This Issue on SOHM: The Dance Issue! Exclusive Interview with David Gonzalez, the Man Behind the "World of Dance," Dancer and Actor Mark Erickson, and Two Young Ballet Dancers Rebekah Brannan and Sergio Gomez, PLUS many more.

Welcome to the May-June issue of Shine On Hollywood Magazine, Top Dance Industry Professionals! Summer is here at last, and pandemic restrictions are finally lifting around the world! We’re sure that this news makes you want to dance with joy, as it does us! In recognition of this jubilant feeling, we’re honoring four interesting people who are involved with different aspects of the dance world. Whether this issue makes you want to go to a live dance performance or “trip the light fantastic” yourself, you now can satisfy your terpsichorean urges yourself in person!

We are continuing to bring you “Real People, Real Stories” in this issue. Although these people may not be household names, they are examples of real people with authentic experiences and stories who are trying to make a difference in the dance and entertainment worlds. In so doing, we maintain our policy of no gossip and no divisive or negative content. We refuse to include content featuring religion, politics, sexual orientation, or any of the other things which divide us. Instead, we are continuing to connect people with positive stories of people giving back to the community.

We are honored to present David Gonzalez as our cover feature. You may never have heard his name, but you know of the things he has created. This visionary brand creator founded the World of Dance brand in 2008, which has since grown to become the biggest dance competition in the world! Although not a dancer himself, David has a long history in the entertainment industry working with dancers. He went into business for himself as a DJ and equipment rental provider in his teenage years and has been a self-starter ever since. “World of Dance” is the realization of his dream to see all forms of dance coming together.

In this issue, we are also proud to feature Mark Erickson. You probably have never heard of him, but we know you’ve heard of people with whom he’s worked. He took ballet class alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov. He and Mel Gibson made their American film debuts together in an Academy Award-nominated film. He danced with Lane Bryant, who performed in the original Broadway production of Gypsy. Sean Penn was his classmate at an exclusive Hollywood acting studio. Golden Era musical star Cyd Charisse called him her teacher. Mark’s journey has taken from a rustic upbringing in the backwoods of British Columbia to Hollywood success and finally to starting his own ballet studio in Temecula, California. His story is an inspiring one about discovering where life’s path will lead you.
Also in this issue are two aspiring young dancers, Rebekah Brannan and Sergio Gomez. Although neither is a full time professional dancer, ballet is an important part of their lives. Their partner dancing is undeniably special due to their dedicated rehearsing together twice a week. Instead of being sidetracked by the pandemic, they were able to rehearse together more than ever, also working on original ballets together. Theirs is an inspiring story of finding creativity in difficult circumstances.

The theme of this issue is to be open to unexpected paths. Whether you would imagine it or not, dance and other arts may waltz into your life. Be open to new opportunities, experiences, and artistic endeavors which come your way, since you may find a surprising passion, as this issue’s features did. We encourage you to “Let them be your motivation!”

Thank you for your continued support of Shine On Hollywood Magazine! Stay tuned for our next issue, which will be our special 9-Year Anniversary Edition!

Enjoy,

SOHM Team

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