Today we’d like to introduce you to Michalis Schinas.
Michalis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Limassol, Cyprus. I started dancing when I was quite young. My first folk dance class was at the age of six, and I continued taking classes for another eight years. During that time, I also began taking street dance classes, and I found even more love and passion for dance. I was fortunate to become part of the professional hip-hop dance crew “StreetBeats,” which was led by Eliza Kapodistria and Loukas Kosmidis from the company “Evi’s School of Dance.” With this crew, I had the opportunity to travel and compete around the world. As a teenager, I was constantly eager to learn. I picked up the piano, and I also delved into voice, acting, and musical theatre. At 16, I made the decision to pursue a career in dance, so I took up ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. After successfully graduating from high school and completing my military service, I made the bold move of leaving my home country to follow my dreams in New York City.
Growing up as a performer, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, which led to numerous incredible experiences. I was a member of the “Diastasis” choir, performing in major productions all across Cyprus, such as “Musical Moments” featuring numbers from shows like Oliver Twist, My Fair Lady, and Evita, as well as a tribute to Abba titled “Thank You for the Music.” As a choreographer and director, I even secured first place in a Contemporary Competition in Cyprus. In this competition, ten fellow dancers and I brought a beautiful piece to life on stage. Reflecting on my journey, “Get on Stage” marked my first televised dance competition. My brother and I participated in the 2009 season of “Get on Stage,” which aired on Mega TV from September to December. We managed to make it to the Semi-finals, and the competition gained substantial media attention. This experience led to an interview on live TV for the entertainment talk show “Για σένα” and mentions on popular platforms like YouTube. I felt honored to meet and perform for Panos Metaxopoulos, a renowned director, choreographer, and producer in Greece.
Part of my life has always been about teaching and inspiring others. I dedicated countless hours to learning and felt deeply honored when I was asked to teach dancing. I taught different levels at various studios, and I also had the chance to choreograph performances for stage productions. This allowed me to explore diverse ways of connecting music with emotions through movement.
Prior to even completing my studies at AMDA NYC College in 2014, I was selected to be part of the musical “Bollywood Dreams.” This two-hour musical spectacle featured high-energy, poetic dance numbers, vibrant costumes, and emotive music. It was held in New Brunswick, NJ, and I participated as both an ensemble and featured dancer. I had the privilege of working with the esteemed choreographer Anil Diwakar, who had previously choreographed an opening number for Michael Jackson’s tour show in India. “Bollywood Dreams” gained significant acclaim, with the potential for an international tour.
In September 2014, I embarked on a new chapter as a male dancer in “Jubilee!” This iconic show, which had been running for 33 years at Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, came to an end in 2016. I was the only male chosen among a selective audition process in New York City to fill one of the five open positions for male dancers. “Jubilee!” opened doors to various opportunities, including a special performance for Britney Spears as she announced the continuation of her show in 2014.
In 2016, my career path evolved as I began performing on cruise ships. I had the privilege of working with two different companies across three contracts, which took me to more than 30 countries around the world. From the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska to the vibrant cultures of China, Japan, the Caribbean, South America, and many more, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse experiences. Over the course of three contracts, I created lasting memories that I hold dear.
In 2017, I made the decision to establish Los Angeles as my home base. In 2019, just before the pandemic emerged, I opted to conclude my work on cruise ships. This was undoubtedly one of the most challenging decisions I’ve had to make. However, it marked a pivotal point in my career as I transitioned to becoming a full-time freelance dancer based in Los Angeles.
Residing in Los Angeles, I am honored to be associated with the Go2Talent agency. My journey has led me to contribute my passion to esteemed dance companies such as Karmagraphy and Mixed Emotion Theatrix. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of working for event companies like Champagne Entertainment, Meyer2Meyer and Crumble. A significant highlight before the pandemic on January of 2020 was my involvement in the final endeavor to sustain the show “Pearl,” choreographed by Daniel Ezralow.
When the pandemic disrupted our lives, it prompted a profound period of reflection for me. I made the decision to pursue further education and enrolled in the LEAP online program with efforts to gain my BA in Performing Arts through Saint Mary’s College of California. As the world began to gradually regain its footing, I resumed working, and during this time, I had an extraordinary opportunity to portray Specs from the musical “Newsies,” marking a pinnacle experience in my career.
