Jon Stojan
Danny Lawn @dannydlawn started dancing at 13 and proved you can always choose to follow your dreams. He has inspired a new generation of dancers by becoming a global sensation as a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher.
Competing in Ottawa until he was 18, Danny then moved to Toronto and quickly made his mark as a backup dancer on CBC’s “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” This gig opened doors, and Danny went on to dance for top artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, and Ke$ha.
In 2009, Danny Lawn solidified his presence in the world of dance by reaching the Top 14 spot on CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” a milestone that propelled his career. The intense preparation and high stakes of these competitions drive dancers to perfect their technique and enhance their stage presence, better equipping them for the challenges of a professional career.
He later assisted renowned choreographers such as Stacey Tookey, Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, Sean Cheesman, and Luther Brown. Danny’s impressive resume includes work on high -profile music videos and tours with Blake McGrath. He also danced at the 2015 PanAm Games in Mexico and appeared on shows like “Canada’s Got Talent,” “Bomb Girls,” and “Bones.”
Teaching is a crucial contribution made by star dancers with long years of experience in the industry. They teach the new generation, ensuring the art form’s survival. A few star dancers also have a notable flair for choreography and become major choreographers themselves. Both these things are true with respect to Danny, who has made a name for himself as a much-in-demand dance teacher and choreographer.
Danny teaches and sets choreography nationwide. He directs 24 Seven Dance Convention and trains dancers at Club Dance Studio in Phoenix. His choreography for The Dance Awards Gala, Five Dancewear line debut, and Dancerpalooza performance are where his energy is currently centered. As if that did not make for a full schedule, he will also lead Royal Caribbean cruise lines auditions and dancer selection.
Top left: Danny performing with Katy Perry during Toronto Fashion Week. Top right: Danny and fellow SYTYCD Canada Season 2 contestants walking the red carpet. Bottom: Danny on set for Keisha Chante’s “Table Dancer” music video with choreographer Luther Brown.
Most people only dream of dancing with stars. What was it like dancing for artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, and Ke$ha? Do you have any memorable moments from those performances?
Danny Lawn: It sounds clichéd, but it truly was a dream. Each and every artist I’ve had the pleasure of performing with has been so wonderful! There’s also no better feeling than walking out on stage to a sea of screaming fans and doing what you love. The electric high is like no other! I tend to black out and ride the adrenaline every time a performance starts, so I don’t quite remember anything about the actual performances. but I do remember being in rehearsal for a fashion show performance with Katy Perry and she looked at me after I lifted one of the other dancers and said “Wow! You’re so strong! That was impressive”. I for sure probably blushed and got super awkward, but I’ll never forget it.
How do you prepare for your performances, both mentally and physically? How do you get in the proper state to perform?
With a long (emphasis on long) yoga stretch. It takes a lot more care these days to get the muscles warm and moving. I’m also crazy about practicing. No matter how well I know a routine or how long I’ve been working on it, I will still review it at least 10-20 times before going on stage.
I’m paranoid like that It’s so funny because I was just on set rehearsing for a job the other day and as they counted us down to start the on-camera dress rehearsal I began internally freaking out. 36 years old and still terrified before I perform anything. I looked at my friend who I was working with and she said, “If you weren’t nervous, you wouldn’t still love it” and I couldn’t agree more.
What was the most challenging performance you’ve ever faced in your career? How do you overcome barriers that you’ve no doubt had to face?
I’d have to say the opening ceremonies of the 2015 PanAm Games. Although this was the most challenging, it was also the MOST fun. The only reason I say this is because after a month of rehearsals in Canada, we arrived in Guadalajara and so many things had to change last minute due to space restrictions, stadium set up, stage measurements etc.
You are now teaching and setting choreography at various studios and at Club Dance Studio in Phoenix. What is your teaching philosophy, and how do you inspire your students? Do you pass on techniques and routines that you learned from your mentors to your students?
I hold my students to a high standard and use positive reinforcement to help them achieve their goals and push their limits. I try my best to instill a solid work ethic and drive into every dancer I have the pleasure of teaching because hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. And, absolutely yes, I am always using techniques, warm-up exercises, and progressions that I was taught back in the day.
I am very fortunate to be trained by some of the absolute best in Canada, and I think it’s important to pass that knowledge along to the dancers I get to train now. Every time I do Linda Garneau’s retiré spiral exercise, or Dawn Rappit’s full warm-up, or Tiffany McLachlan’s pirouette progression, I think of them and how much they’ve influenced me. I hope that one day that is the case for the dancers I am mentoring now.
Thank you, Danny, we are all eagerly waiting to see your next performance!