We know him through his many collaborations with Madonna, by his sense of rhythm and his unparalleled sexiness. What do we need to know more about him? Mihran Kirakosian gives us the honor to answer our questions; our pleasure ... ;-)
We know that you were born in Armenia and moved in the USA at age 7. You started an American life there and lived the American dream… Hard working is surely the key to success. Dreams are too. What were your dreams? Did your life tend to go as dreamed? What are you going to do to fulfill your next ones?
My dream, since I was a young child, was to become a performer. Even though I have been dancing since I was 7 years old, I decided to become a professional dancer at the age of 13. My dream started to come true when I booked my first commercial for Mervyn’s at the age of 15.
I believe in hard work. So as I continue to work I believe that there is something great waiting for me and it’s just a matter of time.
How were you inspired to dance at your young age? Michael Jackson? Your parents? Madonna? Were you dancing steps secretly?
Michael Jackson was a big inspiration in my life. I remember watching all of his videos and imitating his dance moves. My parents played a part as well. My dad, who once was a dancer and a choreographer himself, played a huge role in my success. My father is responsible for all of my success. The same goes for my mother. I always joke and call her my publicist. She loves to tell everyone she meets about me followed up with photos J.
We know from past interviews that’s you really enjoy the Like a Prayer and Music songs. These songs make you dance. Among Madonna’s most previous work (MDNA + Hard Candy albums) is there one song (or two) that you’d like to dance on live one day?
I really enjoyed Madonna’s collaboration with Justin Timberlake on “4 minutes”. Also her song with Pharrell “Give it to me”
We know that rehearsals with Madonna are tough. Pressure is high and everything needs to be delivered on time. Since you have made 2 tours with her, were they alike in preparations or completely different?
Both tours were pretty much the same as far as preparation. We pretty much had the same crew and band. Some of the previous dancers combines with the new ones.
You then knew how Madonna worked (while working on the Confessions tour). Was your perception changed on working her (and how)? Was it easier on the second tour?
I had a great time so I don’t remember it being hard at all. When you are doing what you love and you are doing it with the best people in the business it doesn’t get better than that.
In one sentence, what would be the Re-Invention Tour for you? And the Confessions Tour?
Re-invention tour was a dream come to light for me. Confessions tour - was fun and a great learning experience.
Have you met with Madonna since the end of the Confessions Tour? Do you mind share how/why?
Yes, I’ve met with her many times. We became great friends on tour. Even though I no longer dance for her we still chat often. I just spoke to her about a week ago showing her my new music video that I directed. I value her opinion a lot and love sharing my projects with her.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs2-38FPweM)
We know that a family vibe comes down on all Madonna’s crew while touring. Could you share one or two great memories you had with your fellow dancers / backup singer (something goofy or story worth telling)?
Well, one funny moment comes to mind. We pulled up by our hotel in Ireland and all the photographers where waiting for Madonna to arrive, even though she was not staying there. So Stephanie Ross, assistant choreographer, posed as Madonna with a hat coming off of the tour buss and the photographer went wild. They were jumping on top of one another to get a photo. It was hilarious. Both tours were filled with laughter and practical jokes.
Are you still close to other Madonna dancers? Is the family spirit still alive somehow/somewhere between you and some of them?
It’s hard to stay close because everyone is on the run for the next big job. In this business people are always traveling and constantly moving around. However, whenever you run into someone from tour it’s like they never left. You become like family. The experiences and the times we all shared are unforgettable.
We cannot pass under silence the 2012 Summer in LA Superstar Dance Intensive project that you’ve directed. We really appreciated its fluidity, warm colouring, rhythm and style (congrats on that). You seem to have a real talent for directing. What lead you there? Did you ever thought about “storyboarding” a Madonna project.
I wanted to challenge myself, and step into directing more. I just finished a new music video I directed and choreographed for a young and very talented artist name LuARA. Directing a Madonna project will be amazing. Everything will happen at the right time isn’t that how it always works?
How could you deal with the supernova kind-a-like exposure coming from your collaborations with Madonna, Britney Spears, Kylie, Pink, Selena Gomez, Lil Kim, Rihanna and Ricky Martin? Those are big names… You worked with major pop princesses and the Queen. That puts you in the kingdom of dancers. How did each one of these artists help you grow as a person? In few words, could you describe each one with their best qualities?
I’ve always been the center of attention as a young kid so I was kind of used to do the supernova kind-a-like exposure. I wouldn’t say that these people helped me grow as a person as much as the experiences I had with each one. I didn’t spend a lot of time with some of these artists so it would be difficult for me to point out their best qualities. I’ll pick a few. Madonna is a workaholic and that’s why she has climbed to the top. Ricky Martin is a kind soul. Selena Gomez is a very determined and ambitious artist.
You released United Streets of ARMerica in 2009. The album gives its unique vibe to Urban style. Was Madonna your mentor for it? Did she give you advices?
I enjoy creating music and that’s why I did the album. I never really shared much of this project with Madonna.
Is there any other incursion into music soon?
At the moment I’m managing a young talented artist name LuARA. We just released her first single “Fire in Me” I directed and choreographed the music video for the single.
We know music helps you through your living. What are you listening at the moment?
I listen to everything. I love different genres of music.
You now work as a Hip Hop Instructor at Matador Dance Studio (Glendale, California) + Millennium Dance Complex (North Hollywood, California). Does it let you extra time to work on sideline projects? What are your current other projects (and future)?
I love working hard and creating projects. I always utilize my extra time carefully and fill in the time with more work. My work brings me much joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyZ5aoHA_xc&feature=share&list=UU-ZaFVre7Koir_VcaM2LpNA
Do you have something special and specific you’d like to share with our readers, to « confess »?
I’ve started real strong in 2013. The readers can most defiantly wait for upcoming music videos that I will be directing and choreographing. That’s the direction I’m going towards at this point in my life.
http://www.mihrankirakosian.com : https://www.youtube.com/user/mihrantv
Let’s say we’d have a direct line to Madonna’s ear, what would you whisper to her?
I missed you.
We are about to interview Jason Young soon, is there anything you’d like to share/say to him through us ?
I hear all the great things his doing with his choreography career and I can’t wait to work on another project with him soon.
We sincerely thank Mihran Kirakosian for his time and generosity. News-of-Madonna