Balancing Between San Diego and LA: Masterclass Instructor Jonathan Sison’s dance journey
Announcing Jonathan Sison as an instructor for the World of Dance Masterclass happening on July 31st. Registration is open for everyone.
When it comes to teaching, A few names resonate as profoundly as Jonathan Sison. Growing up in San Diego, CA, and now based in Long Beach, Jonathan’s journey through dance has been a blend of passion, dedication, and an unyielding love for the art form.
Early Beginnings and Diverse Training
Jonathan shares that his dance journey began at the tender age of 8/9. With a diverse training background in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop, he immersed himself in the competitive dance scene. By the age of 11, Jonathan’s talent was undeniable, leading him to sign with the Clear Talent Agency in Los Angeles. His supportive parents played a crucial role, driving him between San Diego and LA for auditions and training sessions.
A significant part of his training took place at the Culture Shock Dance Center in San Diego. Jonathan expresses his gratitude to Angie Bunch, the founder of Culture Shock, for her unwavering support and understanding of balancing the dance community with the entertainment industry.
Influences and Inspirations
Jonathan conveys that his initial inspiration came from watching his older sister perform in their high school show choir. Seeing her joy and passion on stage ignited his desire to pursue dance as a career. His musical and show choir background heavily influences his dance style, blending storytelling, singing, and dance. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from the artist's music to create meaningful and expressive choreography.
Ambitions as a Dancer and Human
Jonathan shares that his love for dance transcends personal achievements. Dance brings him immense happiness, and he cherishes the opportunity to share his art with the world. His ambitions as a mentor and human revolve around continuous growth. Jonathan aspires to be a guiding light for others on their dance journey, fostering a love for learning and self-improvement.
Remarkable Accomplishments
Jonathan's career is adorned with notable accomplishments. At 13, he workshopped a Broadway musical and later performed his choreography behind a K-pop artist at Madison Square Garden in front of 18,000 fans. He spent nearly a decade performing for the Disney Company and showcased his talent on season 2 of World of Dance on NBC with his company, ThaMOST. Jonathan currently serves as a judge for World of Dance competitions, sharing his expertise and passion with aspiring dancers.
Teaching Journey and Expectations at the World of Dance Summit
Reflecting on his teaching journey, Jonathan reveals that it has been a parallel to his dance journey, filled with lessons of perseverance, enjoyment, and relentless pursuit of growth. He emphasizes that the most crucial lesson he has learned is that every dancer’s voice matters. He expects his students at the World of Dance Summit to embrace their individuality and enjoy the experience fully.
A Message of Resilience and Confidence
Jonathan’s message to dancers and teachers around the world is a powerful reminder not to let "cancel culture" affect their training. He highlights the importance of facing challenges head-on with confidence, even amidst uncertainty. Jonathan urges dancers to avoid shying away from difficulties and to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, Jonathan Sison’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance. His dedication, passion, and commitment to inspiring others continue to make a significant impact in the dance community. Through his artistry and mentorship, Jonathan Sison remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for dancers everywhere.
You can grab the opportunity to learn from him and 11 more teachers. Register Now