With smooth moves and an impressive resume, Blake McGrath has been labeled one of the best dancers of his generation. (Photo provided by Blake McGrath)
By: Jacob Elyachar
One of the biggest movers and shakers in the entertainment industry is Blake McGrath.
This Canadian-born superstar danced and worked alongside some of the biggest recording icons in the world including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Madonna.
In addition, Blake appeared in multiple films and television shows including the motion picture adaptations of musicals Chicago and RENT, Dancelife and Goosebumps.
However, the 28-year-old was formally introduced to audiences when he appeared on the inaugural season of the FOX summertime phenom So You Think You Can Dance where he made it to the show’s semifinals.
I had the privilege to correspond with Blake and in part one of this exclusive two-part interview, we discussed how he got into dance, some of his highlights of his professional career and his first step on his So You Think You Can Dance journey.
Jacob Elyachar: Blake, when did you get interested in dance?
Blake McGrath: My mother put me in Jazz at the young age of five-years-old. My teachers said that I had unlimited potential and I stuck with it ever since!
JE: Who were your dance role models and why?
BMG: My dance role models are Brian Friedman, Shannon Mather, Gil Duldulao and Mia Michaels. They are all very creative and have a unique sense of style. All of them make you feel something and they also know how to use dance as a business.
JE: What was your first professional job in the dance world?
BMG: My very first professional job was dancing in the 2002 film Chicago. I was very blessed to be the youngest dancer that was cast in the Academy Award-winning film at the young age of 17-years-old. It was a very surreal to me.
After working with some of the biggest names in the music industry as a dancer, Blake is moving away from the dance world and moving full-time as a recording artist. (Photo provided by Blake McGrath)
JE: One of the highlights of your early career was working with Michael Jackson for his 30th Anniversary Celebration. Can you please share that experience with my readers?
BMG: Michael is the greatest artist ever to live and will be the greatest artist forever. To be in his presence was life changing. I will forever look up to him as an artist. His music changed the world. That’s what I want to do with mine!
JE: Another project that you worked on during the early part of your career was working with Britney Spears on her Onyx Hotel Tour. What were some of your highlights from the tour?
BMG: Everything. Britney and I became very close on the road. She shared a lot with me that she does not do with most people. I will forever hold her dear to my heart for the person she is and what she has been through.
JE: Why did you originally want to audition for So You Think You Can Dance?
BMG: The producers asked me to audition. It was a pre-audition before the show even existed. When FOX picked up the show, I came to the first season’s auditions.
To watch Blake’s astonishing audition for So You Think You Can Dance, click here: http://youtu.be/zsMhZrlOD7Y (Video property of FOX, 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions).
You can connect with Blake McGrath on his website: http://blakemcgrathmusic.com/
Keep an eye out for part two of our conversation, which will be on my Examiner.com page: http://www.examiner.com/reality-tv-in-kansas-city/jacob-elyachar
[…] Did,” reminds me of longtime Jake’s Take friend Van Alden and So You Think You Can Dance alum Blake McGrath. All three artists have a darker tone with their music, but I think Zack seduces the listener more […]