Monet -- who co-owns the L.A.-based Rising Moment Management with thong-lovin' Sisqo -- offers aspiring dancers a chance to hone their skills and, if they're really good, land their shaking booties in music videos or movies, or on television. "Right now, there's an explosion in the entertainment industry," Monet says. "It's an exciting time for people to become dancers."
Monet will serve up three classes this weekend: one for beginners, one for intermediates, and one for those looking for representation. Each focuses on a single routine that incorporates both general MTV-like moves (think Janet) and more specific Atlanta-style routines (think Usher).
Monet has prepared people like Will Smith and P. Diddy for videos and live performances. He's shared stages with Madonna and Michael Jackson. And he's now the assistant choreographer on the Ladies First Tour, which features Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliott. In fact, Elliott recently tapped Monet to help her select dancers for her set.
Monet is also the man behind iPod's groovy dancing-silhouette commercial. "I watch anything from the Nicholas Brothers to Fred Astaire and science fiction [for inspiration]," he says. But it's not just fancy footwork that's gonna get you onstage with Justin or Britney. "For every 200 people I meet, maybe one or two people will take the initiative to come to L.A.," the hub of the industry, he says. From there, Monet will help with housing, representation, training, and promotion. "Ultimately, the person who gets the job is the person who has it," he says. And if you have to ask what it is . . .
