Chucky Klapow (Don’t Stop Believing) interview

Five’s new live entertainment show Don’t Stop Believing kicks off in July, with American choreographer and dance instructor Chucky Klapow among the judges.

The show has scoured Britain for existing and first time musical groups created by friends, colleagues, school mates or families, to discover the nation’s greatest musical performance groups. The groups will be choreographed, coached and judged by industry experts with five live elimination shows culminating in a thrilling final.


You've worked on some of the biggest shows and with some of the biggest names in the business. What would you want to say to the contestants ahead of the competition?

“There's a lot of talent in this world and it's going to be fun to discover the next big act! We're opening it up to groups with vocal ability but who also need to be able to move. The full package will be on display and they'll truly have to shine in both the singing and dancing realms in order to have a shot at winning the top prize.

“I would encourage everyone to forget that this is a competition and just have fun. Make the audience feel their joy and make us feel what they're feeling as performers who are doing what they love doing. I hope they put 100 percent of their hearts into their performances when it counts. If they do this, we'll definitely find some magic on that stage.”

What do you think will be the most difficult thing the contestants will have to cope with?

“Criticism is the hardest thing. It's never easy to take it but they'll need to accept constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments to improve. Also, it'll probably be a nerve wracking experience for them to have to perform in front of a TV audience under pressure. This will be a new experience for them and we'll see how they handle it. However, if they are truly passionate about what they're doing up on that stage, it will be contagious and people will vote for that."

Who has personally and professionally motivated you?

“My parents have always believed in me and supported me along the way. Artistes like Michael and Janet Jackson and Prince to Tori Amos to rock bands such as Metallica and Nine Inch Nails have also motivated me. So many artistes to name, but their music always inspired me to move and create. Music is why I do what I do as a choreographer. Music is everything to me."

Already a celebrated choreographer from his work on the High School Musical franchises to smash films like Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, what are your other ambitions?

“I want to direct live concert productions one day soon. I love concerts and I can't wait to be a tour director for some massive pop and rock and roll productions using my experiences as a dancer and choreographer in that field.”

The Don’t Stop Believing performers’ dreams are partially in your hands - what's it like to see your dreams come true?

“I am so proud to have had the chance to dance for my idol, Michael Jackson, before he passed away. It was always every dancer's dream and I got to experience it. All of the hard work and practice that I dedicated to my craft fell into place for me at that audition and the fact that Michael himself was able to pick me out of such a vast and talented pool of dancers is it for me.”

This business can be a series of huge highs and lows - what's your philosophy for managing these situations?

“Dream big! Imagination creates reality. And believe. I’ve always told people to believe, long before I got involved with Don't Stop Believing! Also, always learn and grow from mistakes along the way...if you're smart enough to take notice and move forward.”

How did your award-winning work on the High School Musical franchise come about?

“I got teamed up with Kenny Ortega and Bonnie Story to choreograph the TV movie High School Musical for the Disney Channel. I had never worked with Kenny before but we connect nicely and have since choreographed four films and two massive concert tours together. He taught me so much. That project changed my life and earned me an Emmy Award for outstanding choreography. My choreography reached millions of viewers around the world and has inspired so many young kids to sing and dance.”

What are your memories of working with the world’s most famous singer and dancer?

“I honoured Michael with my fellow ‘This Is It’ dancers in a tribute led by Jennifer Hudson who sang ‘Will You Be There?’ with Michael's band backing us. We did the piece as it would have been performed in London with Jennifer Hudson doing Michael's part. It was a tough experience to go through. We had been rehearsing in the Staples Center with Michael a week earlier and suddenly we were standing on a stage right next to his casket and in front of his friends and family. It was very difficult to keep our composure through that piece but an honour to be able to pay tribute to someone who inspired so much of my life as an artist."


Don’t Stop Believing airs at 7pm on Sundays from 18th July 2010.