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Harnessing the Magic of Performing: Joseph Corella and 567BROADWAY!

Joseph Corella, a 3rd generation Mexican American, is originally from the hot desert of Phoenix, Arizona. Using his dance, theatre, and fitness background, Joseph has traveled the globe, spreading his love and understanding of the importance of movement to such places as Japan, France, England, and Canada and dozens of cities across the United States. Joseph’s connection to movement started in his early childhood with extensive training in jazz, tap, contemporary, and ballet. At thirteen, he became a member of famed choreographer Marguerite Derricks’ prestigious dance company in Los Angeles, Tremaine Teen Company, and shortly after that appeared in Disney’s Geppetto alongside pop superstar Usher. In 1997, Joseph was named American Dance Awards’ Teen Male Dancer of the Year. Soon after, the band Tropic Zone was created around Joseph and 2 others, with whom he toured extensively, including the US.

 

Joseph then moved to New York City where he debuted on Broadway in All Shook Up and subsequently toured the US with productions of Grease (Dance Captain) and West Side Story. Other theatrical credits include: Surf: The Musical, CATS, Altar Boyz, Guys and Dolls, and much more. Building on his dance and vocal talent, Joseph studied at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York City and honed his comedic skills with Upright Citizens Brigade.

 

After his time in New York City, Joseph then moved to Los Angeles to start a new adventure. Some of his work in Los Angeles include partnering with actress & Pop Star Selena Gomez on the Disney Hit TV Show Wizards of Waverly Place & with Rebel Wilson, with whom he choreographed a CATS routine dubbed “Catzercize,” which has been shared by Rebel and her 6 million + followers. That viral video was soon followed by a choreographed routine to “Greased Lightnin” from Grease, complete with Rebel piloting a pantomime race car. As well as working with Rebel Wilson, Joseph has worked and trained with BAFTA award-winner Andrea Riseborough and Australian superstar Delta Goodrem.

 

As a choreographer, Joseph has been asked to choreograph on a number of high-profile projects ranging from the hit Lifetime reality show Dance Moms, the HBO special A Quinceañera Story, MTV Video Music Awards, CW's Hart of Dixie & much more! Joseph has also choreographed for numerous recording artists including Neon Trees & 98 Degrees!

 

Joseph also teamed up with fitness guru, Cassey Ho of Blogilates, and Pop Pilates for a YouTube collaboration for her 6 million followers.

 

He also collaborated with Michelle Khare of “Challenge Accepted” fame, serving as her co-star and coach for “I Trained Like A Broadway Star For 6 Weeks!”

 

Joseph's proudest accomplishment to date is co-creating with his Husband, 567BROADWAY! an all-levels dance fitness class. This idea was born out of Joseph’s desire to create, encourage, and provide an inclusive sense of community where EVERYONE could have a safe space to dance and start their fitness journeys. 567BROADWAY! is a fun dance fitness experience that fuses the magic of Broadway with cardio and strength training to give you a full-body workout! Featuring hit songs such as “One” (A Chorus Line), “Born to Hand Jive” (Grease), “Bend and Snap” (Legally Blonde), “You Can’t Stop The Beat” (Hairspray), and more, ALL LEVELS WELCOME! Trust us, you haven’t lived until you’ve done choreographed squats to “Bend and Snap”!

Photo by: Kaitlin Kelly

Raine: When did you start dancing and performing?

Joseph: I started dancing at the age of 7 at Spisak’s Dance Academy in Phoenix, AZ. My first performance was in The Nutcracker, which the studio does every year. It was a magical experience and started my love for being on stage.

 

Raine: Why did you pursue a career involving dance and Broadway?

Joseph: The first big musical I saw was in 5th grade when the National Tour of Phantom of the Opera came to Phoenix. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be on Broadway. Performing is truly magical, and I’ve been honored to have been a part of some amazing shows like All Shook Up on Broadway, the National Tour of Grease, and West Side Story. The arts help make the world a better place.

 

Raine: I know that at your core you are a teacher; what drew you to teaching?

Joseph: Teaching randomly fell into my lap when I got asked to teach adults dance fitness. I gave it a go and fell in love instantly. My heart told me it was time for this next chapter in my life, and that was where 567BROADWAY! came into existence. I love teaching adults the magic of dance, creativity, and what it can do to keep them healthy and strong.

 

Raine: Why did you start 567BROADWAY!? What inspired the idea behind the program?

Joseph: 567BROADWAY! combines everything I love from Broadway, dancing, singing, creating, and staying strong. It has taken me time to create the program, but I have fine-tuned the program to what it is today by teaching and listening. 567BROADWAY! is a way for adults to have fun and take care of their bodies and minds.

Photo by: Glenn Nutley

Raine: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career?

Joseph: The number one thing I have learned over the years is to be patient. It takes time to build anything properly.

 

Raine: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did you overcome it?

Joseph: Oh yes! That goes along the lines of being patient. When I rush, that wears me out. I have had to learn to slow down and take time to refuel.

 

Raine: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

Joseph: Listen to your heart. I believe we each hold the key to our journey, and the heart is where that key is stored. Be patient and continue to find ways to connect to your heart for answers.

Photo by: Kaitlin Kelly

Raine: Do you have any exciting plans coming up?

Joseph: Oh yes! I love dreaming and have many dreams I am working on to share the magic of dance and creativity worldwide. I can’t wait to see where the Universe takes me next!

Photo by: Emily Winnie