It is not often that we get the chance to interview a young dancer who has danced with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Nelly Furtado, Debbie Allen, Ciara and film director Chris Columbus, to name a few. 　

Nancy:　 Do I detect a little bit of a French accent?　

Sébastien:　 Yes, I am originally from Corgémont, Switzerland, a small town of 1,500 inhabitants.　 I came to Los Angeles through AFS, a Foreign Exchange Program when I was 16.　 I wanted to study English and the American culture.　 Soon after my arrival, I enrolled in the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).　 　

Nancy:　 When did you figure out you wanted to be a professional dancer?　

Sébastien:　 I was always around dance because my mom owns a dance studio in Switzerland. I started dancing with her at six, and then entered a national teen company in a much bigger city. But it’s only when I started training at DADA with a real intensive program that I realized what an amazing opportunity I had. I studied hard to get the necessary skills to work in this business.　

Nancy:　 Weren’t you frightened to come to LA by yourself, not knowing anyone?　

Sébastien:　 No, I wasn’t scared because I really came to America for one year to study and learn English. I lived with a host family. I didn’t know then, that I would still be here today, five and a half years later.　

Nancy:　 Now for the big question.　 How did you land a job with Beyoncé?　

Sébastien:　 A friend and mentor of mine, Matthew Dickens, told me about a great Jazz class in the valley taught by the late Claude Thompson, best known for choreographing the movie Color Purple and Finian’s Rainbow and also for his work with Elvis, behind and in front of the camera. We went to his class. Also taking the class was Frank Gatson Jr., choreographer for En Vogue, Toni Braxton, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé and many more.　Matthew told me right away to remove the bandana from my head so that Frank can see me. I listened. What I didn’t know was that Frank was doing a nation-wide search for male dancers to tour and work with Destiny’s Child. After class, he told Matthew that he wanted to see me again. A few weeks later I auditioned for him and booked it.　

Nancy:　 Since you are now an experienced, successful dancer, what advice do you have for dancers just starting out?　

Sébastien:　 Take as many classes as you can.　 Take different styles of dance so you can have a wider range under your belt.　 Also, by taking classes you get to meet a lot of choreographers who work in the business. Always give your all…you never know what might happen.　You also need a dance agent.　 Some of the biggest agencies are McDonald, Selznick & Associates (MSA) who represents me, Bloc, DDO and CTG.　 A good way to find an agent is to go on their websites and see when they are having an open audition or how you can contact them to meet.　 They might ask you to send them a tape or they might ask you to come to an audition/class so they can see you. An agent is really important. They’re the ones who will schedule you for auditions and will negotiate contracts/deals for your best interest!　

Nancy:　 Besides being talented with the right look, what else can a person do to get the job or an agent?　

Sébastien:　 They should also take acting classes and singing lessons. It will only add to their skills and expand their chances of booking a/more job(s).　　

Nancy:　 What is your dream job?　

Sébastien:　 To dance and tour with Michael Jackson…he is the best.

Nancy:　 Can we get personal?　

Sébastien:　 Oh, how personal?　

Nancy:　 Do you have someone special?　

Sébastien:　 Not right now but, if it happens, great.　 Show business is so demanding…we must be extremely focused and it’s hard to have relationships outside of this business.　 I need to build a foundation first then I will be looking for that special someone.　

Nancy:　 I understand that you have worked in the NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood?　

Sébastien:　 Yes, I really like the energy in the NoHo Arts District.　Being part of an up-and-coming, independent production company, JuneBug Productions (who sponsored me with my working visa), I performed and co-produced a variety show at the Hub Theatre called “Sunday Night at Kirby’s.” We also taped it, packaged it as a 30-minute show for television and are now shopping it.　

Nancy:　 Don’t you also have movie credits?　

Sébastien:　 Yes, I worked as skeleton crew and then was cast as one of the Bohemians in the movie version of “Rent” directed by Chris Columbus and choreographed by Keith Young. I also assisted Matthew Dickens on “The Aviator” directed by Martin Scorsese.　

Nancy:　 One last piece of advice to aspiring dancers?　

Sébastien:　As Frank Gatson Jr. would say, “Don’t ever let ANYONE discourage you, or say that you’re not good enough.” Just live your passion and dreams!