Combining style, charisma, and a sharp sense of humor, Kevin Maher is one of the most sought-after choreographers and teachers in the industry. Not only is he a huge inspiration to a new generation of dancers, but he also brings a fresh approach to everything he touches.

“I wasn’t a natural-born dancer; I had to work really hard at it,” Kevin tell us. “I’m living proof that even if you weren’t born with it, you can still be anything you want to be.”

This story is not your typical “I knew I was going to dance the day I was born” tale. Kevin decided after years of contemplation that he was going to pursue a career in dance, a decision that in turn would lead to a successful career as a top choreographer. In between rehearsing with the New Kids On The Block and Britney Spears, Kevin had the time to talk one-on-one and convey what it took to get him to where he is today.

What first inspired you to want to be on stage?
I grew up in a suburb of California, so my first introduction to dance was growing up watching my brother, who was part of a breakin’ crew. On the flipside, both of my sisters were really into Madonna. I was exposed to different elements of dance and music and took an interest in dance when I was about 18 or 19. From there, I enrolled myself in a community-college jazz class to explore it for myself.

Did you go straight into the dance world after that?
Not really. It took some time for me to figure things out. I moved to New York for a change and a new beginning and had no idea it would be there that I would begin dancing professionally. I just went for an adventure! My biggest moment as a dancer came when I did the MTV VMAs with Missy Elliot. At that time, she was the ultimate artist to dance for, and I nearly had an out-of-body experience while I was on that stage.

After your successful dance career, what made you decide to get into teaching and choreography?
After doing a bunch of dance gigs, I was approached and asked to teach my own dance class. I became a teacher before I moved into choreography in order to really explore who I was as a creator and then grow into a choreographer. I’ve always had a strong leadership quality, and I wanted to break the mold of being “just a dancer.” By being a teacher, I learned how to create choreography that was marketable and versatile.

Was the transition from the dance world to the choreography world a big shift?
It took a lot of sacrifice. I gave up dance jobs completely for a period of about a year so that the industry knew how serious I was about moving forward. I wanted to express all of my talents and put them out there rather than just dance behind an artist. I knew that there was more for me.

How did you develop your style?
I began to study the legends who were pioneers of dance, like Bob Fosse and Toni Basil. People now use their own inspiration for their knowledge, and that’s simply not enough. You have to study and watch the legends. You have to do your homework. I find more inspiration from the history of dance than from its future.

Who would be your dream artist to work with?
Gwen Stefani. I admire her authenticity, eclectic style, and the fact that she has no boundaries. She is unpredictable, whereas most other artists are already defined. I like that she doesn’t put herself in a box.

What do you consider the components of success?
Humility, perseverance, confidence, courage, and patience.

What’s currently bumping on your iPod?
This great artist named Auburn. I also love The Black Keys New album, and I’m always playing Trish. She’s amazing.

What are you inspired by?
Architecture, city life, dreams, extreme nature, and my family.

What legacy would you like to leave in the dance world?
Being anybody’s inspiration is really all that it’s about. And living every day to its fullest. I also want to put my stamp on a kick-ass dance studio where everyone is having a good time and getting a great education in movement, music, and emotion.

If you were to give advice to a young kid trying to build a career like yours, what would you say?
When you’re young, you’re spending so much time trying to figure out who you are. You can forget that there’s only one YOU, and you have to remember that, because that will allow you to achieve your dreams.