Conversations with Kevin Lau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Lau.

Hi Kevin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A child of second-generation Chinese immigrants, I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada.

Growing up, I was incredibly hyperactive and had a tough time sitting still whenever music would come on. Throughout my childhood, I dabbled in various sports and athletic pursuits while picking up a few musical instruments on the way. At the age of 9, I was first introduced to dance. I began watching as many musicals, films, and YouTube videos as I could – imitating everyone from Michael Jackson to Gene Kelly. I was soon accepted into Toronto’s Claude Watson School for the Arts where I was exposed to not only dance, but drama, music, and visual arts. I later transitioned to its continuing arts program at Earl Haig Secondary School in North York, Ontario, where I majored in dance for three years.

Over the next ten years, I began training seriously, navigating between all types of dance genres including modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip-hop, ultimately working to pursue a professional career in this highly competitive industry.

At 17, I moved to Calgary, Alberta, where I studied classical ballet at the School of Alberta Ballet under the likes of Edmund Stripe, Wendy Wright, and Murray Kilgour. In 2016, I received a full scholarship to study at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Massachusetts, under the direction of Tommy Neblett and graduated ‘summa cum laude’ with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree in Contemporary Dance, spring 2020. During my time in Boston, I had the privilege of performing for music icons like Justin Timberlake, Lionel Richie, and Missy Elliott.

Following graduation, I worked as a freelance dancer and performing artist in Germany and was fortunate to work with renowned choreographers including Christoph Winkler, Felix Landerer, Gizem Aksu, Anibal Dos Santos, and Eduardo Vallejo Pinto.

During my time in Europe and throughout the course of the pandemic, I came to realize that my true ambition lay in working as a dancer and choreographer in the film/tv and commercial music industry. And I knew that the only place to pursue that dream would be in Los Angeles!

On multiple visits, I began to form friendships and found a solid community among prominent choreographers and artists, including Monika Felice Smith, MaryAnn Chavez, James Gregg, Micaela G. Taylor, Kurtis Sprung, and Lex Ishimoto. During this time, I was also offered representation by Clear Talent Group (CTG), one of the country’s leading talent and dance agencies.

While my time in LA has been brief thus far, I’m incredibly excited and eager to build on these experiences!

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?
Although my journey thus far has been filled with milestones and some successes, it has not always been a smooth road. The professional dance industry is one that can be extremely rewarding but also highly competitive. Being a professional dancer is more than knowing how to pick up choreography and perform.

Similar to other occupations, dancers are always put in positions where their talent, image, and skillsets are assessed; this comes in the form of auditions or casting calls. Most professional dancers have an agent who often pitches their clients for potential work and/or projects. Then, it’s up to us to deliver at the audition. Dancers can be assessed based on their height, ethnicity, body type, technical abilities, improvisation and performance skills, versatility in all types of genres, and much more. More often than not, dancers don’t end up booking the job, and the reasons can vary. We’re expected to dust ourselves off and continue to work harder towards future opportunities. This might seem a bit cutthroat and harsh, but it’s our reality.

I believe the key to ensuring longevity is to stay positive; to ensure my mental health and self-esteem are prioritized over everything else. Helping other friends and dancers with side projects, and creating performance/training opportunities for myself during periods of unemployment, is how I maintain a solid mindset. That way, when I’m fortunate enough to book a job, I’m grateful that the work and momentum never stopped. I believe that if one is truly passionate and serious about their craft, the work doesn’t just begin when they’re given the platform or stage to do so. Every aspect of the journey is part of the work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, modern, and ballet dance genres.

When I was young, I had a dream of solely becoming a professional hip-hop dancer. And although that may have been possible, I was extremely lucky to have many mentors, along with such supportive parents, who wisely encouraged me to expand my training across all styles of dance.

Because of this, I have become a versatile artist and performer. This also includes training in singing, acting, visual arts, and also learning to play drums, piano, and the saxophone.

Now, whenever I step into an audition, I’m confident that I have the necessary skills to adapt to a wide range of styles within the performance industry.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that risk-taking is great and essential if one wishes to grow and excel in their craft.

I would definitely identify myself as a risk-taker. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the easiest thing to do, nor was I a risk-taker from the very beginning. Growing up, I was incredibly shy and still am at times. Participating in group icebreakers and socializing with others didn’t always come easy to me. It didn’t change until I began dancing and performing. When words did not come easily to express my thoughts and emotions, movement and dance offered me the outlet to freely do so.

Only through time and much experience was I able to eventually muster enough confidence and courage to overcome my fears and insecurities. I knew that if I was going to work in show business, I had to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I knew that I had to develop the necessary skills and work ethic to effectively navigate various facets of the industry. But ultimately, it’s been worth it! The joy I receive from performing on stage or working on a film set is worth every moment leading up to it.

Some of the greatest risks I’ve taken is moving to Germany, living in a country where I didn’t speak the language; or enrolling in an American college —as a Canadian, was quite a big deal for me.

I’ve never regretted any of the risks I’ve taken; because ultimately, regardless of the outcome, I was able to take something from the experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kmlau
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___kevinmatthewlau/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kev.m.lau/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgnFADe_JLVhqSuEBjoAAbg 

Image Credits
All photos were taken/edited by Aidan Tooth