Exclusive Interview with Chris Grant

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Exclusive interview with Chris Grant:

Retox Magazine: Soooo, how did you get into choreography in the first place and how did you take it so far?

Chris Grant: Honestly, I was always inspired by MJ and Janet through their movement. Growing up, I would always try my best to mimic their ways of creativity through choreography. But I began to take it more seriously when I was hired as a hip-hop instructor at a local dance studio in South Florida, which eventually led me to audition for Diddy's Making the Band on MTV. That show helped open doors to the many opportunities I am presented with today.

 

Retox Magazine: We have to have to ask you the obvious question; what was it like working with MJ towards the end of his life?

Chris Grant: Words cannot describe the feeling of being in his presence. I learned so much from Michael mentally and physically. Whether it was through dance, music, or the well-being of mankind through kindness and love, he was a true mentor to me and it was the best experience of my life.

 

Retox Magazine: You've done some pretty amazing choreography jobs - JLO, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland! Did you get to interact with any of those guys, what were they like?

Chris Grant: Yes I did. They are all very talented women who put so much love and dedication into what they do. It was truly a pleasure and a blessing to be able to work with them. JLO is very down to earth and has a strong presence and Kelly Rowland is so humble and sweet as well. When she walks into the room, you can just feel how big her heart is. The relationship I have with Beyonce is a little more deep because I have worked with her a bit longer than the others, but one thing I can say is that she reminds me so much of Michael.

 

Retox Magazine: Asides from choreography we've heard that you are also a backing dancer in demand. What’s the average backing dancing gig like? How long do you have to prepare? Is there lots of rehearsal that needs to be done? Could you walk us through the process?

Chris Grant: Constant rehearsals are always a sure thing. You also need to know everything the artist knows as well as what the dancers know. You always need to be in shape and eat right and be mentally prepared for whatever gig you are about to take on.

 

Retox Magazine: What's the best and worst part of the work you do?

Chris Grant: The best part is being able to share your talent and the LOVE of your talent with the world and people around you. The worst part is having to be away from your family and friends for such a long period of time.

 

Retox Magazine: Next logical question, you seem to be doing so well in dance, so what encouraged you to move into singing?

Chris Grant: I have always been an aspiring entertainer and performer. More so through dance than singing; but after watching my idols carry an entire stage on their own through song, I wanted so bad to possess that feeling. I wanted to one day be able to carry an entire stage by myself as well.

 

Retox Magazine: The first album you ever bought?

Chris Grant: Michael Jackson's History album.

 

Retox Magazine: What do you think would you be doing if you weren't in the music business? Got any other hidden talents or hobbies?

Chris Grant: Honestly, I really don't know. The furthest I'd go away from being an entertainer myself is probably a choreographer or taking a role in artist/group development. Helping up-n-coming artists and groups get to where they desire to be in the music industry.

 

Retox Magazine: What have you got coming up next? Where are you going musically and what’s your ultimate ambition for it all?

Chris Grant: As of now, I'm working with different producers in hopes of getting signed to a record label very soon, while on the side working on opening up my own dance school/talent agency. I would like to become a mentor to many young kids who are aspiring to be entertainers and dancers as well. My ultimate ambition, musically, is to have at least one successful album and tour of my own.

 

This is the point where we ask exciting and absurd questions. Ready?

Retox Magazine: If someone was going to write the Chris Grant theme tune, who'd do it and what would it sound like?

Chris Grant: I'd definitely get either Timbaland or Pharrell to write and produce my theme tune. And it'd be upbeat and make everyone want to dance!

 

Retox Magazine: If they made a film about your life so far, who would you want to play you?

Chris Grant: I'd get Columbus Short to play me.

 

Retox Magazine: If you were a Greek God which would you be?

Chris Grant: Hercules!

 

Retox Magazine: If you were a root vegetable, which would you be?

Chris Grant: Corn or a Carrot.

 

Retox Magazine: If you were elected President Grant of the USA, what's the first thing you'd do?

Chris Grant: If I were elected President, I'd reinstate the NASA program.

 

Retox Magazine: If you where a chef with your own restaurant chain, what would your signature dish be?

Chris Grant: My signature dish would for sure be Macaroni and Cheese.

 

Retox Magazine: If you could go forward in time 40 years and talk to your future self what question would you ask him?

Chris Grant: I would ask my future self what he would change or do different from the past 40 years. That way, I can make sure I didn't make those mistakes again.

 

Retox Magazine: If you could be given any vehicle in the world, to do what you want with and keep (anything; supercars, fighterjets, cruise liners...) which would you have and what would you do with it?

Chris Grant: I'd have my own private jet so I can fly wherever I want/need to go without having to go through the hassle of Security in airports!

 

Retox Magazine: What's the worst food you ever had, and where?

Chris Grant: Squid! It was at a local seafood restaurant in Miami.

 

Retox Magazine: What is the greatest invention created by man?

Chris Grant: Transportation.

 

Retox Magazine: Your favourite TV show?

Chris Grant: My favorite TV Show is definitely Martin.

 

Retox Magazine: What would you rather do; skydive in a parachute that required you to solve a puzzle to open it or juggle live hand grenades?

Chris Grant: -I'd juggle live hand grenades VERY carefully!

 

Retox Magazine: If you could get a hug from anybody in the world, who would you pick?

Chris Grant: Janet Jackson

 

OK, please finish the following sentences…

Retox: The three things that most annoy me are...

Chris: …when things don't go as planned, when people lie, and when I have trouble sleeping.

 

Retox: I hope that nobody ever asks me to...

Chris: …do anything to hurt someone.

 

Retox: I enjoy it when people...

Chris: …make me laugh!

 

Retox: I've never been able to...

Chris: …swim in deep ocean water due to fear.

 

Retox: It's so much fun to...

Chris: …go out and party with my closest friends and loved ones.

 

Retox: I once thought I was gonna die when...

Chris: …I got on a roller-coaster for the first time at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.

 

Exclusive interview for Retox Magazine, London UK:
interview with singer and dancer Chris Grant, managed by Chokolate Ltd.