Back in August we learned that Madonna is planning to embark on a world concert tour next year when Smirnoff Vodka announced a new dance competition contest that would allow one lucky person to join Madonna‘s dance crew and tour the world with her. In September we got to see the first promo video for the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project that kicked off the worldwide search for the lucky people who will compete for the chance to dance with Madonna. Today we learn that 11 dancers from all around the world have been chosen to compete in the finals next month where one lucky winner will be selected to join Madonna on tour. Click below to check out a promo video that features the 11 finalists and read the bios of 2 of the lucky contestants.
‘Lil buck – Born USA / Lives USA
23 year old professional dancer ‘Lil Buck (aka. Charles Riley) moved to L.A. from Memphis when he was 19 and hasn’t looked back since. Already well accomplished in the dance world, ‘Lil Buck choreographed and performed in the video for Janelle Monae’s hit single ‘Tightrope.’ He also collaborated with French-born American cellist virtuoso Yo Yo Ma in a performance piece hosted by Spike Jonze which took the internet by storm early 2011, and has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show and So You Think You Can Dance. When asked why he wants to perform for Madonna, the charismatic youngster says “I know she’s a free spirited person who loves dance and I feel she will love my art of movement”. He says he should win the dance competition because “I’m one of the BEST at what I do, I have a New Style Of Dance to bring to the table” and claims his ultimate dance experience would be touring with Madonna.
You can check out an amazing video of ‘Lil Buck performing with Yo Yo Ma HERE and you can check him out on Facebook HERE.
Maya Chino – Born Japan / Lives USA
As an established performer in Japan, having choreographed tours for Japanese artist BOA and performed on numerous others, Maya threw it all away and relocated to the States to learn a new language and new techniques. Maya had been dancing in Japan her entire life and the risk of coming to American was great, but it paid off in the end – her first big break was dancing in Gwen Stefani’s ‘Harajuku Lovers’ tour as the character Love and saw the dancer not only performing shows but also attending press interviews, appearing on TV shows and at Award ceremonies, shooting music videos and magazine photo shoots and more. Eventually Maya wants to open her own dance company and travel the world making people happy through dance. She is also very interested in dance therapy and believes dance is spiritual and sacred and could help those with mentally disabilities and special needs.
You can check out Maya‘s dance reel video HERE and check her out on Facebook HERE.
These are but 2 of the amazing dancers who have made their way thru the competition to compete for the opportunity to dance with Madonna. Smirnoff is hosting the Global Dance Party finale competition on November 12 and the 11 finalists will dance in front of Madonna and her choreographers Rich & Tone at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC, NY and ONE LUCKY WINNER will be selected to join her on tour. Will it be Maya? Will it be ‘Lil Buck? One thing we know for sure, all 11 finalists will have to BRING IT next month when they dance in head-to-head competition in front of Her Madgesty HERSELF! While I’m still a little stunned that this contest was announced and the finalists have been selected so quickly, I am very excited to find out who will win. Very soon, we will find out which lucky dancer will win the chance of a lifetime and will tour with Madonna.
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