Check out our interview with Canadian Pro Dancer & Choreographer Justine Gera who has extensive training in jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap, ballet, jazz-funk, commercial heels, and musical theatre. She has trained and worked throughout Canada, the United States, and London, England.
Justine began her professional dance work with Patrick Roberge Productions in Vancouver gracing the massive stages of the 2010 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, the Pacific National Exhibition and industrials for Telus, New Balance and pop artist Victoria Duffield. Justine’s notable film and television credits include a recurring chorus performer on season 2 of Schmigadoon! on AppleTV+, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and The Voice (NBC), DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (CW), Christmas Chronicles 2 (Netflix), Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform), and the Disney Channel original movies Freaky Friday and Descendants 2.
Other credits include dancing in music videos for Kylie Minogue, Charlie Puth, Fletcher, & Grace Gaustad, as well as assistant choreographer to Jillian Meyers for the Lindsey Stirling ‘Artemis’ World Tour & various music videos.
Follow Justine @justinegera
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Hi Justine, please tell us a little about you?
I am originally from Vancouver, Canada and moved to LA five years ago to continue pursuing my career as a professional dancer. I have been dancing for 26 years now and I work as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. I always knew I wanted to go to Los Angeles and I have grown as a dancer and as a person while being out here. I am a very creative being and I am always trying to push myself to learn everything I possibly can. As well as dance, I have a serious passion for the fashion world and love marrying the two worlds together through styling and creating custom pieces. Los Angeles is a great place to stay inspired with so much art and diversity. I am grateful that I get to do what I love for a living and I am very proud of how far I have come.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, Passionate, & Hardworking
How did you start getting into choreographing?
I started choreographing solos & groups at dance studios back in Canada at the age of 18. However, I started working on my own choreography at a much younger age because my friends and I would always make up dances together at every single birthday party and sleepover! I choreographed my own solo when I was 17 and around that age was when I knew I was going to continue this at a professional level. When I moved to Los Angeles I really had no idea how my path was going to unfold. I was very optimistic and luckily with great experience and training, I did feel ready for anything. I had worked for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines for a few contracts as a performer and shortly after I moved to LA, I was contacted by casting to work as an assistant choreographer to Zachary Venegas. I had known of Zachary for years through the dance convention circuit and I was very excited for the opportunity to work alongside him. We had never officially met prior and we were just placed together as a choreography team! Zachary has truly changed my life since we started working together. He is my best friend and I have learned so much while working with him. We have been through so many experiences together and it is a wonderful partnership. I am thankful that it is highly collaborative and our trust is unbreakable. I am forever grateful that Royal Caribbean put us together as a choreography team and the rest is history!
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
Never settle for comfort, always try to push yourself in some way. I have learned so many life lessons from making tough decisions, trying something that scared me, failure, & rejection. You will never know your full capabilities if you limit yourself from experience.
What do you love most about dancing?
When I am dancing I feel the most present. My brain is constantly going and is usually pulled in different directions with all the things I have going on in my life. Dance really lets me focus on one thing.
What type of dance do you like best?
I grew up training in all styles, but now I really enjoy going to a jazz funk class. I like to dance clean, challenge my stamina, & listen to a fun track. It really just depends on my mood!
What’s your advice to other dancers or people trying to travel and moving countries just like you did from Canada to LA?
I would advise to try out the place first! Go for a month or two a few times to decide if it you like it or not. At the end of the day, balance is key, so you must actually want to live in that city! Working as an artist is so incredibly unpredictable, so you must find things you like or are open to about the place you want to move to. I was given this advice personally when I was travelling to LA at a younger age and it reminded me to take breaks, explore the city, and be a human.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Once you do the work to switch your mindset, good things happen and will work out for you. Allow the universe to do its thing, trust your journey and never doubt yourself or your capabilities. It all seems easier said than done, but once I acted on this – things truly changed.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I would love to work on a either a tour or residency show with an artist. I always thought I would be a dancer in this type of job, but at this point in my career I am open to either performing or being involved in the creative/production side of things. Or BOTH!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take a breath and trust yourself. You have so much time.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
I honestly can’t. I do the most all the time and every day is very different!
Favorite form of cardio?
For sure a dance class because you don’t even realize how many calories you are burning. I always feel the most present and locked in while taking a class and it is a very fun form of cardio.
If you are a movie, what would be the title of the movie and why?
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Balance. I will always want to work hard, its just in me. However, as I get older, I am learning what I value. I am trying to get better at allowing myself to relax and enjoy the company of others as well as work.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
You and I – Lady Gaga (cue tears and losing my voice the next day)
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Coffee, work out, sauna, go for breakfast, thrift shop at a market, drink a margarita with my boyfriend, watch a baking reality show, go to sleep.
Where we can follow you?
On Instagram @justinegera
Photographer: Jesse Ballantyne
