A Conversation With Dancer-Choreographer Ivan Koumaev

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Ivan Koumaev (for those of you who don’t know, it’s pronounced Koo-My-Ev) is one of the most successful dancers of his generation.  

Since his debut on So You Think You Can Dance eight short years ago, Ivan has continued to inspire countless dancers around the world with his smooth moves and astonishing choreography.    He also has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest Recording Artists in the music industry, including Justin Timberlake, Usher, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and the Backstreet Boys.

He continues to diversify his skills in other parts of the Entertainment Industry including Film (Rock of Ages, Step Up 3D, Footloose), On-Camera Hosting (Make Your Mark, E! News, Rep Your City), Television (America’s Got Talent, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, numerous award shows including The Grammys, BET Awards, Billboard Awards and VMA’s) and Music Videos (Danced: Turn Up The Music, Forever Now; Co-Choreographed: Suit and Tie, Mirrors).

I had the privilege to correspond with Ivan and he talked about his time on “So You Think You Can Dance” and the lessons that he learned through his experience working in the entertainment industry.

Jacob Elyachar: How did you get interested in dancing?  

Ivan Koumaev: Back when I was 13, I was a big fan of Michael Jackson, and I was always intrigued by his performances.  At the same time, I watched the movie called Breakin, that sealed the deal and from that point I went out looking for the nearest place I could learn how to dance.

JE: Who are your dance role models? How did they inspire you to dance and to choreograph?  

IK: Well, obviously – Michael Jackson first and foremost – The Man – for his storytelling and at times ‘Off The Wall’ ideas (laughs) – the classiness of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, the Nicholas Brothers and Fosse.  In addition to the ‘classiness’ of those performers, I also look to the raw and streetlike vibe of Mr. Wiggles, Popin’ Pete and the whole 80’s Hip-Hop movement.  I also draw inspiration from contemporary companies, such as La La La Human Steps and Batsheva Dance Group, as well as people like Jason Parsons and Travis Wall.    In addition, I also admire the revolutionary styles of Wade Robson, Marty Kudelka… all of these people have shaped the Choreographer and Dancer that I am today.

JE: “So You Think You Can Dance” will be celebrating its tenth season this summer on FOX. You originally auditioned and participated in the show’s sophomore season. Why did you originally want to audition for the show?  

IK: I didn’t.  (Laughs) I got dragged there! A lot of people know that I was denied the opportunity to audition its freshman year, due to my age.  That experience temporarily turned me off the show, and it took a good friend begging me to come along for me to go…  Glad he did.  Thanks Toby!

JE: What were some of your favorite memories from your time on “So You Think You Can Dance”?  

IK: Getting to know people like Wade Robson, and the experience of actually growing throughout the process, as a Dancer, as an artist, and as a person.  Also flashing a million viewers was not too bad either and of course – Ellen – she was wonderful and being on her show that first time as her ‘kidnapped’ Special Guest was awesome.

JE:  How did “So You Think You Can Dance” prepare you for the entertainment industry?  

IK: I got to learn how to navigate the world of on-camera – from the studio to the set to the staging.  Plus, I also learned how to really work with choreographers, do a live show and interviews… basically everything you could imagine learning ‘how to do’ on a professional set, I learned!  It was college for the real world (if you can call it that!) of the Entertainment Industry.

 

JE: You had the incredible privilege of working with recording artists including Usher, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and the Backstreet Boys. What are some of the lessons that you have learned from them that have helped you in your career?

IK:  Every star is different and every job is different.  You have to go in with a clean slate – open mind – be open to all sorts of personalities, work ethics, and systems.  Professionalism always wins.  Thank you to people like Rich + Tone (Chris), Aakamon Jones (Usher), and most importantly Marty Kudelka, Dana Wilson and AJ Harpold for showing what it’s like to work with someone as pro as J.T.

JE: Recently, you worked with Justin Timberlake to co-choreograph his music video for his first single for his third studio album: “The 20/20 Experience”: “Suit & Tie.” What was it like working with him on that project?

IK:  It is a real honor and a privilege – he is by far one of the most hard-working and dedicated artists I’ve ever had the experience of working around.  There is just a hunger and a love there that I connect with, and that makes it a really positive experience for all parties involved.  Of course, I was a part of a team that is masterminded by Marty (Kudelka) – it’s an honor to be able to work under someone at that level of creativity and professionalism.

JE: In addition to all of your work with recording artists, you also have stepped into the On-Camera side of the entertainment world – tell us a little about that. IK:  Regarding motion capture – anyone who has ever done it will tell you, it is not the most pleasurable experience to be in a MC suit.  However, it is cool to see what real-life movement looks like on a digital matrix screen, and how it does or does not translate.  As far as the on-camera world goes, as anyone who has ever done this can tell you – it is no cakewalk either and it has been fascinating to learn how non-dancers perceive Dance and what they think is cool and interesting compared to what the average dancer does.  All of it is extremely fulfilling and is constantly challenging me in new ways, Acting, Producing, Hosting….I feel like the best of artists strive to challenge themselves and grow – and that is what I aim for.

 

JE: Besides your multiple media projects, you also participate on the staff of the NUVO Dance Convention.  When did you get started working with them? What keeps you coming back to the convention?  

IK:  I started working with them in 2007, right off of “So You Think You Can Dance”, and to be a part of the growth process of the next generation of Dancers is the truest honor and pleasure I can have as a teacher.  I am blessed to have a hand in the growth of the people that will be professional Dancers in the years to come… that’s its own kind of ‘legacy’.   To know that I inspire anyone stepping into this crazy world I live in is something that is hard to express in words.  That I have influenced even one life is mind-blowing and I am honored to have that position, cause I know how I looked up to my own teachers and to know I am now that for so many…   That I have influence on so many lives most definitely has its pressures – I can only hope that what I give helps them in their journey on to a career… in their growth too as a performer.  That is what always keeps me coming back… All the experience that I’ve had thus far – I hope helps them – my Students – to build a positive productive career in this crazy industry.

 JE: When you have the opportunity to meet with aspiring dancers, and performers, what advice do you share with them?

IK: My best advice is: Do it because you love the art, not because you love the ‘trappings’ – the lifestyle will come as long as you commit your time, energy, passion and ambition to the actual work of a Dancer and don’t have your eye on the ‘prize’… do not do it because you love the ‘Life of a Dancer’ … please only do it because you love the ART of DANCE.

That’s about as real as I can bring it.  Do not give up no matter what – the true artist fights thru the crap and the bad times and the exhaustion and finds a way back… that’s a ‘win’ even when it don’t seem it.   Finally, be your OWN person/artist/dancer, do not compare yourself to those a few steps ahead – I took the advice of so many legends in this business – but I’ve made my own path – and that’s the only way to get success and fulfillment out of it.

Always – keep yourself surrounded by great people who inspire and support you.  I feel blessed to have an incredible ‘Team’ behind me in all aspects – an incredible Family, the Homies S n B and NUVO, my Dance Agents at Bloc for sure, my Reps at Octagon Entertainment and Osbrink for taking it beyond Dance, my amazing Manager – and all the friends I’ve been so lucky to have along the way … Thank you!

To learn more about Ivan and his projects, visit Ivan’s website: http://www.ivankoumaev.com/

You can also view some of his YouTube videos from his channel, by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/ivankoumaev