INTRO BY JENNIFER CHEN
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN MCQUAID
Meet Kristin McQuaid, the talented and accomplished dancer that has most likely choreographed some of your favourite dances. She has been dancing and choreographing for 15 years, with projects spanning from choreographing for So You Think You Can Dance and Dance Moms to appearing in music videos for big stars such as Cyndi Lauper, Britney Spears, Prince, and many more.
This love for dance began when she was just 11 years old and choreographing dances in her driveway, which eventually led to settling in Southern California, where her career truly took off. This started with her full-length professional sold-out show called Choosing Sin in LA, then McQuaid went on to win the choreographer’s TV show called Make A Move, and even more features in the Capezio A.C.E awards and TV commercials.
Kristin McQuaid’s dynamic love for her passions has entertained and inspired many, and as she branches out into designing her own clothing line (KraZe By Kristin) she will inspire many more.
When was the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a choreographer?
KRISTIN: "I think growing up in the dance studio I always knew I wanted to get into choreography. I would always be choreographing dances for fun and then one day I started to get recognition for my work. From that moment on I knew I had a career in the choreography world."
Do you think the way you grew up influenced your decision to be a choreographer at all?
KRISTIN: "Oh for sure! I was practically raised in a dance studio and lived at the studio 6 days a week! I lived for dance. I had the best mentor and still do to this day. Michelle Latimer broadened my experiences in the professional world of dance at a young age. You don’t get that at most studios, so I was very lucky and have her to thank for the career I have today."
You have appeared in music videos and live performances with major artists like Prince, Britney Spears, and Cyndi Lauper. What was it like working with these artists?
KRISTIN: "These were once in a life time opportunities! I remember each of those days so clearly. First off, Britney is so nice! I love her! Even though her and I are the same age she has always been someone I looked up to. Prince was Prince, ha! Very driven and serious on set. He was never one to joke around with anyone. Cyndi is such a sweetheart! My favorite song to date is “Time after Time” and when I found out I was working with her I fangirled just a tad."
Of all the dances that you have choreographed, which sticks out to you the most and why?
KRISTIN: "I would have to say it would be one of my group submissions for 'So You Think You Can Dance'. The dancers were in black and white checkers morph suits and there was a long couch that had the same matching fabric on it. It was so visually appealing and that dance is when my career really took off. I was called by Cirque Du Soleil in regards to the piece, mind-blowing."
If you could create a dance for anybody, who would it be and why?
KRISTIN: "Wow! Thats a tough question. I would have to say Ellie Goulding. I am obsessed with her music. There is something behind Elle’s voice that is so captivating and heart wrenching. Its as though you are experiencing the stories and experiences with her. She is on the bucket list as someone I would love to work with!"
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN MCQUAID
You also designed your own clothing line called KraZe by Kristin. What made you want to start your own line?
KRISTIN: "I have a very unique style. I never match, I love to wear loud colors, and make a statement. I have always been asked “Where do you shop?” “Who designed your look?” The answer is always me! So I thought what better way to express my style than with a clothing line! More clothes will be coming out soon! krazebykristin.com."
Is there anything new that you are working on that you can share with us?
KRISTIN: "I have a lot going on right now. Some on which I can’t mention just yet, so you will have to wait and keep up with my social media accounts! I do travel with a dance convention, Hollywood Connection (hcdance.com), so if you are ever in a city where we attend please come take class and say hello! You can expect more Grace VanderWaal [inspired] videos, definitely more with Nia Sioux, and other great stuff!"