Alek Palinski, internationally-recognized choreographer and dancer, chatted about his latest endeavors, and being a part of the digital age.
As a dancer himself, he has performed on stage with such megastars as Celine Dion, Jessie J, Kehlani, Karol G, Finneas, Dita Von Teese, G Eazy, and Christian Louboutin.
He appeared on such television shows as “So You Think You Can Dance” in Poland (Top 3 male performers), “X Factor,” NBC’s “The Voice,” “The Talk,” and he has worked with several brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Lee Jeans, Jockey and Desperados.
Performing for global music stars
“Working with all of these artists was so great. This was something I never imagined, especially coming from Poland,” he said. “As I progressed with my career, I was performing for bigger and bigger names, and when I came to America, a world of new possibilities opened up for me. Los Angeles is the mecca for dancers and performers.”
“Performing for Celine Dion was so great, and it pushed me to continue trying,” he added.
His passion, however, always resonated within the creative aspect of dance – with choreography and creative direction being his biggest loves.
Born and raised in Poland, Palinski received dance training in a variety of styles from ballroom, jazz, street jazz, to hip hop and contemporary, which all helped shape his distinct choreography today.
Alek Palinski: A diverse artist
“Ever since I first started my training, I always strived to be a versatile artist,” he admitted. “I wanted to be proficient not only in my favorite dance style, but in all of them. It’s like being able to speak many languages and having an immense vocabulary. This helps you communicate with more people,” he said.
“With a broad skill set you can be a chameleon. This way, you can be an asset to more productions, and a vessel for more artistic and creative ideas,” he added.
Motivations
Regarding his daily motivations as a choreographer, he said, “I’ve always loved dancing in a social setting, especially when I was younger growing up in Poland. Back then, I couldn’t see it as a job because the industry there is so much smaller.”
The digital age
On being a choreographer in the digital age, he said, “There are more opportunities these days thanks to social media, Instagram, and YouTube. In the entertainment industry, there are still a lot of shows and tours.”
“This makes it easier to get recognized for your talent, and the digital age makes things more accessible. Your social media pages have become your resume and your portfolio these pages, so casting directors look at that these days,” he said.
Advice for young and aspiring dancers
For young and aspiring dancers and choreographers, he said, “Definitely don’t stop. Keep going, it takes a long time and a lot of consistently because there is so competition in this industry.”
“If you are consistent, there is a place for everybody. Don’t give up, and identify what makes you stands out and what makes you unique,” he added.
Biggest challenges in his career
He shared some of his greatest challenges in his career. “Joining Karol G’s ‘Strip Love Tour’ was possibly one of the biggest challenges in my career thus far,” he admitted. “I had to learn 10 dance numbers in a day, rehearse them at the venue’s locker room, and perform on stage in front of 15 thousand people that night.
“Skydiving gave me less adrenaline than this,” he exclaimed.
Future plans
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Palinski said, “Renaissance.” “I’ve been in the United States for seven years, and this is the place where I see myself for the foreseeable future, and hopefully, the rest of my life.”
“I want to pursue more choreography, creative direction, and possibly acting,” he foreshadowed.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Palinski said, “Being fulfilled in all aspects of life: in your career, staying motivated, and not burning out. If you go through a career and you don’t burn out, then you are very successful.”
“Also, for me, success is continuous growth. I always want to look for more, I never want to settle, and I never get complacent even if I have a great job. If I continue expanding in my whole life, then that’s a success,” he added.
To learn more about choreographer and dancer Alek Palinski, follow him on Instagram.
