By Josie Goldberg
Avalon Theatre Hollywood 11/20/2024
Just when you think that there is no light at the end of the tunnel, Entertainment makes a BOOM in your life, and you think to yourself “Am I confused, and opportunities are everywhere? Why do I let my mind play tricks on me?” I was fortunate to cover the 2024 World Choreography Awards on November 17 in Hollywood, CA. I was invited by Manos PR which does the Publicity for many prominent industry events. I was given a Media Tip Sheet to prepare, and I was excited to see some of the top choreographers in dance as well as many prominent dancers that we see regularly on TV. There was a surprise guest that I have been dying to meet since 2010! I almost jumped out of my seat when he presented an award.
The annual World Choreography Awards are known as the “Oscars of Dance” and celebrate the world’s best media choreography in dance. Founder and Producer Allen Walls explained that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the very best dance content in the world on stage for one night only.
I was invited to sit with Maria Cina, who I was introduced to by her lovely Sicilian stepmother. Maria Cina is an accomplished dancer who started her career at age 14, dancing for Rick James in his punk funk fashion shows, Prince (Diamonds and Pearls) campaign, Reba McEntire, Barry White and many more iconic performers. Today, Maria is a professional actor and a creative. I asked her what advice she gives to young dancers trying to break into the industry – You will be surprised what advice she gives!
The Hollywood Times got an incredible interview with dancers from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Armen Way, Elena Krifuks and Kateryn Klishyna. Armen was very charming and had a good sense of humor and I must say the ladies were very politically correct. I asked about the controversial dancer Artem Chigvintsev and his alleged physical abuse towards his spouse Nikki Garcia (Reality Star and Professional Wrestler). Don’t miss the exclusive they gave to “The Hollywood Times”!
The celebrity/icon that made me jump out of my seat was the presenter of the first award. It was David LaChapelle. LaChapelle is known for his commercial fashion, and portraits of A-List celebs and super models worldwide. He became one of the most well-known photographers in the world. When I was a Playboy model and building my brand “Spoiled and Entitled”, I was dying to meet or work with David. His creativity is genius. He has a surreal and vibrant vision, and I knew if he shot my brand, it would be exceptional. I’ve been manifesting to meet David, and then Boom! He was right in front of my eyes 14 years later. I’m not saying he will work with me, but the fact that I had a chance to introduce myself and tell him my story and what I am about, perhaps we will work together when my brand takes off. That’s all I ever asked for in this industry. The truth is… it’s almost impossible to meet the ones who make the decisions. No matter what executives, artists, or people of influence I interview, they all say the same thing – “As an artist, one has to study hard, develop one’s craft, work hard, and practice patience.”
My brand is “Only Josie Knows” and listening to people’s advice has always been difficult for me. I’m a maverick because I have never taken the traditional route, my brain is wired differently. It’s not that I don’t want to follow industry protocol, or I’m uncontrollable. It’s that if you caught the “Hollywood Bug” you want to move forward fast because you don’t want an opportunity to pass you by. Especially since great opportunities are few and far between. Through my life journey and through working in different areas in the entertainment industry, I learned that whatever God or “The Universe” has in store for you, it will always present itself in Divine timing. If not, it was never meant to be.
I am taking my own advice, but I will still try to uncover how to move forward as entertainers and provide all of your potential new tools to move to the top just a little faster!
