CelebrityHauteSpot

Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin

1. When did you realize you wanted to become a dancer?

I’ve wanted to be a dancer my entire life. It’s in my family. My mom loved to dance. My cousins took dance classes. When I watched their competitions and recitals, I was intrigued by the variety of dance shoes and amazing costumes they wore. I liked staying over to make-up dances in their shoes.

2. What is your dance and choreography style?

I specialize in Neo-Classical and Contemporary Ballet. It feels very natural to my body. The technique is everything to me.

3. What are your favorite styles?

I love ballet, contemporary, jazz, fusion, hip hop, ballroom, all of it.

4. What was it like working on “Dance Moms”?

Working on Dance Moms was amazing and insane at the same time. The girls and I had such a great time and accomplished some amazing work together. We all became family quickly due to the pressure and tension around the moms. Abby was fierce. Abby is a dear friend of mine who I have known her for years. I never felt that tension from Abby. It was just her, Paige and Brooke’s mom, Kelly in the thick of it. It was an exciting experience and pressurized at the same time. But, so is our industry. I was just glad to help where I could.

5. When did you realize you wanted to transition into music?

I was introduced to music at a very young age. My uncle was a multi-instrumentalist. He played string instruments and Latin percussion. When I turned five he gave me an Eb clarinet. I started music school a year early. I played the clarinet, flute, and saxophones in concert and jazz band. I grew up going to band camp every single summer. In high school, I was in the marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band, all highly competitive. I marched piccolo my freshman year, trombone my sophomore, color guard my junior year, and was drum major my senior. After high school, I moved to NYC to dance. I walked away from a full scholarship to ASU for diving/swimming, a huge gamble. I had no guidance at that point. I moved to NYC and cleaned dance studios, toilets, mirrors at Broadway Dance Center in exchange for cheaper classes. A year later I booked Cedar Lake Ballet Company. I went through a spell where I only danced and didn’t create music. I finally learned Logic and Reason. I got a G5 computer from apple with a huge screen and went ape shxt. Mr. Lang, my high school music director was so amazing, he taught us the principles of music theory so I had the final layer of composing in my DNA. Music has always been a part of me and the beginning of my artistic journey.

6. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as heavy, deep, vibey, and optimistic. I have always loved techno music and house. But I also love jazz and blues. I like the strong message songs that are melodic and complex. I also like to create songs in keys no one else hangs out in. I feel they need as much love as individuals do in real life.

7. How do you like to use your platforms to create positive change?

You know social media is a beast all it’s own. I know people use it for business. I am not only a dancer but brother, cousin, uncle, friend, dance educator, and performer. So, I use social media to keep up with my family and extended friends which is a very authentic level. Then I allow others to come into my world like I would like to invite them into my home and make a meal for them. I love people and I am truly an artist. I create with so many mediums because I have so much to say. Now let’s just find the right investors for me so I can be the new generation Halston. 

8. What organizations or causes do you hold closely?

Recently my friend came to me and told me about her organization for the children’s hospital in Auburn, Alabama, from Variations Dance Studio. So I am helping to produce their next event at the Grand Opening of the Gogue Center at Auburn University, their brand new state of the art theater. She told me her stories of outreach when speaking to cancer patients under twelve. I was moved by the stories she told me. The patients would ask basic questions. How does feel to be on a stage? How does it feel when you do a pirouette? It was heartbreaking and I want to help them know what it’s like to be in the spotlight.

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring entertainers?

My advice to aspiring entertainers is to simply just do what you do. Perform as much as you can, even for your friends, and family. Take classes, get feedback, and spread as much love for your art as much as you possibly can. And as much you do the artistic side of things, be sure to keep up on the clerical side of things, resumes, bios, headshots, social media. We see you and we love you.

10. Do you have any upcoming projects?

Yes, I just released my new single ‘Shadow’ available on all music streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for the music video coming your way soon. I will also be touring with Force Dance Tour this year and the Refresh Dance Convention and Competitions.

11. What are your social media accounts?

Social Media:

Instagram @rickypalomino

Facebook @rickypalomino

YouTube @richardmarcelino 

Tumblr @rickypalomino

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