This current chapter I’m navigating enables me to continue my unwavering pursuit of dance while contributing to the dynamic artistic scene of Los Angeles. In the past year, I devoted considerable time to Cyprus, where I reconnected with family, rejuvenated myself mentally and physically, and took part in the production “NOIR,” a captivating variety dinner show under the guidance of the renowned director George Valari. Starting in October 2023, I will return to Los Angeles with a renewed determination to continue following my dreams in dancing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To begin, I want to emphasize that the journey in a dancer’s career is hardly ever smooth. The expectations imposed on dancers often don’t align with the modest compensation they receive. Living in constant motion, away from family and home, adds to the stressors. When I relocated across the world to the US, I had to leave behind everything that brought me comfort. Despite my eagerness to move, I was also scared and intimidated. The cost of living in New York and the high flight expenses from Cyprus were significant challenges. I spent around three and a half years without being able to see my family. This meant missing out on family gatherings, vacations, important occasions, and even bereavement. Being an immigrant turned out to be an immensely demanding process, yet looking back, I’m convinced that my journey was destined to lead me to where I am now—an American citizen with three passports.
Part of the immigrant experience involves navigating uncharted territory on your own. You lack connections, resources, or guidance, while others might have mentors or industry friends to lean on. Succeeding under such circumstances brings a sense of empowerment and achievement. The struggles also took a toll on my mental health. The nature of a dancer’s life doesn’t allow for regular human experiences because every facet revolves around the dance career. In 2016, I came to a realization that I was reaching a breaking point and needed to prioritize self-care. Taking a hiatus was imperative. Many dancers, like myself, grapple with heightened stress and anxiety, yet, like many, I initially hesitated to take action. Nevertheless, I embarked on a healing journey while still pursuing my career. Another challenging aspect was the constant flux in various parts of my life—nothing seemed stable. This constant change eventually took its toll. Although I relished working on contracts, I knew I needed to establish a home base. This decision led me to Los Angeles.
In the realm of dance, body image is a pervasive concern. I, like countless others, struggled to accept and love my body. My height and slender frame seemed to shut doors rather than open them in the commercial dance industry. The conventional ideal body for a guy dancer is often more compact and masculine, presenting a constant challenge. I faced insecurities about my appearance that hindered my consistent training regimen. The rise of social media has intensified the culture of comparison, especially in terms of dancing and physical appearance. These challenges and struggles have uniquely personalized my journey. Without them, I wouldn’t have developed the awareness I now possess about the industry, maintaining a healthy body and mind, and rejecting unrealistic standards imposed by external influences.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist, dancing isn’t just a passion—it’s my creative outlet. I’ve carved out a path as a professional freelance dancer, channeling my expression through the fusion of fashion, music, and dance to navigate life’s journey. My repertoire spans a range of styles, including jazz funk, musical theatre, jazz, partnering, hip hop, contemporary, and ballet. While I can’t pinpoint a single defining feature that I’m known for, one thing’s for sure: my dedication to my craft and my unwavering passion have been with me since day one. Improvement has always been my focus.
What really sets me apart is my knack for seamlessly adapting to a multitude of styles. I’ve been referred to as a “chameleon” by a director once, and it’s true—I thrive on versatility. Another aspect that makes my dance truly unique is the fusion of both masculine and feminine energy. It’s this blend that gives my performances that one-of-a-kind edge.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You won’t spot me in a music video or on tour with an artist just yet, but let’s clear something up—success isn’t always what social media makes it out to be. With a solid 10 years of professional dancing under my belt, I consider that a major achievement. The big leap in my dance career is on the horizon; it’s just a matter of time. I firmly believe that with patience, unwavering consistency, and a touch of kindness, anything is within reach. Even if the journey doesn’t unfold exactly as one might have envisioned, there’s always something better waiting, and that in itself is an accomplishment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michalisrise/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michalis.schinas/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@michalisrise
Image Credits
Vince Trupsin
