. By 2014, I was signed to GTA and a dancer for Blue13 Dance Company. Fittingly my first company in LA consisted of material I was very familiar with! After two years and many shows around the US, I joined Kybele Dance Theater with Seda Ayabay. Both companies very dear to my heart and got me thru a very rough time as I lost my father in 2017. I learned the skill of stilt walking through this time as well. For about 5 years now, I’d go dance at parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs and corporate events as an LED, 10 ft tall robot, or a gorgeous, feathered Samba dancer.
Good times for sure.

The remaining years till Covid were made of rebuilding my spirit. I had danced in a couple Keke Palmer and Todrick Hall music videos. Choreographed for the Choreographers Carnival and Club Jete, for a few local artist and Corey Feldman once as well. I was teaching Bollywood at Debbie Reynolds, Jazz Funk at Studio 216 and subbing contemporary for classes at USC. In 2018, I began to Work-study at Millennium Dance Complex, training 5 times a week and making great connections. The studios closed for covid and by the end of 2020, we were back at MDC. I was the manager and subbing Jazz Funk from 2023-2024. In Feb, 2023 I hit my biggest stage yet with The Grammys and Bad Bunny.

I have since been teaching Pop-Ups when I feel and choreographing for various artist. This past year I’ve traveled overseas (Netherlands) and throughout much of the Southern California touring with an artist. I plan to continue auditioning, teaching and creating as long as God and my body permits!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think a lot of the struggles come from within. Yes, losing my Father was a huge huddle to overcome. That for sure set a different and more personal level of obstacles. I was unmotivated and until I put it into dance, uninspired.

I think LA in general is a rough city to dive in to. It is for sure fun and can be beautiful but without proper discipline, can eat you up. There is a lot of temptation out here. Everything is at your fingertips and if you don’t keep your eyes on the WHY; I can see it being too easy to fall short on your dreams.

I’ve been 5 different people in the 13 years I’ve lived out here. The true challenge as mentioned in the beginning it YOU V. YOU. I think we get a lot in our own way out here. We get lost in the, “they look like this, or “they do it like this.” We lose our identity trying to appease those who we think we should follow. When in fact the only thing we need to do it mind ours. I think inspiration is great but can turn that influence into our efforts. We must want more. For ourselves.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the past ten years, I have made a series of dance concept videos. Some of my earlier videos had a lot of social issues and messages. Other videos were more choreo/visual focused. I really love to tell stories and let my Art imitate life.

I have a strong rep of always bringing some crazy Halloween Carnival/ Jete set. I truly love live performance. I think there’s nothing like it. The energy, the audience, the dancers!! I really enjoy making big productions. Lots of dancers, costume changes, bomb songs, etc. There’s just so much emotion and passion, live in your face. These shows and others like it really keep dance fun and fresh for me. You can always tell how good you are by the audience.

I am most proud of the cast of people I bring together, and the spirit created in rehearsals/on stage. I am told time and time again that it’s rare. and a safe place. I’m proud of that. As a choreographer, I think it’s important to be someone people feel motivated by. The choreographer has to set the tone of the room. I am blessed that my tone is well received and duplicated by desire.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In finding a mentor I would seek people that you first, like how they dance. Does the language they speak, speak to you? After that I would put yourself in rooms full of people that are in your field of study. Find the mixers or showcases where most dancers/ individuals that fit your vibe would attend. Also, try different things and go to new, maybe unfamiliar/comfortable places. One thing I can never stress enough is putting yourself out there! BUT, in the right places that make sense to YOUR WHY

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kingdavidmatthew

Image Credits
Lindsay Rosenberg
Claudio Robles
Walter Moran
Tristan Nguyentran