Vonte Marquiss

Diamond Holly
Jun 4, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jun 11, 2023

June 11th, 2023

Vonte Marquiss is a highly accomplished choreographer and professional dancer who has built an impressive career over the years. He has made a name for himself in the dance industry, achieving incredible milestones and recognition. Notably, he had the unforgettable opportunity to perform on the grand stage of the 2023 Super Bowl, where he danced iconic dance moves alongside Rihanna. Continuously expanding his career in dance, Vonte Marquis's journey serves as a testament to his passion, dedication, and undeniable talent in the world of choreography and performance.

When did you first develop your passion for dance?

My love for dance started when I was a young, creating dance routines with my cousins, starting up a team at my elementary school with my best friends performing at school events. I always knew somehow some way dance was going to be a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until about 2018 that I decided to turn my love into a passion and make dance my career.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far would be the enjoying my personal journey. A lot of times we as humans; especially in the age of social media, find ourselves either comparing ourselves to our peers and it took time for me to realize everything I do is meant for me and comparing isn’t going help elevate me.

How has Dance impacted your life?

Dance has impacted my life in so many way I don’t think I could put them all into words. But one way has been dance, just being an outlet. As a black man in America, safe outlets for us are hard to find. Dance being one that we’ve always excelled in when I realized how music and movement truly impacted me my life changed. Going to the studio when I’m restless, listening to music and freestyling when I’m in a down mood. Dance just somehow, someway helps complete me in whatever way I need at that moment.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the dance industry?

Im truly inspired by so many people in the industry, from those who’ve paved the way to some upcoming ones. To be more specific, one of the first being Sean Bankhead. I started watching him create for a group of ladies on Youtube called BGC a while back and it was so unique and always looked fun to do. Even til this day he is one of my biggest inspirations I look up to and hope to work with one day.

Most memorable moment in your career?

Everyday in my career is memorable, I'm always learning, always teaching and always being present and receptive. I would have to say dancing with Rihanna is definitely very high on my list though. The entire experience from auditioning to rehearsals to show day all of it was just something I will hold onto forever and I’m so blessed to have been able to do it this early on in my career.

What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?

To those looking for a sign all I can say is go for it! I think what held me back the longest was not having anyone really supporting my dreams and having to believe in myself enough to do them on my own. If you know dance is something you want to take serious, then do just that! There really is no excuse when it comes to dance, I trained myself in everything I know, took the trips to auditions and classes rather that be flying or driving hours I knew I wanted it so I made it happen, and I said this to say anyone can if you just believe in yourself!

How do you stay inspired and continue to grow as dancer?

Remembering no matter where I am or what job I’m on that I will always be a student. One thing I personally love is constructive criticism-from someone of adequate stature on the matter- if I’m doing something incorrect, I want to be corrected. That way I can work on and perfect that, then perfecting my craft. I stay in classes, especially ones of teachers and styles I’m unfamiliar with in order to get out of my comfort zone and allow my mind and body to explore, which helps grow my mind and body in dance.

What message or impact do you hope to leave on people?

My goal has always been to help others who are like me to reach their fullest potential. What I mean by that is, I want to help those who may not have the training resources or the money to take classes but have the drive to work 200% and be the best they can be in any position. In hopes to expose them to be able to have the similar opportunities as some of their peers around them, something I didn’t have coming up in the industry.

What's your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?

In the end I want to be creating or have created some of the best work the industry has ever seen. My goal is not to be “famous” but to be successfully recognized for my unique work. I want the name Vonte Marquiss to be a household name even those not in the industry know. I just want to be able to share my work with the world.