Putting Descendants on Stage
Make it Sparkle Video with TJ Tekurio
Professional Choreographer & Dance Director
4:16 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Choreographer TJ Tekurio was part of a creative team that initially had different theater titles lined up, none of which included Disney's Descendants.
When considering the age group of their advanced musical theater class, the team decided to switch to a title more appealing to younger audiences.
Initially, they were discussing Finding Nemo, but the idea quickly shifted to Disney's Descendants, despite TJ's unfamiliarity with the title.
Being a Disney fanatic, TJ tapped into his love for the studio and began researching Descendants, realizing the magic the title had to offer.
The production turned out to be a learning experience, with TJ getting insights from the kids who were well-versed with the TV show and the characters.
The decision to choose Disney's Descendants resulted in a strong turnout for auditions, eventually making the production much bigger than initially anticipated.
About TJ Tekurio
TJ Tekurio is a native to South Florida. His early training experience includes Houston Ballet, Harid Conservatory, Virginia School for the Arts, Paul Taylor, Dance Theatre of Harlem, River North Jazz Dance Chicago, Dance Now Miami, and has his BFA in Choreography & Performance from Towson University.
TJ started his early dance career on luxury cruise ships where he was a dancer and company manager. He then transitioned to choreographing, staging, and directing events with Holland America Line. This allowed him to work with great professionals like Tabitha and Napoleon, John Charron, Jill Hillier, Melanie Lewis, and many more through out Los Angeles. He has continued to choreograph and direct many award winning shows and events for Celebrity Cruise Line, Miami Beach Gay Pride, Holland America Line, and most recently Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest refurbished ship.
He has more recently worked as a Product Manager and Producer with Don Casino Entertainment Agency where he helped successfully build a new on-line market with specialized content, new programing, and exciting visuals. He continues to mentor and teach children and adults around South Florida at Dance Dimensions, Fort Lauderdale Children's Ballet Theater, and with The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. He also has partnered with AvMed Insurance Company to curate a Senior Citizen Health and Wellness series for their clients called Purposeful Movement. The program is designed to gently elongate, stretch, and strengthen the body and mind, to help with everyday tasks. Mobility is Stability!
TJ has also crafted classes for "All Abilities" students, with Wings of Friendship, highlighting the capacity of movement and the joy it brings to any age group. He is now embarking on a semester-long program where he is writing a class syllabus for 3rd-8th graders in the public school system, integrating arts into the daily classroom lessons, as well as performing arts teaching.
In his spare time, TJ created and produced EASE Podcast, which helps demystify the entertainment industry showcasing professionals in the field. He is also the proud Co-Creator and Co-Host of TidalWave, a broadcasted visual podcast breaking down familiar entertainment topics and lifting up creatives in the community.
Thanks to all my friends who have supported my journey. And THANK YOU to my family who has always given me the nudge to keep dreaming bigger EVERY DAY!