The Business of Dance

35 - Liz Ramos: Creating a Bi-Coastal Dance Career in LA & NYC (J Lo, Usher, Beyonce, Oscars, Broadway)


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Episode Summary: 

Liz Ramos, a distinguished professional dancer and choreographer, shares her inspiring journey and invaluable industry insights. From her early days in McAllen, Texas, to making significant marks in Los Angeles and New York City, Liz’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the dance world.

Host Menina Fortunato introduces Liz, highlighting her impressive collaborations with icons like Earth Wind & Fire, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and Will Smith. Liz's narrative begins with a pivotal moment at a dance convention in New York City, where she was discovered and subsequently received a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet. This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional ascent, eventually leading her to vibrant dance scenes in LA and NY.

Liz shares the challenges and triumphs of navigating the competitive environments of Broadway and the broader entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of early preparation, professionalism, and versatility in auditions. She discusses her experiences with notable choreographers, including Otis Salid at the Oscars, and how these interactions shaped her career and approach to the art.


Show Notes:


  • (0:03) Creating a professional dance career with industry insights.

  • (1:19) Liz´s extensive dance career spanning 25 years.

  • (4:26) Dance career growth in Texas and New York City.

  • (9:33) Dance career, including musical theater and film projects.

  • (14:16) Broadway show, favorite gigs, and industry connections.

  • (20:18) Importance of early preparation and professionalism in auditions.

  • (25:26) Importance of versatility in dance and audition process.

  • (35:01) Moving to big cities, choreographing for TV shows, and overcoming fears.

  • (40:46) What choreographers look for in dancers for Broadway shows and commercials.

  • (46:20) Dance conventions, teaching, and career advice.

  • Biography:

    Liz Ramos made her mark in all avenues of the entertainment world in television, film, tours and Broadway. As a performer, she’s had the delightful pleasure of working with some of the top artists of today such as Will Smith, Flo Rida, Kelly Rowland, The Jonas Brothers, Tinie Tempah, Enrique Iglesias, Jenifer Lopez, P.Diddy, Paula Abdul, Faith Hill, Toni Braxton, Beyonce’, and many others.

    Her film credits include: “Enchanted”, “Rango”, “Mr & Mrs. Smith”, ”Idlewild”, ”Rent”, ”Austin Powers- Goldmember”, “El Cantante”, “Dirty Dancing-2”. 

    Tv credits: 69th Academy Awards, Csi: Miami, Suddenly Susan, Latin Grammys, Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Awards, Oprah, and Rosie O’donnel.

    Tours: Gloria Estefan Re-wrapped, Earth Wind and Fire, Will Smith promo, Kevon Edmonds and Crystal Sierra. 

    Theater credits include: On Your Feet (Broadway),The Addams Family (Broadway- dance capt.), In the Heights(workshop), The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse), Mambo Kings (San Francisco), Black & Blue (European tour).

    Liz’s choreography credits span all medium. Her work can be seen on the Disney hit show “Jessie”. Other choreography credits include: Ride Along 2 (film) 2017 Macys Day Parade (celebrity opener)“Eve”(nbc), Earth, Wind & Fire tours, Latin Grammys w/Usher & Romeo Santos, Miss Angola Pageant, The Gypsy Kings (pageant guest artists), Knick City Dancers(nyc), , “Heartbreaker” video featuring WILL I AM, “Tap Girls” Revue -Harrah’s Casino, “In L.A,” Larisa Dolina m/v, “Hair” (Geva Theater) Opal Ann meets the Fabulous Kit Katt (play) , Two Lost Worlds (play),Broadway bound musical Nutty Professor (associate), Grease - Papermill Playhouse (associate),2009 Miss Universe (associate), Miss USA 2011/12/13(associate),and “Viva Hollywood”(associate).

    Liz has worked one on one as a movement coach to some of the top celebrities in our industry today such as: Michael Bolton, Justin Hartley, Julianne Moore, Whoopi, Jennifer Lawernce, Benjamin Pratt, Halle Berry, Thalia, Gaten Matarazzo, and many others.

    Connect on Social Media:

    https://www.facebook.com/liz.ramos.5680

    Webpage

    https://lizramos.com/

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    The Business of DanceBy MENINA FORTUNATO

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