32 - Melena Rounis: "Dancing with Cirque du Soleil: MJ Immortal Tour & Beatles Love"

Episode Summary:  Melena Rounis provides a comprehensive overview of her journey in the dance industry, from overcoming early challenges to achieving notable success on renowned stages like Cirque du Soleil. Starting her dance career later than most and facing initial setbacks including familial pressure to pursue a conventional university degree, Melena’s resilience shines through as she navigates the complexities of the US immigration system to follow her passion. Melena shares candid insights into the audition process for high-profile gigs, particularly her experience with Cirque du Soleil, where she utilized her unique contortion skills to stand out, despite not being formally trained in that area. Her career milestones include not only performing but also choreographing for major productions, where she emphasizes the significance of collaboration, kindness, and professional connections. Further discussion covers Melena’s choreographic work, including her contributions to TV shows and her proactive approach to auditions for platforms like America's Got Talent. She provides strategic advice for dancers looking to make their mark in places like Los Angeles, emphasizing perseverance, resilience, and the necessity of being versatile and well-rounded in their craft. Show Notes: (0:00) Dance industry insights with a special guest. (2:06) Dance career struggles and immigration challenges. (7:32) Dance auditions and highlights of career, including Beatles love show and Cirque du Soleil. (13:18) Career highlights and choreography experiences with a focus on collaboration and kindness. (15:59) The importance of kindness and connections in the dance industry. (20:33) Choreographing for TV shows and auditioning for America's Got Talent. (24:37) Choreography and auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. (30:42) Adapting to the fast-paced dance industry in LA. (35:16) Dance industry, perseverance, and career paths. (42:32) Believing in oneself and overcoming negative voices in the dance industry. Biography: Melena Rounis is a versatile choreographer, associate director, and performer who has been sharing her passion and knowledge of all things dance over the course of her 20+ year career. She has worked extensively in film, television, live performances and shows, striving to push the creative boundaries and developing emotionally driven and often high-tech content.  Melena was nominated for a 2022 Leo Award for her largest body of work as a Choreographer on Netflix’s 'A Week Away' the Musical. Other choreographic endeavors include Associate Directing and Choreographing two tours for Sesame Street Live! (‘Let’s Party' and ‘Make Your Magic’), as well as cutting edge research and development projects for Walt Disney Imagineering. She has put her touch on a plethora of film and television shows including the opening title sequence for HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker’, and for other notable brands such as Dancing with The Stars, Comedy Central, Honda, Kmart, Christian Louboutin, AIDS Health Foundation and Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park. As a performer, some of her live and reality tv show credits include Cirque du Soleil (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour and in Las Vegas at The Beatles LOVE), America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Next Top Model, Latin American Music Awards, as well as MusiCares with Sir Paul McCartney, and various other artists like Pitbull, Maluma, French Montana & Daddy Yankee to name a few. She has taught and adjudicated extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Australia and Mexico, doing everything from large scale conventions to summer intensives, guest master classes, choreography and private sessions. Her expansive teaching vocabulary includes Street Jazz/Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, Locking, House, Jazz, Musical Theater, Heels, Lyrical and Pilates. Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/melenadance https://www.facebook.com/melenadance/ Webpage http://www.melenarounis.com/