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

Micky, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m definitely happier as an artist and creative. For me, there’s something magical about turning abstract ideas into something tangible and impactful. But that doesn’t mean I never think about what life would be like with a more “regular” job. I think every creative has that moment when the instability of our path makes you wonder, “What if?”

The last time I had that thought, I was recovering from a hip injury. It forced me to slow down and reevaluate everything—not just my career, but my entire way of living. One day, I was sitting at home with all this free time I wasn’t used to having. Bills were still coming in, projects were on pause, and the uncertainty was eating at me. I thought, “What would it feel like to have a 9-to-5, a steady paycheck, and that kind of structure?”

I let myself sit with that thought for a while, imagining a life with weekends off, no hustle, maybe even a little monotony. And honestly? It didn’t excite me. What excites me is the freedom to create, to collaborate, and to constantly reinvent myself. Sure, it’s messy and unpredictable, but that’s where I thrive. I realized that even if there’s struggle, it’s a struggle I’m willing to take on because the highs—the moments where you see your vision come to life—make it all worth it.

In that moment, I came to a deeper understanding: I’m not built for “regular.” I’m built for this. For the chaos, the beauty, the storytelling, and the connections that come from creating. It reaffirmed that being a creative isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.

Micky, 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 am Micky Kurz, a creative director, choreographer, and movement coach based in Los Angeles. My passion for the arts began in Germany, where I grew up and embarked on a dynamic career in dance and modeling. Over the years, I’ve worked on prominent European TV shows like X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, modeled for global brands such as Nike and Adidas, and collaborated with renowned fashion houses like Ralph Lauren and Salvatore Ferragamo.

In 2014, I followed my dreams to Los Angeles, where I expanded my repertoire, working with major artists like Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Ricky Martin, and directing for brands like Stuart Weitzman and New Balance. This diverse career has given me a unique edge, blending movement, fashion, and creative storytelling.

My work goes beyond choreography; I specialize in building concepts, refining runway performances, and directing visuals that captivate audiences. What sets me apart is my collaborative approach—I believe in the power of teamwork to elevate ideas and achieve outstanding results. One of my proudest moments was shaping Germany’s Next Topmodel 2024 season, which, for the first time, included male models—a testament to innovation and inclusion in the industry.

For potential clients, I want them to know I am committed to bringing bold visions to life. Whether crafting dance routines, directing music videos, or creating campaigns, I aim to leave a lasting impact through creativity and precision. I thrive on challenges, constantly seeking to push boundaries and explore fresh ideas.

For more details, you can explore my portfolio and projects at mickykurz.com​

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In December 2019, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my career. I was part of the dancers preparing for Britney Spears’ highly anticipated Las Vegas residency “Domination” when I suffered a serious injury. This setback required not one but two surgeries and completely sidelined me at a time when everything seemed to be going full speed ahead. To make matters more complex, the world soon entered the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This injury forced me to confront a tough reality: I needed to pivot. Dance had been my entire identity up to that point—it was all I knew, and the thought of letting it go felt like losing a part of myself. But during my recovery, I had a lot of time to reflect on what I wanted and what I could still contribute to the industry I loved.

I began to lean into choreography and creative direction, areas I had already been exploring but hadn’t fully committed to before. This transition was both intimidating and liberating. It pushed me to reimagine my role in the creative world, integrating my movement expertise with storytelling and visual artistry. I started seeing opportunities not just to dance, but to shape entire performances, direct concepts, and collaborate on a broader scale.

Looking back, I see this moment as a turning point. What felt like a loss at the time was actually an opening to a new chapter. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of evolving beyond what you think defines you. Today, I’m grateful for the chance to direct, choreograph, and mentor others in ways that extend far beyond the stage. It was a hard lesson, but it made me the creative I am now.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

If I could go back, I wish I had embraced social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and later TikTok much earlier in my journey. These platforms have proven to be game-changers for creatives, offering a way to showcase work, build a personal brand, and connect with a global audience. Had I jumped on the bandwagon earlier, I believe it could have amplified my reach and opened up even more opportunities.

That said, posting on social media has never come naturally to me. I’m very self-critical, which makes it hard to hit “post” on something I don’t feel is perfect. This hesitation has definitely held me back from sharing as much content as I could. But it’s clear now how powerful these platforms are for empowering creatives—they’ve democratized access to visibility and made it easier for talent to be discovered and for work to gain traction.

Looking ahead, I’m working on being more consistent and overcoming that inner critic. Social media isn’t just about promotion; it’s about connection and storytelling. I’m learning to approach it as another creative outlet, and that mindset shift is helping me embrace it more fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mickykurz.com
• Instagram: mynameismicky
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micky.kurz/
• Twitter: mynameismicky
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickyKurz

Image Credits

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