52 - Shawn Byfield: (Hairspray, Bojangles, Blues Brothers 2000)

Episode Summary:

Shawn Byfield, an accomplished Canadian performer, choreographer, MC, and author. With an extensive career spanning film, television, and live performances, Shawn shares his personal journey, starting from a hyperactive child to becoming a seasoned dance professional. He recounts how his passion for dance ignited after watching the legendary Gregory Hines perform tap dance on television, leading him to pursue a diverse range of dance styles and eventually transition into the professional dance world.

Shawn discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities, emphasizing how dancers should take initiative instead of waiting for their big break. He also dives into the lessons he’s learned from his experiences in the competitive dance world and how it shaped his artistic growth. 

In addition, Shawn shares insights from his latest project, You Came to Slay, a workbook designed to help dancers boost their confidence through thought-provoking questions. The episode highlights the significance of embracing feedback, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting big, meaningful goals to achieve success in the dance industry.

Show Notes:

• (00:00) - Introduction to Shawn Byfield, performer, choreographer, MC, and author

• (03:00) - Early dance journey, inspired by Gregory Hines and discovering tap

• (10:00) - Competitive dance, growing through competitions and learning

• (12:30) - Going professional, deciding to pursue dance full-time

• (17:30) - Performing highlights, roles in Hairspray and Pixels

• (25:00) - Choreography career, winning a Dora Award for I Think I Can

• (30:00) - Becoming an MC, transitioning to MCing and energizing audiences

• (35:00) - You Came to Slay, a workbook to boost dancer confidence

• (42:00) - How to handle and grow from feedback

• (47:00) - Advice for multifaceted dancers, exploring different dance paths

• (52:00) - Overcoming imposter syndrome, staying true to passions

• (57:00) - The power of setting big career goals

• (01:02:00) - Final thoughts, building a sustainable and successful dance career

Biography:

Shawn Byfield, Canada's Favourite Emcee, Entertainment Coach, and Distinguished Award Recipient, and performer has left an indelible mark on the Canadian entertainment industry.

As an acclaimed performer, Shawn's credits include memorable appearances in films like "COBU 3D" (2012), "Turn The Beat Around," "HAIRSPRAY," and "Blues Brothers 2000," showcasing his captivating on-screen presence. He has also graced the stage in productions such as "Taal," "Bojangles," "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen," "The Music Man," and "The Ladies Man," further solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.

Shawn's talents extend beyond the screen and stage, as he has lent his charisma to TV commercials for brands like Dentyne, Best Buy, The Bay, Got Milk, Rogers Video, McDonald's, Molson Canadian, and Joe Fresh, becoming a sought-after talent in the advertising world.

Shawn has been featured in esteemed publications such as the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, Now Magazine, Eye Weekly, Toronto Sun, and Canadian Living Magazine, offering valuable insights into the entertainment industry.

In addition to his media presence, Shawn's engaging personality and wealth of knowledge have made him a frequent guest on popular television networks, including SLICE Network, Much Music, CBC's The National, Rogers TV, and Breakfast Television.

His accomplishments include prestigious awards such as