Mateo Magazine:  You’ve worked with many prominent celebrity artists (choreographers & singers), what keeps you inspired & producing fresh work every time?

Kevin Wilson: I think my love of dance, music, art, fashion, technology and anything creative keeps me pushing to stay fresh.  Also, when we work with singers and other choreographers the collaboration is very inspiring.  The ebb and flow of a "team” of creative people working together, allows for one idea to spawn the development of multiple ideas.  As artists, I believe some of our best work comes from working together and combining our individual creative voices and ideas.

Marcel Wilson: Working on a project and being able to experience the process of conception to manifestation is completely inspiring. When a simple idea moves from a sketch or drawing then into movement, and finally into a complete piece on television, stage or the big screen it is so rewarding.  When we get mail or speak with someone that says our piece moved them and touched them in a life-changing way or they simply enjoyed it, which is what we are inspired by.  Especially, when it is a non-dancer that connects with a piece and the steps don't matter but the pure emotion we are trying to convey is understood.


How often do you both (Kevin & Marcel) work together? And what is your recipe to ensure you work smoothly & efficiently together? Is it hard at times?

KW: We try to work together as much as possible.  As dancers, we were able to travel the world and experience one of our dreams together.  The "All For You" Tour with Janet Jackson, was a really special time for us because we were able to work together, travel together, and our parents able to see us share the stage as one.  As choreographers, we work together well but are just as efficient separately.  We have a great team of assistants that work with us when we have to separate they are a great support system.  The busier Marcel and I get, we find ourselves having to work separately on multiple jobs.

MW:One thing we try to always do is discuss the overall vision and creative development of a job. If we have multiple jobs and have to separate, we discuss the amount of dancers, flow of the show, choreography concepts, and other important details.  When it comes to rehearsals, we will bring an assistant to be another set of eyes and voice on the project.  It can be hard not to work together but we completely trust each other to get the job done well.  We do have moments of disagreement but we have great communication and the floor is always open for trying new ways and exploring new ideas.


What would you credit for your rise to the top with booking reputable gigs and working with celebrity artists, prime time shows and all your other successes around it?

MW: Our reputation is very important to us.  We realized at a very early age that a professional attitude and dedicated work ethic goes a long way.  It is so easy to get sucked into a negative, judgmental mind frame when you see others career moving quicker than yours or they booking the jobs you wish you could.  We have always tried to use our failures as motivation to become better and work harder.  The time and energy one spends on worrying about other peoples success, takes time away from your working on your own success.  

KW: I think our dedication to studying various styles of dance gave us a wide range of choreographers, artists, and directors we could work with.  I never allowed my job to determine my value or status in the entertainment industry.  I realized I could be working on the highest-paying world tour at one moment and doing a free job the next. Also, I have always been really positive.  When I step on set, I always try to remain a team player and not create drama because that is the first way to get a bad reputation is if you are difficult to work with.


Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? What other goals & aspirations do you have?  Do you have plans to continue to work together or separately?

KW: I see us directing films, stage and TV shows.  We would love to create work for young, upcoming artists and continue to show the importance of the arts.  I aspire to be a driving force in keeping the arts in schools.  Marcel and I both attended a Creative and Performing Arts Program in a public school. It gave us the tools and planted the seed to explore and enjoy music, dance, art and acting.  I foresee Marcel and me continuing to work together in some manner.  Even if he is not a part of the actual project on venture, I always consult him because I respect and value his opinion.  I tend to be more of a risk-taker and Marcel is more rational so he tends to look at numerous options which have saved me in many situations.

MW: I see us continuing to develop our entertainment company.  We would love to open other divisions and are really interested in giving back to the arts. Also, I have always loved cooking and would look to explore the possibility of opening a restaurant one day.  I see cooking as an art form too.  Our mother is a great cook and I always spent time in the kitchen with her learning how to perfect the art of cooking.  Kevin and I will always work together in some way.  We are not only brothers, business partners but also best friends.  We have a very special bond being the only two children in the same field of entertainment.


What inspires you most about each other?

KW: Marcel has always been a mentor to me. Being the older brother, I always kind of followed him around and in his footsteps.  He joined the Creative and Performing Arts program, I joined the same program. He decided to study at a local dance studio; I wanted to join the same dance studio also.  He went to college to get a BFA; I followed him to the same college to pursue the same degree.  He is a complete open vessel for creation.  He has a great way of morphing into so many styles and delivering incredible movement and performance. He is one of the most positive people I know.

MW: Kevin is a go-getter.  He has such a strong will that if he sets his mind to it, it will be.  Many people don't know this but Kevin was born 3 months premature and spent a lot of time in the hospital.  Our mother always tells the story of a nurse telling her, “Your son may be small and premature, but he has a big spirit and is a fighter." Kevin also takes chances.  He is always willing to take choreographic chances and doesn't follow he is a leader.


Do you still get nervous and/or get “choreographers block” where you cannot think of what to do next when creating new dance routines? At auditions? If so, what do you do to get past it?

KW: Yes, I still do get nervous because I want to deliver the best product possible.  The more I work, it becomes easier but the nervous jitters always come and go.  Auditions are always nerve-wracking because a lot of times you are audition your peers whom you have worked with on many jobs as a dancer.  Also, you may be auditioning dancers that you have personally looked up to as you started out as a dancer.  To get through it, I just always remind myself to respect others and carry myself with integrity.  It really does go a long way.

MW: Of course, I still get nervous.  I can't imagine what it would be like not to get a little nervous. It actually gives me an extra boost to create.  It helps to have each other when we get "choreographers block".  There is a special exchange we have; when one is stuck the other can kind of pick up and take the lead. It really helps because when I get stuck, Kevin may come up with an idea or move that sparks something in me to get back on track.  


What is your advice to our readers who are pursuing their dreams in the arts? Also what would you tell those who constantly doubt themselves and get discouraged?

KW: My advice for you readers would be to remember WHY you dance or choreograph.....because you LOVE it.  It can be very discouraging not to get the jobs or opportunities you want and when frustration sets in, it then can turn into desperation. You never want to feel desperate when pursuing your dream.  The joy, freedom, and pure love of dance and the arts really are what choreographers, directors, and artists respond to. When I am at an audition my eye immediately goes to the dancer that may not be the most technical but is a pleasure to watch. When I am invoked to feel something that is what art is all about.  

MW: My advice is to learn as much as you can.  Versatility is very important. The more that you have to offer as a performer, it makes our job easier as choreographers.  We like to think of it as a painting.  We have a blank canvas and the dancers we use are the colors that we have chosen, each movement is like the stroke of a brush which creates a masterpiece.  Remember, that you may not be right for one job but exactly right for another.  Persistence is key in this industry.  You will find what path is right for you if you continue to try and stay open to possibility.  It may not be the exact path you expect or want to go but if get back to the root of what it is you love to do whether it be sing, dance, choreograph, or act, the process will be joyful and prosperous in the end.