VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon
Try saying his first name five times fast! Yes, I end up saying panini by the end of it too…
Funny story on how I met this talented individual… A little while ago I blogged about one of his youtube videos, check it out here… I of course tweeted about the post and then he retweeted it and added me on facebook. Weirdly enough, one of his status updates said he would be in Vancouver soon so I messaged him hoping he would set up a dance class at Harbour Dance Centre. Sure enough the class was set and we organized meeting for an interview at the time too. Weird right? Ya, we think so too. Oh the fancy ways of social media! Anyways, he was more than willing to sit down with me and discuss dance, style and anything else that gets us thinking on the creative side. Here’s a little on his background…
Gianinni is originally from a small town just outside of Amsterdam, Holland. He started breakdancing at the age of 15 just for the fun of it. But of course, the love of dance took over, and he soon realised nothing else would make him as happy. After gaining more experience on the technical side of dance, Gianinni took a chance and auditioned for the So You Think You Can Dance Holland television show. He not only made it on the show, but went straight through to the finals! With that under his belt, he decided it was time to move to Los Angeles to further his dance career. Just a short time after he moved to LA, he booked an Australian tour with Rihanna, danced with Shakira and then was offered a three year contract for Cirque du Soleil’s “MJ Immortal Tour”! It’s now just been over a year since he’s been with Cirque, has travelled the world dancing and did I mention he’s only 24 years old? Yes, I know, I would like to be in his shoes too – definitely my kind of job. But if that’s not enough, this guy is also an aspiring movie director! His downtime on the tour is filled with producing short film series and creative dance videos. You can check all of that on his website, www.gianinnidance.com. Enjoy his stylish pics and interview below.
Gianinni Semedo Moreira
Because he can…
Shirt: H&M || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban || Tuque: Reckon (handmade by a friend)
Belt: Guess || Denim: Levi’s
Kicks: Nike Flights
All smiles.
Kate W: What is your current state of mind?
Gianinni SM: I’m very happy and grateful. I try my best to stop and realise where I am and where I’ve come from. It’s important to appreciate your progress but I also don’t want to get comfortable and I’m staying ambitious and I’m excited for more.
KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
GSM: “Do your best and God will do the rest”.
KW: What’s your greatest fear?
GSM: Not becoming the best man I can be.
KW: Which living person do you most admire?
GSM: My mom. She has such a positive and strong mindset. When things get tough, she never strays off track.
KW: What is your greatest extravagance?
GSM: Moving to the USA from Holland. That move opened a lot of doors for me.
KW: What was the last thing you bought?
GSM: A white tuxedo blazer with black trim.
KW: What was the last film you watched?
GSM: Sunshine.
KW: What makes you cry?
GSM: Things that have to do with love.
KW: Which dancer/choreographer/artist would you want to share the stage with the most?
GSM: Justin Timberlake. I have a lot of respect for him as an artist and person.
KW: Dunks, Jordan’s or boots for dance class?
GSM: Jordan’s.
KW: Suspenders or bowtie?
GSM: I like suspenders! But I have a bowtie so I’ll go with bowtie!
KW: If you could be in any music video, which one would it be?
GSM: “Smooth Criminal” – Michael Jackson
KW: Your favorite fashion city?
GSM: Amsterdam, my hometown.
KW: Your favorite dance city?
GSM: Los Angeles – It has a lot to offer; there is the underground scene and then the commercial world. Everyone is there for the same reason and are all sharing the same passion. It’s good to have that energy around you.
KW: Do you dress mostly by your mood or the day’s events?
GSM: My mood for sure.
KW: Dark, milk or white chocolate?
GSM: White chocolate.
KW: Your go-to breakfast dish?
GSM: Eggs Benedict!
KW: What’s your favorite scent?
GSM: Hugo Boss, Boss Eau de Toilette.
KW: Your colour?
GSM: Bright, aggressive red!
KW: What are some songs on your playlist right now?
GSM: “Where Did It Go Wrong?” – Anthony Hamilton, “Free as a Bird” – Dwele, “Blind to You” – Collie Buddz, “Wayfaring Stranger” – Ed Sheeran, “Those Who Wait” – Daley.
KW: What’s next for you?
GSM: I’m keeping myself busy on the tour by directing short films. I’m shooting my new short film series throughout the next three cities we visit!
KW: Thanks Gianinni!
Thanks for reading. Please re-post and share if you like what you see.
Follow @KeightW & @gianinni1
The Para||el Road 