How old were you when you started dancing?
"15yrs"
Tell us about your training. Where, who with, what styles etc?
“My dance training began while watching my older brother imitate Michael Jackson, Usher and Justin Timberlake. He would learn the steps and then I would copy the steps.
My early training came from taking classes from Vince Calingasan, Alvin de Castro, Kristy Sellars (The Space, United Stylez, Melbourne Music Academy) in the styles of Hip Hop, Jazz Funk and Lyrical Jazz. This gave me the motivation to search for more classes, taking classes in LA (Millenium Dance, Debbie Reynolds Legacy studios, Movement Lifestyle), New York (Broadway Dance Center).
To this day, I truly believe in the value of class and that regardless of age or experience there is still so much left to learn.”
What was your first professional job?
“Wow! It’s been a while since I thought about it, but my first professional dance job was performing as a ‘Slime Ninja’ at Nickelodeon in 2009.”
What has been a favourite on stage or professional moment?
“It would most definitely be when I performed in Beijing in 2012 for Chinese Pop-artist ‘Hangeng’ for a 50,000 strong audience. Not only was that an exhilarating experience, I had the opportunity to choreograph one his songs, which would later be performed all over China and win him the 2012 MTV award for BEST WORLDWIDE ACT. You can still find random fan footage from that concert too! :)”
What do you wish you had known as a young dancer that you know now as a professional, or what advice to can you give to young dancers in training?
“To my younger self... try everything! Don’t be afraid of looking silly or giving up when you couldn’t get a technique or movement to sit right. BE PATIENT; in learning and progressing in your craft and career. “
What advice would you give to dancers who want to become professional?
“For those wanting a professional career, ask questions (many, many questions) and figure out what part of the industry you want to specialise in. Whether you want to be a back-up dancer, be on cruise ships, be in musicals, there are so many different options and places for every individual. Do your research! And most importantly, never stop training.”
What does 2019 hold for you?
“My goals for this year would be to progressively push the Melbourne dance community through my classes and connecting the community and industry with my brand ‘Melbourne’s Own’. I hope to get closer to teaching more frequently overseas whilst continually pursuing performance opportunities.”
Trevor has performed as a dancer for SOLD OUT Melbourne show ‘Matador the Show’, performed for Guy Sebastian at 2019 Aus Open Kids Day. Appeared in Missy Higgins - Futon Couch as a dancer. He was Assistant Choreographer for J.Smith Productions - Sneakerfest, Aus Open 18’, 19’. He was a dancer for King of Pop Show starring TJ - performed in Phuket, New Caledonia and Choreographer/Dancer for Chinese pop-artist Hangeng (winner of 2012 MTV Best International Artist) Trevor will teaching at VDF 2019.