Travis_2Brielle Nikaido: How do you feel about Dell casting you because they thought you looked like Bruce Lee? Do you think casting agencies have hired you in the past to fulfill a token or racial quota?
Travis Wong: I don’t mind being cast because I resembled Bruce Lee at all. In fact, hopefully, one day I’ll be fortunate enough to play a role resembling him. I guess I’ve come to terms with the fact that the industry is highly based upon images and I attempt to represent as best as possible. Most group shots that try to show diversity usually consist of an all white cast and a few scattered minorities. The Dell commercial was one of the first shoots I had been on where I felt they tried to represent true diversity. The cast had two other Asian Americans, two African Americans, and two Latin Americans.
Brielle Nikaido: Has being multiethnic influenced your career?
Travis Wong: Being multiethnic has been a blessing at times, while at other times I'm sure it may have worked against me. In general though I feel blessed being able to relate with both Chinese and Japanese cultures and still go on auditions for both. Because of my multiethnic appearance I sometimes have an ambiguous look on camera. I have been cast as Latino, Hawaiian, and Filipino, in addition to Chinese and Japanese.
Brielle Nikaido: On week four of American’s Best Dance Crew Lil Mama made this comment to Leiomy Maldonada, a transgendered crew member of Vogue Evolution: "You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you're going to become a woman, act like a lady." What was your reaction to this?
Travis Wong: I was in the audience that week and you could tell there was an obvious feeling of tension and awkwardness in the studio. However, I don't have a judgment towards her comment because I know she was in the moment and was just making a comment about the video package displayed. I believe that they talked after she made the comment and have cleared up some differences. Beyond that, I'll just leave what happened between them and what was aired on television. I can say that Leiomy was a wonder to work with and I applaud her work in the dance community.
Brielle Nikaido: This season on America's Best Dance Crew, a number of dance crews are using the stage as a tool to promote social and political awareness. Vogue Evolution is the first openly gay crew. Their aim is "to educate others on AIDS/HIV awareness." Artistry in Motion is an all-female crew of self-proclaimed feminists "trying to break the stereotype of bootyshakers." What are your thoughts on this trend?
Travis Wong: This season of America’s Best Dance Crew received a lot of criticism from the fans and viewers who complained that it wasn’t as exciting as previous seasons. I think that this could be because the audience is not as aware of different styles that aren’t blatantly hip hop or breakdancing. With the success of previous crews, such as the Jabbawockeez, Super Cr3w, and Quest Crew, America became used to seeing these two styles performed skillfully. Because of their success, and the introduction of the new crews and new styles this season the audience does not know what to expect.
It is awesome how so many different crews this season are exposing their culture and new dance styles. AfroBorike has brought in partnering, Beat Ya Feet brought DC footwork to the forefront, and Southern Movement showed that hip hop doesn’t just exist in Los Angeles or New York.
Crews as Vogue Evolution show the world a style of dance up and coming in the underground scene and educate about their community and HIV/AIDS awareness. They take full advantage of having millions of viewers every week. I am proud of them and support their courage. They show through their dancing that they are a force to be reckoned with and aren’t looking for votes out of pity or sympathy.
It boggles my mind to see how Rhythm City from NY has scored in the bottom two in America’s Best Dance Crew several times, as they are what you would consider a traditional hip hop crew that combines elements of popping, locking, grooving, krumping and breaking. Seeing that they were in the bottom, however, shows how new emerging styles are getting noticed and actually making a difference.
Brielle Nikaido: How was working with Miley Cyrus dancers?
Travis Wong: I was brought in to help choreograph part of a number for Miley’s upcoming 2009 tour. It was an amazing opportunity and I am grateful to choreographer Jamal Sims, who worked on Step Up 3, for taking a chance on a weaponry idea and running with it. I must also thank Christopher Scott for helping me gain this opportunity. He was the one that gave Sims the idea to using my weaponry skills for one of Miley’s encore numbers. We combined his unique style of popping, with techniques from the whip chain which I competed with for years. Together we put together what I believe to be one of the first of it’s kind to her single “See You Again.” Fans will be able to see it in her upcoming tour which just kicked off...And I couldn’t be more excited.
Brielle Nikaido: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career? What advice would you give to other aspiring dancers?
Travis_4Travis Wong: One that I hold true to my heart is to pursue your dreams. This doesn’t mean to just dream of being a great dancer, or of making it big in the industry one day, but to do everything in your power and means to better yourself, become better at your craft, and to become better known within the industry. I know tons of people who constantly train and go on auditions. The most successful ones I see are those who continue to take classes despite their skill level, practice at hours when most people are asleep, go to all auditions despite the pay, and are willing to take a risk, whether it be financially or just stepping out of their comfort zone.
I would also advise people to stay true to themselves and maintain their integrity. Never lower your morals or standards for a job because you think it will further your career. Another opportunity may come along soon where you wont be asked to compromise. You must market yourself as best as you can, but you need to be honest about your skills and your skill level.
Then you need to make solid connections and friendships. It is no secret that connections can make all the difference in the world. However, introducing yourself and exchanging business cards with every important person you meet won’t help you achieve your goals or help you advance. People will help those they consider to be truly worthy and who are not simply looking for a handout, only to turn their back on them down the road when they are in a position to possibly help. I am proud and fortunate to say that I love the opportunity to work with my friends, people that I don’t just see on auditions or on set, but those that I would call to spend time with. While I’m sure everyone has said it at some point in their career, I truly will not forget anyone that has helped me in any way along my path. If it takes me my entire life to return the favor, I will.
Travis Wong is a former nationally ranked forms and weapons competitor. His parents, Master Douglas L. Wong and Sifu Carrie Ogawa-Wong, are renowned marital artists who have trained a number of actors like Jason Scott Lee, Kevin Sorbo, Lucy Lawless, and Ryan Gosling. By fourteen, Wong was inducted into the “Inside Kung Fu: Hall of Fame.” Since then, he has used his martial arts background to further his parkour and freerunning skills.
Brielle Nikaido is an Associate Editor and Media Director at Conducive