This week, we’d like to introduce you to an incredibly talented and creative tap dancer/choreographer/teacher and founder/director of the O.K. DANCE Company. He’s A4D member, Oren Korenblum.
We caught up with Oren to talk about an incredible choreography project he created for the stage:
A4D: How did your choreography project started?
Oren: I found out about Come Out! Come Out! online and submitted my choreography reel and resume to the director. They were looking for a choreographer for a new show in Florida featuring music from the 1920’s with lots of tap … and I knew that’s exactly me! I also have a friend who worked on the show two years ago who recommended me to the director. It was just meant to be!
A4D: Are you moving away from performing?
Oren: I always present myself as a performer, choreographer, and dance teacher. I love doing all of them in different ways and enjoy each one. I work in show business because I love sharing my love for art, dance, connection, and creation. I love sharing it with people and I love to inspire and to be inspired by others.
A4D: What’s special about this project?
Oren: This show means so much to me on so many levels. I haven’t worked in theatre since March 2020 and creating a new show is a very unique opportunity. I don't take anything for granted and being in a room full of artists, sitting in a theatre, and creating a new tap show is just a dream come true. The music is so good and the story is so important. I do miss performing, and I know it’ll come soon … but creating is also a big passion of mine.
A4D: How did the industry shutdown effect you as a performer and artist?
Oren: Covid created a big shift in my life in a lot of ways. I had to reteach myself how to enjoy what I have and how to be grateful for everything. Since March 2020, I had the opportunity to keep teaching at AMDA and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. I haven’t performed a lot since then, and every opportunity I got was a big gift. In many ways, it felt like all my creativity was boiling for two years and with Come Out! Come Out!, I got the chance to make magic on stage.
A4D: What advice do you have for anyone interested in advancing their career?
Oren: Always keep working on your craft. Keep your connections with people. Work on your website and social media. This business is so much about being in the right place, at the right time, and the right people. Follow your instincts and always find the positive things from every situation. Enter the room with an open heart and open ears. Don’t judge others because you never know what they really think or what they’ve been going through.
A4D: How has A4D helped your career?
Oren: I’m so grateful for Answers4Dancers. As a dancer, I always felt there’s one place I knew I could find every dance audition and great advice about the business. It has helped me a lot.
MORE ON OREN’S CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT >
Come Out! Come Out! is currently running in Wilton Manors, FL until March 13 at the Wilton Theater Factory. Details here >
For more on Oren, please visit www.orenkorenblum.com
YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/user/taporen
Instagram and TikTok: @taporen
