Meet Chris Watson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Watson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Chris. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in Tampa, FL, I have been dancing since the day I could walk. In my early years, I was in a rap/dance group, called CNM, performing in many shows across the east coast, and for various record labels. I continued my dancing experience throughout high school, where my love for creating and performing really flourished in drama productions and pep rallies. I went to Atlanta, GA before my high school graduation to audition for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

During my collegiate years, I served as the President/Artistic Director of the Dance Club at Queens University of Charlotte for my final two years at the school, teaching weekly hip-hop classes, choreographing all hip-hop pieces for the club performances, and writing/directing the spring recitals. Outside of my college campus, I became a part of the Charlotte Metropolitan area dance community, teaching hip-hop at YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird, NC Dance Movement, Dance Davidson, and Harmony Dance Center. I was also a part of the Dance District Agency in Charlotte.

After graduating, I relocated to Los Angeles, training in hip-hop, jazz-funk, and jazz at all the major commercial dance studios in the area. My credits include Will Smith, Sia, Amara La Negra, DDG, Inas X, Todrick Hall, and more.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would definitely say it has not been a “smooth road”. I think every artist has a story with ups and downs of dealing with the industry. I start each day off with some type of motivational message to remind myself to keep going, but I’d say the most difficult part for me is the cliquey-ness of the dance community, which makes networking a tedious journey. Some act as if there aren’t enough jobs for all of us if you know what I’m saying.

Another struggle would just be juggling all the side hustle jobs & gigs required to survive living in Los Angeles. At one point, I was switching jobs every six months; Thankfully, I finally found something that works for me and my artistic passion.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a dancer/choreographer. I specialize in commercial hip-hop/jazz-funk. I would say most people know me as a choreographer/dancer for Amara LA Negra (Love & Hip Hop Miami), which, I would say, is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments to date.

I’d say one thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to work well and still deliver amazing performances under pressure. I always tell myself, and dancers who I work with, “don’t get married to the steps”, during rehearsals because something could always change at the last minute once we get on set or to a stage. Keeping my cool and not getting stressed when last-minute changes occur is a key skill that I admire about myself very much.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from my childhood would have to be getting picked up from my middle school and going to track practice for the local AAU track team I ran for growing up. Track and field was my first love before dance/performing. I ran for the Tampa Trailblazers, and I thoroughly remember waking up in the mornings for school being excited for track practice after school. Track was my life, and it gave me purpose. I definitely made some amazing memories and learned a lot about dedication and hard work from running track for 13 years – ages 9-22.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswatsonofficial/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chriswatsonofficial

Image Credit:
Wes Klain, Ryan Grooves

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