We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Gutierrez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

“The most significant and rewarding investment I’ve ever made is unwavering belief in myself. Life offers no guarantees, regardless of the path chosen. I discovered my true passion, something I couldn’t live without, and wholeheartedly trusted that by following my heart, the universe would handle the rest. While this may sound unconventional to many, as most people lean toward having a backup plan (which is commendable), unwavering belief can propel you forward. I invested not only in self-belief but also in relentless hard work. I skipped parties, avoided social outings, and dedicated myself to relentless practice and self-study to ensure I’d stand out and be undeniable.”

Jay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“I’m a world-renowned artist specializing in movement-based skills, with a remarkable track record. I’ve proudly secured world championship titles in numerous countries, including France, Japan, China, the U.K., and the USA. My journey has taken me to over 30 countries, where I’ve shared my dance systems and expertise.

My career has seen me grace the stage of TED talks and take on a solo role in the iconic Step Up 3D movie, in addition to choreographing and acting in Step Up 6. I’ve also had the privilege of working with Cirque du Soleil in their MJ One production in Las Vegas.

While I’ve excelled in performance, my path has naturally led me towards teaching and event organization. I take immense pride in my successful online program, ‘Pave The Wave,’ where I share the secrets of my craft. Many of my dedicated students have gone on to become champions after years of studying under my guidance.

Furthermore, I oversee a thriving dance event called ‘Waves Within.’ It’s a unique battle showcasing the essence of Waving style, which is my signature. This mesmerizing, fluid movement-based style creates illusions where the body appears to transform like water or channel various forms of energy. It’s my life’s passion to nurture and share this art with the world.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

“Growing up in the early 2000s, there was no Instagram, YouTube was in its infancy, influencers didn’t exist, and there weren’t many avenues to aspire to in dance. During that time, you could typically pursue two main paths: becoming a background dancer for a famous artist or striving to become a world champion battler, which wasn’t particularly lucrative back then.

I danced for the sheer joy of it throughout high school, and when my friends headed off to college after graduation, I found myself at a crossroads. My love for dance ran much deeper than a mere hobby, unlike most of my peers who saw it that way.

In the end, I continued dancing despite familial pressures and the constant questioning about my future. With no clear answer, I decided to attend medical school, hoping it would spark a new direction for me, one that could provide stability. I completed the course and found work at a chiropractic office, where I earned a decent income, but happiness eluded me. Every day, as I entered that office, I questioned my choices.

One fateful day, I received an invitation to participate in the UK’s premier dance event, UK Champs. I had to call in sick to attend, and eventually, my doctor discovered the truth about my absence. He expressed his disappointment and essentially shamed me for pursuing my happiness. That moment made it clear that this life wasn’t meant for me. I quit my job, never looked back, and within a year, I became a world champion, receiving invitations from all over the globe to compete. Had I stayed, I would have never realized the untapped potential awaiting me.”

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This is an intriguing question because I’ve never followed a specific strategy. My belief is simple: believe in yourself and share what truly matters to you. If what you’re doing is unique and sets you apart from others, keep going. When you invest love and attention into what’s important to you, it doesn’t go unnoticed. The path to success may take longer, but it unfolds precisely when it should. That’s how I perceive it, anyway.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jsmooth_theking
• Facebook: Jay Gutierrez
• Youtube: @wavegangcrew

Image Credits
@r.sarakul Instagram