Currently on tour with pop icon Madonna, we catch up with French dancer Loic Mabanza. The worlds of dance and fashion often collide with Loic also showcasing his talents as a model, signed to Soul Artist Management in New York. We recently connected with Mabanza to talk fashion, style and of course–what’s it like to work with Madonna.
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old, but It really became my passion when I was 13 after I stopped playing soccer due to an injury. At age 16, I was dancing professionally.
Mabanza performs in a piece, KINESIS, which was directed by French model Vincent LaCrocq and Kristell Chenut.
What inspired you to start?
My big brother inspired me to start. He was a Hip Hop dancer back in the days. I remember always trying to imitate him. I was his biggest fan.
How long have you been dancing with Madonna?
I met Madonna 5 years ago. I did a couple jobs with her but my first tour with her was the MDNA world tour in 2012. She’s the best boss and also one of my closest friends.
Loic Mabanza shares a behind the scenes look while on Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour.
Do you get nervous before you go on stage?
Absolutely not. Before I go on stage, I always take a moment for myself to realize how blessed I am. “I am part of one of the best shows ever done and I’m about to perform with the most iconic artist on the planet…” As a dancer, it doesn’t get any better than that. This is our passion and we live for these moments. I get so pumped and excited, I can’t wait to get on stage.
What goes through your mind while performing?
I’m focused on my performance, my acting, my dancing, my character for each number. I make sure I stay connected with everyone on stage especially Madonna and most importantly, I make sure to always have fun. I am constantly trying to find new ways to make my show more exciting every night.
What was it like working with Joan Smalls and Steven Klein?
Steven and I have been meaning to work together a while now, We’ve been talking about it many times but our schedules didn’t allow us to do so. We finally were able to make it when he asked me to choreograph for the True Religion x Joan Smalls campaign. We had a great time. Steven is a good friend, so working with him was easy and I already know his methods. Joan is one of the sweetest models I’ve worked with. She is gorgeous inside and out, really down to earth and really easy to work with.
How did you become a model?
Actually Steven Klein is the person who pushed me and encouraged me to pursue a modeling career. 3 years ago, I was shooting a short film that he was co-directing with Madonna called “TheSecretProjectRevolution”. He told me that he saw something special in me and told me that I will make it far in this business. So I gave it a chance and here I am!
What’s it like making the transition from dancer to model?
There was no transition. I’m still a dancer. I just had to learn the business in the modeling industry and get some experience. But it’s two different worlds. In the dance world, you’re hired mostly for the skills and originality that you bring. So it’s really up to you. You can blow people away with your skills, be creative and show up like no one else. In the fashion world it’s more limited. There is not much you can do except to be true to yourself and show up.
Does it help to have a dance background?
The fact that I am a dancer really helps because I approach the game differently. I can be more creative using different movements and ideas that people don’t see often in the fashion industry. Most of the time, when I book a job as a model, the clients or the photographers ask me either to dance or to help them find creative ideas. I always end up choreographing for them and helping the other models on set. I think my ability to move differently and to create shapes and movements also separates me from the others male models. I believe my dancing skills alongside with my smile are my strength in this business.
How would you describe your personal style?
I just asked my friends next to me to to describe my personal style. They said (laughing) “smooth, slick and suave”. I have different styles though. I can rock a suit for no specific reason. But I also like a clean street style. I collect rare jackets that I buy overseas. I like to be fashionable and show up like no one else. And I like to do it especially when it’s not expected.
Clothes and style are the reasons why I’m in this fashion industry in the first place. I love fashion and style and I look for inspiration in every place I travel throughout the world. I’m actually about to create a blog to show my personal style and inspire people. But it will always be connected to what I do, my skills (dancing, martial arts, parkour etc…) to make it truly and originally me. That is how I express myself as an artist. I cannot wait to connect with my fans through my journey so stay tuned!
