On July 13, this journalist was afforded the privilege to chat with Christian Turner, a performer, and dancer of "Magic Men Live." He is known as the "Country Boy" in the group, who hails from the state of Tennessee. The group is out on the road touring, as part of their headlining show, which runs approximately two hours.
Turner, who is a six-year veteran with the show, discussed the impact of technology on the entertainment business.
He also offered some insightful advice to aspiring dancers and performers. "I came from a small town. My family means everything to me. They have kept me humble. I have a strong faith, which keeps me on a really good road. I have all the right people in all of the aspects in my life," he said.
NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Earlier this month, on Sunday, July 8, they played the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Long Island, which is where Toni Braxton also recently performed. "It was great. We had a good time. It seemed like everybody enjoyed the show as much as we did," he said. "The show itself had a bunch of choreographies and different routines." He revealed that they dance to such country songs as Big & Rich's "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)," and "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" by country superstar Luke Bryan, who has been very active with "American Idol."
He also does a solo performance, where he dances to Chase Rice's song "Ride." He shared that the show is recommended for people that enjoy a good night out, away from all the stresses derived from home and work.
"We try to make it a great time and a great show for everybody," he said. "We want everybody to come out and have a good time." Next year, Turner hopes to bring out his guitar on tour with him. "I would love to bring my guitar up on stage," he said.
Advice for dancers
On the impact of technology on the entertainment business, Turner said, "Technology has allowed us to reach a vaster audience. It helps a lot. I think a lot of people are sick of technology to a certain extent. In a positive way, technology is able to amplify our show."
For hopefuls who wish to go into dancing and performing, Turner said, "Stay out of the stereotype. It is easy to get caught up in the wrong things. You need to stay grounded.
Dancers have a stereotype of being into drugs and steroids. You need a good team around you. Keep your head on your shoulders." He also underscored the importance of staying level-headed.
Fans and supporters
Regarding the key to longevity in dancing, he said, "You need to love what you do. My favorite part about dancing is traveling. We get to go to different cities each day. I enjoy exploring and constantly growing. That's what keeps me going." Turner also noted that when it comes to staying in top-notch physical shape, diet is 90 percent of it. "Diet is the majority of it since I eat six meals a day. That boosts your metabolism," he said.
For the fans and supporters, Turner said, "I just appreciate them.
Honestly, we wouldn't be where we are today without them. The most rewarding part of the job, outside of traveling, is entertaining them. We can't tell them enough how much I appreciate them." Turner defined the word success as follows: "Enjoying life, because it doesn't matter what you have, you can't take it with you."