Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Cunanan
Hi Charles, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; I started dancing at the age of 16 years old. For the dance industry that is a late start. After senior year, I knew I wanted to dance so I packed up my things and moved to Vancouver. Being the ambitious person that I am I was quickly humbled by the talent that was in Vancouver. I thought I was going to book everything and be a well known dancer just by moving provinces but that didn’t happen. I knew I had to stand out and get my skills to a level where people would recognize and see me as a peer in our dance community. I dabbled in competitive hip hop teams which brought me opportunities to dance on America’s Got Talent, World of Dance: LA, Body Rock Dance Competition, and Vibe Dance Competition just to name a few. I was at a place where I felt the community finally knew me so I stopped the community team life and wanted to push further into the commercial dance industry. I focused on training and networking. I took years to develop my own personal style, and once I found it – teaching and directing fell into my lap. With my experience and understanding I was able to really advocate for levelling up and being able to get my students to be confident in themselves. With years of teaching and training it was finally time to start teaching abroad. I took trips around the States to get my name out there and reached out to studios so I could connect and share my craft. This summer, I chose to spend my time in San Diego. SD was filled with colorful and gracious energy. I was able to connect with Drip Creative Studios and Legacy Creative Arts Studios and was able to teach and grow as an artist, and can’t wait to get down with them again once I’m back in SD.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road in the slightest. But with this industry it is so hard being away from friends and family. Dance has taken me to so many places and has given me many experiences, but success is a path you take alone. As much I could share with my people, it doesn’t beat experiencing major events in your life with the people you love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I am a Cruise ship Dancer/Singer on board Carnival’s Newest ship, Carnival Firenze. I travel the world singing and dancing and it has been so rewarding and challenging all in the best way. Before securing this job I was in the film and tv industry back in Vancouver, Canada. I am most proud of how versatile and adaptable I am when it comes to being a working professional. I find myself diving into so many different things outside of my comfort zone, and I’m so proud of myself for that. I think my ambition, determination, and resilience when it comes to something I put my mind to is unmatched and that’s what sets me apart.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
San Diego is filled with so many diverse restaurants and eateries I could not get ENOUGH! I dislike how everything is so far away from each other and the traffic as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlespaul
Image Credits
@marielomardo_ on IG
