[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ambitious and creative, Kristin McQuaid is one of today’s hottest choreographers. For more than 15 years, she has wowed audiences as an actor, dancer and choreographer and has just added designer to that list.
She’s appeared in music videos and live performances with top artists such as Prince, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Mark McGrath, and 80’s pop star Cyndi Lauper.
Most recently her work can be seen on So You Think You Can Dance and fan favorite, Dance Moms. Kristin also just choreographed and produced two videos for “American’s Got Talent” winner Grace VanderWaal.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24577″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Describe yourself in 3 words?
Quirky, Daydreamer, Witty
Do you have a role model?
My role model is my mom. She is a beautiful woman inside and out.
How’s a typical day in your life?
My days change all the time, so I don’t ever have a “typical” day. I am usually catching a flight, teaching on convention, or working on a fun project. I never go without stopping at Starbucks first and ending my day catching up on Netflix!
Why and how did you get started in dancing and choreography?
My younger sister was in dance first and I thought it looked fun. I didn’t start dancing till I was 11 years old. I was always choreographing for fun with my friends growing up. I took it on as a profession at the age of 16.
What was the first job as choreographer?
I started my choreography career with some independent concept videos. The first big job I had as a choreographer was on “So You Think You Can Dance”.
Do you teach dancing classes?
I currently am teaching on a dance convention called Hollywood Dance Connection (HCdance.com). We travel around the country on the weekends and dancers can learn from myself and other teachers.
Tell us about your experience in music videos?
I was apart of a web series called “Make A Move”. It helped me so much with music videos. We were given a task and had 3 days to complete the concept, choreography, and filming. I was the winner of this series.
Tell us about your work in “Moonlight,” with the talented Grace Vanderwaal?
Ever since “America’s Got Talent” I have loved Grace! She is BEYOND her years! Moonlight was the second video I had choreographed for Grace. Moonlight was very story driven and had a deep meaning. Check it out on YouTube!
How was working with with Dance Moms star “Nia Sioux?”
I love Nia! Her and I work very well together. She is so sweet and works extremely hard. She picks up choreography so fast and delivers what the project is calling for. Can’t wait to work more with this superstar!
What have you learned from your other choreographers?
I have learned a lot from watching and taking class from other choreographers. Dancers/Choreographers are so artsy that our brains think so differently. Its so inspiring to see how everyone can take the same song and come up with something completing different. I have learned its best to not worry what others are thinking of your work. Don’t think twice.
What other Tv projects you been part of?
I had the honor of choreographing Hailee Payne’s solos on “So You Think You Can Dance” all season. I choreographed “The Waiting Room” on Dance Moms. I was an actress/dancer for 4 years on the NBC series “American Dreams”. And many other fun shows!
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Dan Levy and Zooey Deschanel
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I would love to have choreographed for big name artist and also choreograph for a television series.
What do you think of Social Media in the Entertainment business?
I believe it has its pros and cons. Pros being that its easy to get your work seen, have people get to know you that might not have otherwise, and its all in one convenient place. Cons being it’s all about how many followers you have, its becoming less about the talent and more about numbers, and cyberbullying is terrible.
Best advice ever given?
Take a risk, if you don’t try you will never know.
What’s your favorite music?
Some of my favorite artists are: Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Grace Vanderwaal, Pink, and Sia
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would love to go to Japan and go on a unlimited shopping spree. Their fashion is unreal! I would go with Tim Gunn so he could tell me if I’m on point.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Kelly Clarkson “Because of You” I’m pretty sure I sound just like her.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
1 Phone
2 Laptop
3 Wallet because I love to shop!
Do you support any charity?
I am apart of the ASPCA. I love animals and can’t understand how anyone could abuse or neglect them. I try to help out when I can.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
I love hanging out with my dogs. I am a huge animal lover! So probably waking up late, grabbing Starbucks, taking my dogs to the park, and then relaxing with some of my favorite Netflix shows with my husband!
Any future plans you want to share with us?
More music videos are in the works and some other fun projects. I can’t give away too much information just yet!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: Kristin.mcquaid
Twitter: Kristin_mcquaid
Facebook: Kristin McQuaid
Quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”
Book:Does Facebook count? Ha. I don’t read.
Favorite movie: Titanic
Travel Destination:Japan
Food:Sushi and Green Beans
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Sports Team: Oklahoma Sooners
Tv Show: Modern Family, Project Runway, and Schitt’s Creek[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
