DI Michael Reyes: A love for dancing since he was 3
By Cristina DC Pastor
Michael Reyes became a dance instructor through a stroke of luck.
Sixteen years ago, he used to frequent a local haunt (Bistro Filipino in South Ozone Park at the time) with his friends Jun Cloma and Allan Matamis when the general manager (Will Reyes Jr.) invited him to join his dancing instructor buddies. Despite being a Business Management graduate from Baruch College, the prospect of becoming a dance host wasn’t something he had envisioned. However, his love for dancing made the decision easy.
“At first I laughed because I didn’t know the protocol, and I used to make fun of my friends at the time,” he recalled with a chuckle. “I was in my 30s then.”
But soon, he found himself immersed in weekend gigs alongside his friends, ballroom dancing with initially hesitant women partners, enjoying complimentary drinks and meals, all while earning a little extra cash.
“Dancing has been a part of me since I was three,” shared Michael, who works as a budget assistant at the United Nations. He attributed his passion to his mother, Corazon Reyes, a registered nurse who had a knack for dancing. “Mom was the dancer. I inherited her talent.”
He began with street dance freestyling in the 1980s, a style that today might resemble a fusion of hip hop and urban popping. Whether it was at family gatherings, parties, or impromptu performances, Michael was always ready to showcase his classic moves.
In 1989, a significant opportunity arose when he was selected by renowned French artist and art director Jean-Paul Goude to feature in a dance video in Paris, coinciding with the celebration of Bastille Day. It was also the year of the Tiananmen Massacre in China.
“I auditioned for it,” he said.
Recalling the experience, he said, “(Goude) directed a small video with nine of us dressed in black with Chinese lettering in bandanas and our bare chests. Three of us came from New York, three from L.A., and three from Paris. Two of us were Filipinos (Dante Adela was the other). I was lucky to be selected. We were there for 10 days. We were treated like kings, business class plane fare and all. It was my first time in Paris.”
Two films
Two films made an impact on his drive to further his dance skills: Patrick Swayze’s “Dirty Dancing” and “Dance with Me” with Vanessa Williams.
He said, “Those two movies started my curiosity, motivated me and inspired me more to get into ballroom dancing.”
As one of most sought-after DIs in the New York metropolitan area, Michael’s weekends are known to be packed with engagements at various venues. He can be at Bamboo Grill in Bergenfield, N.J., in Starlight Dance Center in Nutley, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Bayonne or at 58 Manor in Queens, New York City. In the Filipino American community, line dancing is a cherished social conduct and parties are not complete without the women (and some men) getting on their feet to do the Electric Slide after a hearty dinner.
He typically charges $200 to $300 for four to five hours with clients. They can be a group of women or just one individual. No, he does not advertise his service, and no, his family does not share his passion for hoofing it on the dance floor. His wife works in a big accounting office; they have two children in college. The family lives in Long Island.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the business, Michael remains grateful that he can continue to dance, meet new people, stay fit, and earn a modest income on the side.
As he reflects on his journey from a chance invitation, his love for dance shines through.
His advice to women too shy to line dance?
“It might be a little intimidating at first but don’t ever be shy,” he said. “I’m there to guide you. Don’t even worry about the others on the dance floor! Keep your head up. Dance like no one is watching and most of all, just enjoy yourself!”
‘I love my job’ is a new segment of The FilAm featuring Filipinos who have rare and unique occupations. If you know someone, please pitch us a story at thefilamny@gmail.com.
© The FilAm 2024
