Meet Alek Paliński

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alek Paliński.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alek. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Poland, from a small town called Brzesko. I never planned on being a professional dancer/performer. I didn’t even know there was such a thing. I always loved art though. Being an only child, I grew up very creative kid – I would always come up with ideas to play on my own and stay entertained. I was never bored. I really think that pushed my mind to run wild and contributed largely to my creativity today.

One day, a friend of mine who was at the time training and competing in ballroom dancing, needed a new dance partner. She asked me a favor – to go to one of the dance lessons with her and see if I liked it. I ended up staying and, before I realized, I was competing in ballroom dance tournaments around Poland. That’s how my dance adventure started. As much as I love ballroom dance, I quickly realized I wanted to have more freedom and not depend on a dance partner. This is when I started branching out in my training, taking classes in different dance styles that allowed more solo and group performances.

Fast forward a few years later, to 2010, I am now dancing on Polish live television as a contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance” Poland, where I scored titles such as “TOP 3 Male Dancer” and “favorite performance of the audience”. This chapter was truly what expedited my dance career and ultimately made me believe that it was actually possible to make it that – a career! After the show ended, I started performing with the biggest Polish recording artists. Within one year, I’ve performed with virtually every big singer or band in my country that you could think of. This unforeseen success left me hungry for more: more experiences, more growth, more success on a bigger scale. That’s when I realized I wanted to one day work in the United States, where the entertainment industry is biggest in the World.

I’ve gotten a wonderful chance to move to America on my first O1 Artist visa back in 2015. I was since then able to live, work and grow here for the past five years, making the best use of all the wonderful opportunities available. It’s been a great ride an honor to contribute my talents in a foreign country and this one of a kind industry.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been full of ups and downs – as I’m sure it is for every creative that makes their art into their profession. It is not an easy industry, and to have consistency and longevity in it is a rare and true blessing.

I would say a big struggle of mine was being back in Poland and feeling like I’ve done everything I could career-wise, feeling like there was nowhere else to go. I’ve danced for the big stars, performed on popular TV productions, created and owned one of the most successful dance schools in Poland… I was not sure there was anything else to be done or accomplished, yet still felt my potential wasn’t fulfilled. When I got offered my first contract in the USA and the opportunity to move here, it was an awesome news and another breakthrough in my career – just like competing on “So You Think You Can Dance” Poland years earlier. It truly pushed me to become my best, and eventually allowed me to contribute to the biggest artists, productions and projects in the World.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a professional dancer, first and foremost. Some of my other passions include choreography and direction, as I love the creative aspect of them. In the United States, I am the most known for working with the burlesque star, Dita Von Teese, and her many touring shows. I’ve been able to develop a great professional relationship with Dita over the last five years, performing on her “Strip, Strip, Hooray!”, “Art of the Teese”, “Copper Coupe” and “Glamontrix” tours, as well as many other projects. We are actually scheduled to head back out on tour again in 2021, with the “Glamonatrix” show going to Europe from February through May, after which we will tour all over the United States in the second half of the year.

Performing alongside Dita is definitely something that has been wonderful, fulfilling and something I am very proud of. I have been initially selected for this job from over 800 top tier professional industry dancers from all over the world, through a multiple day audition process. What makes the job so special is that I get to be a soloist and a lead dancer on Dita’s tour, rather than one of many back-up dancers. The audiences around the world know me by name and come to the shows see me perform. This is so valuable and rare for a dancer – I never take it for granted. Most tours and artists use many dancers as “back up” or “background” to their performances – so to be featured this much, and be able to contribute to the show in such a way, is a dream come true.

Other accomplishments that I take pride in, that also being here in the USA made possible, is performing alongside some of the biggest recording artists and TV productions in the World, such as: Celine Dion, Pharrell, Jessie J, Kehlani, Finneas, NBC The Voice, CBS The Talk and X Factor.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt as a performer. I am a true chameleon. While some dancers specialize in one dance style, one type of aesthetic and stage presence, I take pride in being able to perform in many ways, playing different characters: a gentleman in an old Hollywood golden era-stylized dance number with Dita, a dancer in a contemporary artistic piece with Finneas, a jazz number with Celine Dion, or a hip-hop performance with Pharrell.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely my parents. From talking to my peers, I’ve realized how rare it is to have parents who fully support your choices and dreams, especially those of becoming “professional artist”. I always appreciated my parents, but this bigger perspective made me value the relationship I have with them even more. Even when they were afraid if I could “make it” and whether it was possible to make a good life out of this career choice, they never stopped supporting me. That is truly invaluable for every child, teenager, and even adult. I am grateful to have their support and love to this day. It makes it this much more exciting to share every win, every plan, and every new dream or goal with them.

Another person that I can never give enough credit is Dita Von Teese. From taking a chance on me and selecting me from over 800 other amazing dancers, to continuing to hire me through the years for four world tours, with more responsibilities every time. It is truly someone who believed in me, just like my parents did, and continued investing in this relationship. I got many opportunities to contribute my talents to her productions, but also to grow in the process, to become a better performer, a better dancer, a better creative, and a better artist overall. I can not wait to head out on the “Glamonatrix” tour in 2021 again! We are coming back into showbiz stronger than ever, ready to rock the stages across America and the world! I hope to see you in one of the cities. For dates and updates, visit www.dita.net/shows!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lacasting.com/alekpalinski
• Email: alekpalinski@gmail.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/alekpalinski

Image Credit:
Jonathan Rabon, Nick Demoura, Absolute Elyx, @kipho_to

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.