Life & Work with Airean Raguindin of Orange Cove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Airean Raguindin.

Hi Airean, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started dancing at the age of 7 years old, and what began as something fun quickly became a real passion that shaped the direction of my life. I grew up training in multiple styles—hip hop, contemporary, jazz, breaking, and even gymnastics at a competition studio and I then began to work alongside some of the best choreographers and mentors in the industry. Over time, I found myself not just improving, but stepping into opportunities I never imagined I’d have so early in my career.

My first major experiences came from television, where I danced on shows like Nickelodeon’s Lip Sync Battle Shorties, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC’s World of Dance Season 2, and America’s Got Talent. Those moments taught me what it meant to perform on big stages and work alongside top-level creatives. I also had the opportunity to perform at award shows such as the iHeart Radio Music Awards with Katy Perry, Radio Disney Music Awards with Sofia Carson and the 59th Grammy Awards, and later became part of Disney productions including Fam Jam, The Little Mermaid Live on ABC, and The Santa Clauses with Tim Allen. Each project helped me grow not just as a dancer, but as an all-around artist.

My career continued to expand through music videos and commercial work with other artists like Chris Brown, DaniLeigh, Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton, Rosalía, and Jacob Sartorius, Big Sean, Nick Cannon, Travis Scott, as well as brands like Door Dash, Glad, Toyota, Nike, Pandora, H&M, and Hasbro. Touring, filming, and performing live taught me how to adapt quickly, stay creative, and bring high energy to every environment I perform in.

Along the way, I’ve been honored with awards such as the Global Child Prodigy Award, I received the Key to my City of Orange Cove California recognized by the city mayor Victor P. Lopez, and being part of World of Dance Season 2 Champions with The Lab. These recognitions remind me why I push myself—to inspire others, especially younger dancers who come from small communities like mine.

Today, I continue performing, training, and creating content while exploring new ways to connect with audiences. Music and dance has taken me from small studios to global stages, and now to platforms where I can share not just my choreography, but my story, my personality, and the behind-the-scenes moments that make this journey special.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Starting my career so young meant stepping into a world where the expectations were high, the competition was intense, and I had to grow up a lot faster than most kids my age. Balancing school, training, rehearsals, auditions, and travel was overwhelming at times. There were days where I would go from class straight into late-night rehearsals and still have to wake up early the next morning. Learning discipline became just as important as learning choreography.

Another challenge was figuring out where I fit in the industry. Being surrounded by incredibly talented dancers pushed me, but it also came with moments of self-doubt—wondering if I was good enough, if I belonged in certain rooms, or if people would take me seriously despite my age. Every project came with pressure to prove myself, especially when working alongside other major artists or appearing on television.

Physically, dance takes a toll too. Long rehearsals, back-to-back performances, and constant training come with injuries, fatigue, and the need to take care of my body even when I felt like pushing through. Learning to listen to myself, rest when needed, and stay mentally grounded was a challenge I had to grow into.

But one of the biggest obstacles was simply staying consistent. This industry moves fast—opportunities come and go, trends shift, and you’re always trying to evolve. Believing in myself, staying focused, and continuing to train even when things were slow helped me get through the tougher seasons.

Even with the ups and downs, every challenge has shaped me into a stronger artist and a more grounded person. The obstacles taught me resilience, professionalism, and the importance of loving what I do no matter how tough the journey gets.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m an artist. I started in the dance world and built a career working on major TV shows, live performances, music videos, and projects alongside other well-known artists and choreographers. Dance has always been my foundation—it’s where people first recognized my name and where I learned how to express emotion, storytelling, and stage presence through movement.

But along the way, something shifted for me. I was blessed to be part of a boy band called Pop Money, put together by Nick Cannon, and even though the group was short-lived, it unlocked a completely new spark in me. Being in that environment—singing, performing, rehearsing as a unit—made me realize how much I wanted to expand beyond dance. It opened my eyes to the world of music in a deeper way and pushed me toward a dream I had quietly held onto: becoming a future K-pop trainee and, eventually, an idol.

Since then, I’ve committed myself to growing as a full artist. I’ve spent countless hours connecting with musicians, producers, and creatives who encouraged me to explore music more seriously. I began producing, experimenting with sound, and learning how to shape my own musical identity. That curiosity led me to take it even further—now I’m learning piano, not just as a skill, but as a tool to strengthen my understanding of music theory which is: melody, rhythm, and composition.

What I’m most proud of is my versatility and willingness to evolve. I’m not just a dancer, and I’m not just a musician—I’m someone who is constantly building toward being a well-rounded performer who can fit into the high-demand, multi-talented world of K-pop. What sets me apart is that I didn’t come from a traditional trainee background, yet I carry real industry experience, stage maturity, and years of training at a professional level. I’ve learned from world-class artists, performed under pressure, and developed an authentic connection to music that continues to grow every day.

Right now, I specialize in merging dance, performance, vocal development, music production, and instrumental training into one identity—an identity I hope will someday take me from the global dance stage to the global K-pop stage.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that surprises just about everyone who gets to know me is that I don’t actually live in Los Angeles. Because of the amount of training, rehearsals, and jobs I’ve done in L.A. over the years, people usually assume I’m an L.A. local. But the truth is, for the past 10 years, I’ve been commuting back and forth from Orange Cove—a drive that’s over three and a half hours each way.

What shocks people even more is how often I made that trip for early call times. There were mornings when I had to be on set or in the studio before sunrise, and I would still show up early or right on time because I refused to let distance be the reason I missed an opportunity. That dedication became a huge part of my work ethic.

It’s a side of my journey most people never see, but it’s one of the reasons I value every moment I get to perform. The long drives, late nights, and early mornings taught me discipline, passion, and perseverance—and they’re a big part of what shaped me into the artist I am today.

Pricing:

• Live stage & concert performances: $600–$1,200 per event
• Music video appearances: $500–$1,000 per day
• Choreography for solos, duets, or small groups: $300–$800 per piece
• TikTok promotional content: $300–$1,000 per post
• Travel fees apply for projects outside the Los Angeles area unless otherwise discussed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@aireanjosiahraguindin
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajboogieofficial and https://www.instagram.com/aireanjosiahraguindin
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aireanjosiahraguindin