We were lucky to catch up with Valentino Vladimírov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valentino, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The way I learn(ed) most of the time is through trial and error. I think curiosity is a big part of it, learning to allow yourself to be vulnerable, and letting go of expectations & finding the joy in the process.

Knowing what I know now, I don’t think I couldn’t have done much more to speed up the process, but I could have found more time for rest and self-care, which could have probably sped up the process. So maybe I should have done less?

Skills that I find essential are patience, flexibility, willingness to explore, be wrong, endurance of failure, more patience, listening, staying calm under pressure, reading the room, being able to communicate.

I don’t know that it’s obstacles or more so just life. Being able to organize and plan your life, time, and finances, so you are able to do everything you need to and want to do. I’d say watch out for comfort. If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing, you’re not being challenged. Find ways to get uncomfortable.

Valentino, 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?

At my core, I believe I am here to help people be the best version of themselves. While pursuing my passions in tv and film, I found a way of giving back that makes me feel fulfilled through movement.

For many years, I used to work as a professional dancer. I toured and perform with artist like Backstreet Boys, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, & Rosalía. It was an incredible time, I learned so much about the entertainment industry. As I was looking for ways to give back, opportunities came my way where I got to step into the role of a movement coach to train an artist with their movement and performance. That lead me to developing a class that is kind of like a hidden door into a world of tricks and tips designed to help dancers become stronger and build the confidence that comes with the understanding your own body. Then I decided I didn’t want to limit the class to just dancers and made it accessible to all skill levels, beginner to advanced. A class that anyone can take and leave with a new set of tools.

I wear many hats. I think it comes from the love for creating. The love of working in a collaborative environment. I’ve been a PA on set, I’ve done wardrobe, I’ve been a professional dancer on tour, I’ve choreographed shows, I am actor, a director, currently in pre-production on my second short film that shoots in August, a creative consultant – it all connects. I’ve learned that how you do one thing is how you do everything. The care and attention to detail should always be at the highest level. The experiences are what build your instincts. What was nonnegotiable for me, every time, was energy. Everyone I work with, I do so because there is something about the work that inspires, pushes, and challenges me. I’d rather not do a project, than have to be in a place where I’m not enjoying myself or am treated poorly. To be fair, it’s really hard for me to have a bad time, and I know there is always something I can learn from a situation.

For anyone looking to get to know their body and gain confidence, you can find me at Millennium Dance Complex in Studio City on (most) Tuesdays at 5:30pm.

@valentinovladimirov
@morethansteps.pro
www.morethansteps.pro

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

We are here, on earth, for a very short amount of time and my goal is to leave this place better than I found it. I want to enjoy the journey, work with people I admire, go at a pace that feels right to me, and on the way learn as much as I can, experience as much as I can, and not sweat the small stuff.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think for me unlearning is constant. Art imitates life, so whatever is going on in my life bleeds through in my art. A big one for me was rushing – in everything, everywhere, all the time. When I slow down, walk at a normal pace, that’s when I am the most uncomfortable and that’s when my work is at its best. That’s where I try to live. One thing I always tell myself is nothing good comes from rushing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.morethansteps.pro
• Instagram: @valentinovladimirov | @morethansteps.pro
• Linkedin: Valentino Vladimírov