Kristen Schalk moving across the country to the greater Los Angeles area is a big step, but a logical one, since the Charlotte, North Carolina, resident’s steps are her business. Just under seven weeks away from her 22nd birthday, the dancer has built up a résumé that is also now being challenged for space by a new category.
Schalk has danced in music videos and showcased at events both local and out-of-state, including destinations such as Atlanta and Orlando. She even traveled recently to the U.S. Virgin Islands to perform with singer Brayden Taylor. And, along the way she has been training with one of the best in the business, Chuck Maldonado. A four-time award-winning choreographer for his work with Stomp The Yard, the NAACP Image Awards, Chris Brown’s Grammy performance, and Bright House’s Network commercial, Maldonado has choreographed and appeared in major motion pictures, worked with many major recording artists, and worked in several commercials.
She has also been mentored by and been dancing with Dres Reid, a professionally renowned dancer who has toured with major pop music artists, including Whitney Houston and Ricky Martin, among others. Reid was one Michael Jackson’s eleven hand-picked dancers for the “This Is It” Tour.
Schalk has also been teaching at an entertainment academy in the Charlotte area. However, dance is now sharing time with her rapidly developing vocal talent. Under the direction of a private voice coach, Michael McCluney (“Big Mike”) from the R&B music group Day26 formed by Sean “Diddy” Combs, she has progressed so rapidly that Now Hear This will be arranging opportunities for her to sing once she’s on the ground in California. And if that’s not enough, the acting bug has bitten, and Kristen will pursue work in that arena as well.
“The proverbial sky is the limit for Kristen,” said Now Hear This President Bruce Wawrzyniak. “From the day I met her early last year she has been bright-eyed and passionate. From the standpoint of an entertainer she truly is the whole package – dance abilities, voice, now starting to act, and, of course, the look to accompany it all. She is a joy to work with because of that fire that burns within her to showcase and continue to develop these talents. Her move to the Los Angeles area is proof of that.”
Wawrzyniak will be on-site in California with Schalk in August, while Now Hear This, in the meantime, launches her official website and YouTube channel.
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