Today we’d like to introduce you to Bj Paulin.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, I was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts and lived there up until my 8th birthday. My mother remarried to my stepfather and we moved over to Vermont. It was a quite, small town and a household of eight people. As a kid, I was always fascinated by the entertainment industry. Movies. Television. All of it! It wasn’t until I was nine years old, where I took my first dance class. Immediately, I was hooked. Dance became my first passion! I continued training at the local studios, hoping to one day become a professional within the industry. Once a year, I would even attend an all hip hop convention called Monsters Of Hip Hop (a nationwide convention that holds LA/NYC top choreographers to train under for a whole weekend). I wasn’t the best technically, but my passion always was strong. In 2011, I made the decision to move to Los Angeles. With only 1,000 dollars saved and no connections of any kind, I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
The first couple of years were rough. A lot of “NO’s.” A lot of “You SHOULD GIVE UP”. A lot of “You need to go work out and build muscle so you can book these jobs!” And definitely a lot of financial struggles. Working two jobs while trying to train/audition. At one point, I was told I would never book the jobs I wanted to because I was a skinny guy who wasn’t that great of a dancer and that needed to get my look a certain way to get to where I wanted to go.
It was hard. I definitely took it personal for a while and got a little lost. Through time, I took a hard look at myself and realized that I was going to receive the jobs, the opportunities, and the longevity I wanted by doing it my way. I was going to be that SKINNY WHITE GUY that dances BIG/matches the 6″ guys for urban/hiphop/r&b artists.
I then took my training very seriously. I switched my way of thinking. Turning my negatives into positives. From 2014 and on, my journey started to truly unfold.
To name a few…I worked with artists such as PRINCE, EVE, Timbaland, Fifth Harmony, Hailee Steinfeld, Meghan Trainor, Kanye West, etc.
I worked on television talk shows such as DWTS, The Voice, The Four, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen Show, etc.
When 2017 hit, I decided to try something new and put my creative hat on. I took on the role of being a teacher and started having classes in LA. Teaching is something I really care about. Sharing my movement. My creative thinking. And pushing others to get to that next level within their craft. For two years, I only taught in LA. Building my name and work. Once 2019 hit, I had traveled to Israel, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Peru, and Russia to teach. The owner of Monsters Of Hip Hop convention, Andy Funk had emailed me in regards of joining faculty on the convention. I have taught on the convention for two seasons now. A true full circle moment!
Now, as I sit here writing this message, I think how it’s really just the beginning for me. I have hopes to dive more into the film/television world in time. To learn more about screenwriting, producing, and directing. Storytelling and bringing the human experience to life.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was definitely hard and sometimes still is.
Like I said in the message before, It was hard. I definitely took things personal for a while and got a little lost when it came to others telling me I would never book the dance jobs I wanted based on the way I looked/danced at the time. Through time, I took a hard look at myself and realized that I was going to receive the jobs, the opportunities, and the longevity I wanted by doing it my way. I was going to be that SKINNY WHITE GUY that dances BIG/matches the 6″ guys for urban/hiphop/r&b artists. It would happen and I would work extremely hard for it! BUT by doing it my way and not conforming to the “expected.”
It was also hard navigating through the industry while trying to understand my own sexual identity. I believe a huge part of your artistry comes from identity. Knowing a strong base of who you are. Knowing what you bring to the table. And understanding what key qualities make up YOU as a human.
For my first years living in Los Angeles, I was discovering more and more pieces to who I was. Understanding that I liked the same sex and learning to be okay with that. By the time it was 2014, I was pretty comfortable/understanding of those facts, but I wasn’t very vocal/expressive. I’ve always been that way personally.
When 2018 hit, I had an idea for a cinematic visual I wanted to create with my great friend/director Zev York. It ended up turning into a love letter to the world, but it was also, a way of me coming out to the world. Something that freed me in so many ways. Allowed me to really be who I am and embrace ME as a human being. Telling my story the way that I wished to tell it. Having full control on the expression behind it. It was a beautiful moment to share, but also proud work I love to share. I really put on my creative hat and collaborated in a very special way.
I would say IDENTITY was the biggest struggle of living in LA especially around the Hollywood industry. It was also a big challenge that forced me to face it head-on. Not just for myself. But for my future. For where I see myself heading down the road. To achieve a total peace of mind. Breaking stereotypes and living in my most authentic TRUTH.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Recently, I created my brand Token.
Token is a brand that represents strength and unity. It stands by true creatives and artists with incredible dreams, ambitions, and passion. In the world of Token, anything is truly possible. Before receiving any results, the work must be put in. It’s all about the journey and the process.
The idea came from the idea of being an individual. Embracing what makes you unique and stand out. It’s so important to constantly remind ourselves the things that make us different. That make casting want to hire us. Especially in this industry.
The brand celebrates diversity and authenticity. Whatever you see for yourself is possible and no matter what others think, what you envision for yourself is VALID.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe LA is great for anyone who is interested in working in the industry. It has a wider range of things to finesse and fit into. A lot of roles and opportunities. It’s very spacious (landscape-wise).
I personally moved here instead of NYC because I am fascinated by tv/film. I love the city life, but I also love the country/suburban life where several beaches are included.
If you are trying to be a professional dancer and want to have preference with opportunities, its LA. New York is very strict and set with their cliental. They have a set group of people usually and most friends from there, always tell me how there is work out there, but not too much.
I also believe the HOLLYWOOD industry still has a lot to work on. Things that have been going on for years and little work has been done, but not enough in a sense. Not just in my field, but in an actors field, producer field, camera crew field, choreographer field, creative field, etc.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bjpaulin2
- Twitter: @bjpaulin2
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