Nick Bass is a busy guy. Between his current work with Janet Jackson and recent tours with Justin Timblerlake, his faculty position at NUVO Dance Convention, the touring dance convention featuring live dj's and some of the finest choreographers in the industry, he teaches Hip Hop Dance Classes to members of JigTV.com, the online dance community. JigTV.com host Chelsea Latimer recently spoke with Nick as part of her series of interviews with professional dancers.
Nick tells Chelsea in his dancer interview that he grew up in Nashville Tennessee. It's not exactly a mecca for dancers, but that's where he was introduced to dancing at a young age by his sister and brother in law, who owned a dance studio there. Though now he's known for his hip hop dance style, Bass was originally trained in a wide range of styles, from ballet to jazz to tap. He says he can "even flip around a little bit."
Since, as Nick Bass puts it, "you have to be in LA or New York to make your dreams happen," he moved to Los Angeles at 21, a bit older than most aspiring dancers, who go there at 17 or 18. Nick got started right away with a job dancing for Britney Spears. He ascribes this to being prepared and being a little older when getting to town. Shortly after that tour, he worked with Janet Jackson, dancing in the Superbowl, promos, music videos, and tours. After touring with many other acts, he's returned to working with Ms. Jackson.
Bass carries all this experience to his online dance classes at JigTV.com. Members can take streaming video dance classes with Nick Bass as well as other master choreographers in Hip Hop Dance, as well as other styles. Users have access to classes with teachers such as Brian Friedman, Chuck Maldonado, and Dana Wilson, to name only a few. JigTV also offers members the opportunity to upload video of their own combos to share with the online dance community. Users can enter their videos into dance contests, where winners receive cash prizes and studio tours.
To dancers new to the industry, Nick says "to make it as a dancer it's more than just dance. You need to have a good head on your shoulders and know a little bit more about the industry and the game and be as educated as possible." As to whether it's better to move to the big city earlier or–like Bass did–later, he says "I think everybody's a little bit different. Some people are ready, some people might not be, but the life of a dancer is short, so you don't want to wait too long.” Nick's goals for the future involve more choreography and possibly directing as well.
To view the whole interview, visit JigTV.com.
