Full Transparency: Tia Rivera on Teaching Beyoncé and Breaking Barriers
Full Transparency: Tia Rivera on Teaching Beyoncé and Breaking Barriers
Blog Article
Full Transparency with Donni Wiggins: A Conversation with Choreographer Tia Rivera
In a recent episode of "Full Transparency with Donni," host Donni Wiggins sat down with Tia Rivera, a renowned choreographer and entrepreneur. The discussion delved into Rivera's journey from a high school dancer to choreographing for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Beyoncé.
Early Beginnings
Tia Rivera's journey began in her senior year of high school. Growing up in a traditional Latina household, she initially planned to pursue a career in psychology with a minor in dance. However, her passion for dance quickly took over when she joined a dance team and began taking classes. This newfound passion led her to a pivotal decision: continue with college or seize an unexpected opportunity to join a Michael Jackson tribute tour. Supported by her family, Rivera chose the latter, marking the beginning of her professional dance career.
Breaking into the Industry
Rivera's first major break came when she was signed to a dance agency shortly after starting college. Her talent soon caught the attention of major artists, leading to her first collaboration with Beyoncé on the "Run the World" music video. This opportunity prompted her to move from New York to Los Angeles at the age of 22 to further her career. By 2016, Rivera transitioned from dancing to choreography, having achieved her goals as a dancer.
Working with Beyoncé
One of the highlights of Rivera's career has been her work with Beyoncé. She first collaborated with the superstar on a Dubai performance, followed by the "Be Alive" performance for the Grammys. These successful projects led to her involvement in choreographing Beyoncé's Renaissance tour. Rivera described the experience as surreal, particularly when she found herself teaching Beyoncé the choreography for "Naughty Girl," a song she grew up listening to.
The Power of Social Media
Rivera emphasized the transformative power of social media in the dance industry. Platforms like Instagram have made it easier for dancers to showcase their talent and be discovered. She recounted how one dancer, Trinity, was discovered on social media and ended up performing with Beyoncé on tour. Rivera highlighted how artists now often look at dancers' social media profiles to get a sense of their personality and versatility.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her success, Rivera acknowledged the challenges of the dance industry, describing it as both cutthroat and competitive. She praised the confidence and determination required to succeed, noting that many dancers struggle with self-doubt. Rivera herself experienced moments of doubt but emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
Teaching and Mentoring
In addition to her choreography work, Rivera is passionate about teaching and mentoring aspiring dancers. She recounted an experience teaching a dance class in Atlanta, where she helped participants step out of their comfort zones. Rivera expressed joy in seeing her students, including non-professional dancers like Donni Wiggins and her friend Maya, embrace the challenge and have fun.
Looking Ahead
When asked about her future plans, Rivera expressed a desire to continue expanding her creative horizons. While she may not know exactly what's next, she is confident that her journey in the dance industry is far from over. Rivera aims to stretch her capacity and explore here new opportunities, both as a choreographer and an entrepreneur.
Conclusion
Tia Rivera's conversation with Donni Wiggins provided an inspiring look into the life of a successful choreographer who has broken barriers and achieved her dreams through hard work and determination. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative impact of social media in today's entertainment industry.