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Christopher
"Craze" Satterfield
Choreographer, Artist Direction, Artist Development
"There
came a point when I had to decide if I wanted to continue
hustling as a dancer, or move on to the other side of the
audition table. I chose to choreograph." He calls himself
Craze and standing at 6 feet 1 inch, it's not difficult picking
him out of a crowd - just look for the one keeping to himself.
A native of Jersey, he's LA's newest underground choreography
talent. His body moves as a tornado influence of Urban Street
Jazz, Hip Hop, African, House, Modern and Martial Arts and
on top of the fly moves, he's the most real and down-to-earth
guy you'd ever meet. "I think that's a big reason why
people want to learn from me. I'm easy to talk to, I guess."
Having booked past projects with Tyrese, Chico DeBarge, Tracie
Spencer, Rod Stewart and Won G and having worked with many
Top Choreographers, how does he keep the pace with all the
competition? "All I can say is that I try to stay focused
and not let the industry taint me, keep good relationships,
treat people right and have faith. Everyone has their time
to shine and I have enough patience to wait my turn."
My
influences:
Music
genre influences are: Deep House, Neo Soul, Break Beatz,
Alternative Rock, Neo Jazz, Hip Hop and Afro Cuban Rhythms.
Dance
Style Influences are: Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Martial
Arts, Modern
Artist
Influences are: Any artist that has struggled, or any
artist in the infinite process of making their dreams come
true through hard work, modesty, focus, mistakes, fearlessness,
dedication, patience, faith, honesty, fun and respect. Creativity
is bliss ya'll - heavenly bliss.
How
did I get started?
Started
dancing when I was 12. Never had any dance training as a kid.
Mostly watched music videos back in the day. Michael Jackson,
Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, New Edition - whatever was hot
at that time - I was always performing. I learned that I picked
up moves pretty well by just watching. Didn't try pursuing
dance until my early twenties when I started to take professional
hip hop classes and dabbled in a bit of technique training.
I excelled pretty quickly in dance...soon got an agent and
started booking a few named gigs. (It took time though - lots
of auditioning and waiting tables)
Then,
I knew deep inside myself that I actually really got more
of a kick outta doing choreography and strengthening my creativity...and
with more confidence built, I started directing my energy
more toward the choreography aspect. I started by just taking
the opportunity to choreograph every chance I got. Had my
first reel made. I was gaining trust and relationships in
people in that I would be able to have them give me a chance
to showcase. People started digging my flava, and opportunities
always came. Ever since then it's been a growing process and
a lot of self-evaluation. I've been blessed to have done and
accomplished a lot and I'm just looking forward to continued
growth, success and fun, doing what comes natural for me.
Be sure to check his dance class, every THURSDAY night,
7.30pm @ The Debbie Reynolds Studios, 6514 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91606.
For more information on Craze, take a peek at his site: www.crazeflava.com |
