The Art of Dance
The Art of Dance: Justice Domingo
Interview
Justice Domingo is a dancing phenom and an accomplished
choreographer. She’s experienced in all styles of dance including ballet, jazz,
hip hop, contemporary, and modern. Growing
up in the Los Angeles area, she has trained under her mentor the legend Debbie
Allen. Justice has toured with artists
as a professional dancer, taught master classes across the country, and has
done choreography for music videos. She
expresses her personality and passion through the personal art form of dance.
Age: 16
Hometown: San
Jose, CA
How did your love for
dancing come about?
I began dancing at a young age in all styles. My brother was
a dancer before I was born, so I somewhat followed in his footsteps. I realized
I had a passion for it around 12 years old & it then became a part of me
rather than just a hobby.
How was it like to be
picked as a protégé of the legendary Debbie Allen at such a young age?
Debbie Allen has been a huge part of my growth as a dancer.
Her studio was the first studio I attended when I moved to LA. It's an amazing
feeling knowing that such an incredible icon took me under her wing. I am
incredibly honored to be mentored by her.
When did you begin
your career as a choreographer?
I began choreographing professionally at the age of 14.
Choreography is great because it's my work…MY art and something that I create
from what I feel internally. There are no limits to what I do when I create my
work, which is my favorite part.
How would you
describe your choreography style?
My choreography varies from time to time-- It can be very sexy
or very hood.
What has been your
biggest accomplishment to date as a choreographer?
I take pride in all of my projects so it's very hard to
choose just one of my favorite accomplishments as a choreographer. I enjoyed
choreographing a piece in my mentors' Dave Scott & Debbie Allen's show,
which I did the past two years. Also, I choreographed a music video that aired
on 106&Park which was pretty awesome.
You can see the
passion you have for dancing; when you get in to the flow of the music you crack
a smile. As if you’ve gotten the routine down and at that point it’s just fun
for you. What is it like in that moment?
In that moment… it's as if all problems and negative
feelings fade. It's just about dance and expression at that point & doing
what I love to do.
What are you dancing
to now and which songs are your absolute favorites to dance to?
I'm the choreographer for my college's hip hop dance company
here on campus, so I’m currently in the process of creating their piece. I've
been working on a dance to Mila J's "Smoke, Drink, Break Up". I also
love old school vibes like Missy Elliott.
How did you get the
opportunity teach master classes across the country. What is at least one
memorable moment?
Once I created a following on social media and it grew, my
followers expressed their interests in me teaching in their cities. I gave it a
shot & I was completely blown away by the turn out of people who showed up.
I flew across the country to places like New York & DC and hundreds of
people showed up just to learn from me. The feeling is truly indescribable. If
I could relive it, I would!
How do you come up
with a new routine for clients?
My process is very simple. I play the songs over and over
again and I basically dance what I feel the song would "look like". I
usually choreograph to different parts in the song, and then piece them
together to create a full routine.
What is the most
difficult part of being in the choreography/dance industry?
The most difficult part is trying to stay positive & not
get discouraged. There are many times in this industry where dancers don't work
at all & you constantly hear "No". Fortunately I've learned to
push forward and keep in mind that I love what I do.
How will you balance
your college life and your career as a choreographer?
Hard work & dedication will allow me to balance college
and dance. Both school and work are equally important and I feel that neither
should be compromised for the other. I guess I won't be getting any sleep…
haha.
Do you consider
dancing whether it be Hip Hop, contemporary, or modern an art form?
I most definitely, 100%, consider dance to be an art form.
Dancers are artists who create from different places. Whether it's internal or
external, our work always comes from a place that people around us can relate
to. It's a language. We are communicating our thoughts, feelings, and emotions
through movement.
Going forward, what
are you future aspirations as far as doing choreography for music videos, TV,
and movies?
I would love to choreograph for commercials, videos… everything.
I also would like to go into production.
What are your plans
beyond your choreography career?
I would love to stay in the entertainment industry in some
way, whether it’s dance, production, casting directing.
Where can people
reach you?
Comments
Post a Comment