Classically trained dancer, choreographer and all around badass, Karen Chuang landed her first major tour with Nicki Minaj fresh out of UCLA in 2012. Since then, she's toured as a principal dancer with Lady Gaga, Willow Smith and Kanye West and has appeared in a variety of TV shows and music videos. Most recently, she's performed in the Super Bowl 51 Halftime Show with Lady Gaga, the 2017 VMA's with P!NK and danced in Fox’s A Christmas Story: Live.
"P!NK is one of the most kickass women artists out there. She has a spunk and energy to her that is indescribable. In this particular performance, there was an emphasis on individuality. It was special for me to feel like I could lean into my individuality."
BTS of Lady Gaga’s Halftime Show
Images courtesy of Karen Chuang
Karen’s interest in dance reared its head at age 5 when she saw Darci Kistler dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker movie. She began to learn different styles and facets of dance through reputable teachers like Sioux Lehner, Chris Jacobsen and Shaun Evaristo.
To peep her wicked sweet dance moves, catch her
Mood Mondays collaboration with Selina Ruthe and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram at
@karenschuang.
So, we caught up with Karen to find her favorite places to teach and bust the rug in LA.
The Sweat Spot
Silver Lake
Karen Chuang: Created by Ryan Heffington, The Sweat Spot is a zero judgment dance space that caters to the local community of creatives/artists. I love that the studio is full of passionate students of varying levels. There is less of an emphasis here on "industry" dancing and more on the art or love of dance. The three classes I try and consistently go to include: The Witching Hour with Nina McNeely, Gaga improv with Ate9, and Sweaty Sundays with Ryan Heffington.
MOVEMENT LIFESTYLE
North Hollywood
KC: mL was created by a dear friend, Shaun Evaristo. It's geared mostly to urban dancing, but also has some classic styles and non-urban classes. The studio cultivates and promotes exactly what its name describes: movement as a lifestyle. It's not just a place to learn steps, but a space to dive into the dance community. Ray Basa's House Foundations class on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. is the best! Even though I'm a classically trained dancer, house dance is probably one of my favorite styles. The foundations class is geared towards honing in on the basics, and Ray gives you space as a dancer to bring your own flavor to the movement.
Eplore North Hollywood with Shaun Evaristo of Movement Lifestyle right
HERE ...
EDGE Performing Arts Center
Hollywood
KC: Edge is an iconic studio that has been around since 1992 - this is where you want to go for contemporary or jazz. I love teaching here because the students are well trained and expect to be physically pushed. I started teaching at Edge in 2013, and it's since moved into a newer/sleeker space.
The Short Stop/Motown Mondays
Echo Park
KC: When I'm in the mood to get down and to get funky, I go to Motown Mondays at The Short Stop. Firstly, Motown music is the best to dance to. Secondly, they have a disco ball. Thirdly, their dance floor is the perfect size (big enough to let loose, but small enough so you don't feel like you're on display).
Elysian Park
Elysian Park
KC: I love dancing outside and dancing away from the mirror. Elysian Park is the perfect outdoor place to get a little solo dancing time in.
The Echo
Echo Park
KC: Funky Sole is the jam. It's easy to get down here and not feel self-conscious. The lighting is dim, the floor is spacious and everyone who goes to Funky Sole is out to bust a move. So fear not, you're in good company.
Downtown Dance & Movement
Downtown
KC: When I'm in need of some space to create, I always turn to Downtown Dance. The studios are spacious, and the sound systems are amazing. There's also the option in some of the studios to completely cover the mirrors, which I like when I'm wanting to just jam without the distraction of my reflection.
Image courtesy of EDGE Performing Arts Center