We chatted with choreographer Kristin McQuaid about her new show Kickin’ It with Kristin on YouTube. Episode 1 dropped on October 26, 2021 (below).

Kristin McQuaid tells us all about how she got into dancing and choreography, what we can expect from season 1 of Kickin’ It With Kristin, and much more. Check it out below!

When did you first fall in love with dancing and choreography?

KM: Interesting fact, I got started in dance at a later age. Most professional dancers that you will see dancing for Justin Timberlake or Ariana Grande started dance around the age of 2. I started at the age 11 and let’s just say no one would have guessed that I would have the dance career I have now based off my first class. It was frightening.  I was determined to be good. I would have as many private lessons as my teacher would give me. I have always loved making up dances ever since I was little. I would say the moment I realized I wanted to do choreography for a living was when I was 16 or 17 years old.

What is something you can tell us about being a choreographer that people might not know?

KM: I love this question! Many people don’t know that the role of the choreographer is way bigger than making up dance steps. We play a huge role in costume designing, set design, lighting, creative direction and more. The role of a choreographer is someone that must be well versed in all areas of the industry and be willing to wear many different hats.

What can you tell us about Kickin’ It with Kristin?

KM: Kickin’ it with Kristin is a show that was developed in my curiosity to want to try new talents. I kept thinking to myself “What if I didn’t grow up dancing, are there other talents out there that I would excel in or enjoy?”. I thought, this is probably a question most people might ask themselves as well. As the series grew, I realized that the general population thinks that talent is only showcased on a stage or sporting arena. However, talent is all around us and we miss out on amazing activities from lack of knowledge that they even exist. There are many parents that question what hobby their child would be interested in. It’s hard to know where to enroll your child without spending thousands of dollars and them not liking it. On the show everyone will get a taste of all different kinds of talents and hobbies to see if any peak their interest.

This show was made for everyone at any age. I love to use my dad for example. He grew up as a director of sales and excelled at his job. However, my dad has always loved the arts and wanted to take up piano. So at the young age 67, he enrolled, took private lessons each week and now my parents own a grand piano. He is fantastic! I loved seeing no matter where you are in life it’s never too late to celebrate a talent or hobby you have always wanted to try.

Finding the perfect home for my series was important to me. When Talent Recap on YouTube reached out to me saying they wanted my show to be their first original series on their channel of 8.7 million subscribers I said “that is perfect.” Talent Recap highlights talent that is showcased on all popular talent shows. They are exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. With their new idea of expanding their content to celebrate all different types of talent, I knew it was the right place for me.

Can you talk about some of the dancers we will see in your series?

KM: Funny you ask about dancers in the series. In season 1 we will not see any dancers. I did that on purpose to show that dance does not define me, dance is only one part of me. Everyone knows me as a dancer/choreographer but I thought choosing a dance episode would almost be cheating myself and not staying true to why I created this show. However, in season 2 you will see dancing and the dancers on the show are ones we all know and love!

What is your current opinion on the creation of dances on TikTok?

KM: At first I was thinking what in the world is going on, all of a sudden everyone thinks they are dancers. Then I stepped outside of my “dance” brain and thought how incredible it was that these kids/teens/adults are finding love and confidence in movement. Mental health is such an issue in the world today that if something as simple as creating a dance on TikTok with your friends makes you feel happy and thrilling, then I say keep it up!

What are some trends in dancing that you are seeing right now that you enjoy?

KM: I am loving all the dance commercials! Especially the ones with actors that aren’t dancers being featured and dancing! It shows that you don’t have to be a trained dancer to let dance spark joy. It also shows others watching that you don’t have to be perfect, just be you in the moment and it will inspire others to do the same. There is only one of you in the entire world, celebrate it and don’t hide behind others!

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Watch episode 1 of Kickin’ It With Kristin here

Follow Kristin McQuaid: Instagram|Facebook|YouTube

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