Continued from pg 31 heading up the department as the Musical Theater Director. Continuing to discover his mojo, Tor became certified as a dance fitness instructor which helped him to evolve and enter back into the world of dance. Now Tor was able to help people AND do what he loves FULL TIME.
China. This was the break he longed for. Tor was hired and began to live the dream … again!
This nine month gig turned into four years with shows on cruise ships and at China’ s Venetian and Sands resorts. Ironically, even though he was booked as a singer, dance opportunities always seemed to just fall into Tor’ s lap. Such was the case when he took the initiative and started teaching dance at the Venetian. He was soon offered the opportunity to oversee the entire dance department. His triple threat portfolio kept him gainfully employed being one of only five performers asked to stay on. Because Mr. Tor could do it all, he was positioned to DO IT ALL. His work life became … twelve hour days, 10-12 different shows every three months, mixing his own music, setting formations and staging, casting the shows, lighting, costuming, choreography … a one man production company. And he enjoyed every minute of it! When you’ re doing what you love your heart is committed to the process.
With the renewal of his contract every six months, Tor was able to break away and travel home. And it was a trip back to the states for a friend’ s wedding that changed his life. Upon arrival, he wasn’ t feeling well and before he knew it he was admitted to the hospital for a lengthy 3 ½ month stay. Healthy and revived, Tor was back to himself, but he had missed the opportunity to return to China. Just when he felt he was back in his groove, Tor had to start all over again … again. In order to pay the bills he studied to become a physical therapy assistant but this time around he was proactive. He masterfully combined both disciplines, taking what he had learned as a therapist and an instructor in New York and China and created his niche in the entertainment industry.
The relationships Tor built over the years served as a catalyst for his next steps. While attending Agape Church in Los Angeles, Tor began to take dance classes again. Ironically, one day, the hip hop instructor was a no show and Tor was asked to teach the class. He went from teaching to
Tor is currently one of the top instructors, choreographers, and Master Trainers for Billy Blanks Jr’ s Dance It Out format. Everywhere he teaches his classes are packed with diehard supporters who follow him from venue to venue. He has also successfully parlayed his love for musical theater into his own version of a“ Broadway” dance class that can be enjoyed by the novice, the expert, and everyone in between.“ I don’ t just teach steps from a musical. I tell a story through song, any song that fits what is being expressed, always having a beginning, middle, and an end.” I can vouch that Tor’ s Broadway class takes you on an amazing journey of dance. His energy and creativity are phenomenal!
A closer look at TOR CAMPBELL …
ACT: Of all of your experiences, what were your greatest moments as a performer?
TOR: The role as Tin Man in middle school was a pivotal moment in my life because that’ s when I realized I loved musical theater. Booking“ Cover Girls” was a life changing experience as well. The connections alone changed my life’ s path.
ACT: Who were your biggest influences in your dance career?
TOR: Keith Haley Andrews, my boss in China. He taught me different sides of the business and helped me stretch my talents to become more than a dancer.
ACT: What is the best advice was given to you by an industry professional?
TOR: Always BE PREPARED! And find your niche.
ACT: So, if you get the chance to choreograph one show for an artist, today, who would that be?
TOR: I’ m torn between Bette Midler and Beyonce. I would probably pick Beyonce because I could turn her songs into a musical about her life.
ACT: What advice would you give a dancer who is trying to figure out that next step in his / her career?
ActDanceModelSing. com
Page 32