Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Rodriguez.
Rene, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in Miami, I found passion for the arts at a young age. I originally was a musician, I played the clarinet in my middle and high school wind orchestra. Around the age of 15, I began finding interest in dance. Doing talent shows and musical theatre, I began to choreograph. Fast forward a few years, I graduated and decided to pursue a career in dance & choreography.
After attending Miami Dade College & The Thomas Armour Youth Ballet Conservatory, I stepped out into the professional dance world. For the first few years, I began teaching dance at local dance studios & public schools. At the age of 21, I began working in nightclubs like Mansion, Space, and Set as a Robot. The nightlife industry taught me what these top venues look for in dancers & costuming. This is where the idea of Spectacle Entertainment began. A company producing high-end entertainment for events, venues, festivals, and music videos.
In 2014, I was contacted by Zack Bush a partner of Ball & Chain and the Madroom Hospitality Group. The Ball & Chain was opening and needed dancers, this was the perfect opportunity for me to build entertainment at a local venue. I am currently the Production Director for the brand. My role includes Dancing, Choreographing Productions, Designing Costuming, as well as other artistic responsibilities.
In the past few years, I’ve reached certain milestones in my career. I produced costuming for Pitbull’s, Camilla Cabello, & J Balvin’s “HEY MA” Music Video. I was a featured dancer in Cardi B’s, Bad Bunny, & J Balvin’s “I like it Music Video”. In 2017, I was the featured Skyline Dancer at the Iconic Intercontinental Miami. Featured in Most Expensivest with two chains on Vice. Spectacle Entertainment Dancers were featured in the kick off Pepsi event for the Miami Super Bowl.
In 2017, I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening up my own dance studio. Miami Movement Company ” A dance Studio for everyone”. Our studio offers a safe space for kids to learn and develop their dancing abilities as well as confidence and social skills. MMC also offers affordable dance classes for adults of all ages to pursue dance. On any given day, you will find The MMC dance Team or Spectacle Entertainment Dancers rehearsing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Dance as a career is not an easy path. Growing up, I didn’t receive any support from my parents to dance. In a Cuban household of immigrants, this is not a career that’s favored.
In addition to this, The Dance World is very competitive. It takes a very strong person to overcome the obstacles.
During the Corona Pandemic, I find myself worried about the future of my business. The Dance Studio and Entertainment Company depend on the public to survive.
Please tell us about Spectacle Entertainment Co. & Miami Movement Co.
Spectacle Entertainment is a unique company because we create every detail of the performance. Other companies in the business will just dress a dancer up and send them out to dance events with no real direction. We train our dancers with a unique style of performance as well as choreograph the shows. Our costuming is creative and unique- Adding elements of makeup and hair unique to our brand.
Miami Movement Company is a special dance studio. We are inclusive and welcoming to all levels of experience and talent. We offer a space for other artists and dancers can rehearse or create.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I believe that all of the obstacles and hardships have built my knowledge of this business and industry. Dance is one of those things you have to experience to really understand.
Pricing:
- Booking a dancer for an event by Spectacle can Range between $200-$300
- A dance class at Miami Movement $15
Contact Info:
- Address: 2222 SW 8th St
- Phone: 786-326-5735
- Email: spectacle.entertainment@gmail.com
- Instagram: @spectacle_entertainment
Image Credit:
Sean Pozin, and Phil Nice Creative.
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