Born in Puerto Rico and raised in uptown NYC Jose “Hollywood” has been dancing since the age of five. After years of training in dance his passion for it grew to teaching and choreography.
Hollywood has taught at well renowned dance studios and continues to travel teaching his style of Hip-Hop all across the globe. His professional career was taken to the next level when he became the Lead Choreographer for rising Hip-Hop star Lil Mama. He then went on to choreograph for various recording artists such as Chris Brown, Ciara, Rihanna and Beyoncé’s “Yonce” for the On the run tour, Nicki Minaj Billboard music awards and I heart performance, Diddy’s Bad Boy family Reunion Tour, and contributing choreography for Jennifer Lopez at the American Music Awards.
Interview: Derae D’Mora
You’ve had an amazing career working with some of music’s biggest names. Is there any artist you haven’t worked with that you would love to?
I would love to work with Missy Elliot, Teyana Taylor, Cardi B, Tinashe, Will Smith.
You grew up in NYC, did you have any interactions with the Ballroom Scene?
I remember my first Latex Ball when I first came out in Aug 2006 and I was so amazed that I would return to Escuelita for Vogue Knights just to stay in tune with the scene and absorb the culture, it is truly magical! I remember seeing Leiomy, Pony, Danielle Polanco and being so inspired. I joined the West Coast House of Garçon, walked two balls just to get the experience; I def got chopped but it felt right and I felt so fearless .
Do you incorporate voguing in your work?
I only incorporate vogue movement if it makes sense for me to do so I don’t just put it in there to fill in time.
Do you think being gay played a role in your career and if so, how?
I think that being exposed to the community at an early age helped me understand a lot and helped me mold the artist I am today . The creativity and the fearlessness one learns and must have to be a gay man is unmatched.
What advice would you give others that look up to you and want to break into the entertainment industry? I would say to remain positive and patient ! Everything happens at the right time just continue to work hard and understand that this industry is seasonal ! Take your season make your mark and continue the consistency.
Do you find it hard to date with your demanding schedule?
I make time for what I want and so I never use that as an excuse but yes my schedule can be demanding and many don’t understand I travel a lot and so I’m never in one place for two long.
Everyone is sliding in and out of the DM’s. If someone wanted to shoot their shot what are some do’s and don’t?
Dont-Ask me “Is this really Hollywood?”, well duh if it’s my page and see my videos and lives lol Don’t ask me to teach you how to dance “yuckkkk” Don’t ask me my position. “Inappropriate “ Don’t be DRY & make corny jokes Do – Ask me how my day is going , Do compliment me on something lol Do come correct like a real man.
