39 - Sheldon Robins: Self-Taught Street Dancer with Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Michael Jackson to Entertainment Mogul with a Masters Degree

Episode Summary:  Host Menina Fortunato interviews the multifaceted Sheldon Robins, whose extensive career encompasses film directing, producing, acting, and dancing. Sheldon begins by recounting his early days in New York, where he immersed himself in block parties and street dancing. This involvement led to his first significant break with LL Cool J and eventually prompted his move to Los Angeles.  A pivotal moment in his career was auditioning for the Reebok City Jam series, where he was selected as a lead dancer. This opportunity not only allowed him to travel the world and learn Italian but also opened doors to modeling, choreography, and acting roles in productions like "Murder 101" and "Follow Me." Discussing his influences, Sheldon cites LL Cool J, T Roy, and Big Daddy Kane, and highlights his involvement with the mop top crew, which significantly impacted the hip-hop dance scene. He shares the importance of relationships and networking, sharing stories about discovering new talent and the value of a strong work ethic. Concluding with life lessons, He recounts having a show idea stolen, reinforcing the critical need for legal safeguards for creative work. He urges dancers to see themselves as brands, develop a strong online presence, and understand the business side of dance to stand out in a competitive industry. Show Notes: (0:03) Sheldon´s Early Career and Background (7:39) Breakthrough with Reebok City Jam (9:27) Influences and Mentors (15:37) Favorite Jobs and Challenges (18:30) Transitioning from Dance to Acting (18:44) Life Lessons and Advice (19:01) Q&A Session with Mentees (34:27) Motivation and Hustle (36:27) Transitioning from Dance to Other Fields (41:11) Professionalism and Industry Insights (45:22) Final Advice and Encouragement (47:13) Closing Remarks and Q&A Biography: Named after Saints, Sheldon Robins aka Sir Francis Michael is an award-winning producer, writer, and director with over twenty-two years of extensive worldwide entertainment experience. As a trusted leader in the Upper Lav family, he has dedicated over 25 years to the entertainment industry, excelling in stage, film, and television. Renowned as a film director, screenwriter, and producer, his works are characterized by uplifting storylines, controversial subject matter, and a celebration of life's triumphs. He is often hailed as a "writer's storyteller" due to his stylistic use of multiple ethnicities, infusion of music and dance, and profound exploration of diverse themes that bridge opposing cultures. During his professional dance career, he worked with Michael Jackson on the “History” Album promo commercial, toured with Mariah Carey, danced with Will Smith: Men in Black, Jiggy with It music video & Wild Wild West on the MTV Movie Awards with Dru Hill, appeared on Janet Jackson’s “Someone to call my Lover” music video, choreographed and danced for Genuwine and was a dancer for “Soul Train” Leading the creative team, he also oversees the television licensing teams in creating content for augmented reality, social media platforms, and emerging digital arenas. His latest creation, "Follow Me," is a docu-series that chronicles the development of teen influencers with a cumulative fan base of over 30 million people. He was executive producer for Universal Dance Awards at Universal Studios Hollywood, and produced several music videos at Paramount Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood with influencers such as Kylie Cantrall, Dani Cohn, Lexee Smith, Tessa Brooks to name a few. Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/sirfrancismichael https://www.facebook.com/shellfrobins