Tracks for hip-hop class
The inspiration for Nolan Padilla’s career in commercial hip hop came from his TV set. “There wasn’t a whole lot of dance in Wyoming, so I would lock myself in my room and watch ’80s and ’90s videos on MTV,” he says. After some formal training, Padilla beelined it to L.A. immediately following high school graduation, sleeping on his cousins’ couches until he got on his feet.
His persistence paid off. Padilla’s recent projects include touring with Katy Perry and playing a principal dancer in Step Up: Revolution, due in theaters July 27. He blends old and new styles in his classes at EDGE Performing Arts Center, which he describes as having an Usher feel. “I’m a product of the ’90s, so I like to dance and groove. I make party dances that touch on tons of different hip-hop styles.”
Because of his own path, Padilla understands his students’ struggles. “It took me a few years to realize that you’re the only one pushing yourself,” he says, which is why beyond encouraging dancers to develop their own style, he recommends that they learn all sides of the industry, including business aspects and networking, which are essential in becoming a savvy and marketable dancer. DT
Artist: Michael Jackson
Song: “Rock With You”
“I try to play as much popular music for the warm-up as possible, and Michael is a ‘go-to’ on any day. This is a song that everybody knows, and it puts a smile on your face. It gets class started with the right mood.”
Artist: The Beatles
Album: LOVE Soundtrack
“I grew up listening to The Beatles in my house, so it has a place with me. This is a remix album of a bunch of their tracks from the Cirque du Soleil show (LOVE) in Las Vegas. Dancing hip hop to these songs is something that kids won’t expect, but they’ll quickly get into it and pick out fun rhythms.”
Artist: The Weeknd
Album: Balloons of Haus (remixes by Chi Duly)
“This has a house vibe with intricate rhythms. I like to use it for my choreographed combinations. I really try to keep my students on their toes, and that means keeping myself on my own toes, because I teach best when I feel like I am fueling my own creativity as well.”
Artist: Steve Aoki
Album: Wonderland
“This whole album has different styles of electronic, hip-hop and R&B rhythms. Depending on how I feel that day, I’ll use it for warm-up or choreography, or really any portion of class because it blends really well into different parts.”
Artist: Miguel
Album: All I Want Is You
“He released this album a couple years ago but is just getting recognized now. It reminds me of my favorite mid-’90s R&B music with a twist. His grooves just really make me wanna move, which is what my class is all about.”
