77 - Alex Wong: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, SYTYCD, Broadway, Miami City Ballet

Interview date: February 9, 2025

Episode summary:

Alex Wong, a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and social media influencer with over 4 million followers. From his early training in Vancouver to becoming a principal dancer at Miami City Ballet, Alex’s journey spans ballet, Broadway, commercial dance, and TV/film work. He opens up about his time on So You Think You Can Dance, his transition into commercial dance, overcoming injuries, and leveraging social media to grow his career. Alex shares valuable insights on making career decisions, staying happy in a competitive industry, and embracing the variety of opportunities that come with being a versatile artist.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) – Introduction to Alex Wong’s Multifaceted Dance Career

Menina introduces Alex Wong, highlighting his remarkable journey from ballet to commercial dance, Broadway, and social media stardom.

• (2:30) – Early Training and Transition to Ballet

Alex discusses his start in dance, from jazz and tap to the rigorous world of ballet.

• (6:00) – Joining So You Think You Can Dance and the Shift to Commercial Dance

Alex reflects on his decision to audition for So You Think You Can Dance, the challenges he faced, and the realization that commercial dance was the path he wanted to take.

• (9:00) – The Struggles of Injury: Overcoming Achilles Tendon Tears

Alex shares the impact of two Achilles injuries on his career, how he used the time to explore other creative outlets, and his determination to return to dance.

• (13:30) – Broadway Debut and Transition into Film and TV Work

From Newsies on Broadway to working with artists like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, Alex discusses his experiences in the world of Broadway and commercial entertainment.

• (18:00) – Building a Social Media Empire: Over 4 Million Followers

Alex talks about his rise as a social media influencer, how he grew his following, and the opportunities for brand collaborations with major companies like Amazon and Google.

• (22:00) – Navigating a Diverse Career: Dance, Acting, and Influencing

Alex shares his thoughts on juggling multiple career paths, staying balanced, and making time for what truly brings him joy, both professionally and personally.

• (26:00) – Making Career Decisions: Listening to Intuition and Avoiding Regret

Alex explains how he makes decisions about which jobs to take, using his gut feeling and the fear of missing out (FOMO) as his guide.

• (30:00) – Advice for Aspiring Dancers: Embrace Variety and Keep Learning

Alex offers advice to young dancers on diversifying their skills, staying humble, and understanding the importance of ongoing training and professional growth.

• (35:00) – Reflecting on Career Milestones: Proud Moments and Takeaways

Alex reflects on the milestones of his career, including his favorite performances, challenges faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

• (40:00) – Looking Forward: Future Goals and Career Aspirations

Alex shares what lies ahead for him in the dance world, including future projects and his thoughts on touring with major artists or taking on new creative ventures.

• (45:00) – Final Thoughts: Finding Happiness and Fulfillment in Your Career

Menina and Alex wrap up the episode, discussing the importance of staying true to oneself, finding happiness in the work, and how to maintain a sense of fulfillment in an ever-changing career.

• (50:00) – Q&A with Business of Dance Mentees: Advice and Inspiration

Alex answers questions from Business of Dance mentees, sharing valuable advice on technical training, artistic development, and building a career in dance and entertainment.

• (55:00) – Closing Remarks: Embracing the Journey and Enjoying the Ride

Menina closes the episode with final words of encouragement for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of loving the craft and staying adaptable in the pursuit of success.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/alexdwong

.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}