With a last name like Funk, this man was born to have a career in dance. Andy Funk is a Monster... of Hip Hop. Today, see what he’s created, why he’s loved by the industry and why his Monsters are anything but scary.

Monsters of Hip Hop is...
A forum for hip hop dancers to train with top choreographers in their field. Dancers get discovered and book real dance jobs in a fun and supportive environment, without the pressure to compete.

So dancers actually “get discovered”?
Yep. Dancers book jobs like Hannah Montana Movie and Nickelodeon’s Jump Around Kids. We were thrilled to see one of our Monsters Kids perform with Lady GaGa at Radio City Music Hall. Various agents also stop by to scout for talent. One of the biggest success stories is when Julie McDonald, founder of MSA Agency, met and signed Bryan Tanaka at Monsters in Seattle. Since then, he’s done four world tours including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Salt-N-Pepa and Rihanna and is one of the most popular working dancers in LA.

Tell us about the Monsters Show.
The Monsters Show has become one of the top honors in the entire industry, from what we’ve been told. It makes sense because Show alumni credits include: Michael & Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Black Eyed Peas, Keri Hilson, Hillary Duff, and most recently Beyonce, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo and Usher.

Wow. Who inspires you?
My brother, Alan, died in 1990 after a 5-year battle with Leukemia. Even in life-threatening situations, he always maintained a positive attitude. Prior to having a bone marrow transplant, doctors told my brother that there was a 0-10% chance for long-term survival. My parents and I immediately turned to tears and defeat but without a second of hesitation, Alan, at the young age of 15, said “It’s the same boat, just a little smaller, that’s all.” Alan is definitely my inspiration!

We heard that Peanut Pollino, our new Ambassador, recently won a special MOHH award. Tell us about it.
The Alan Funk Award is a 1-city convention scholarship. My wife or I pick this recipient based on their attitude, passion, or good deed that made them stand out. Peanut’s been coming to Monsters for many years and has always demonstrated hard work, enthusiasm and kindness and support of dancers around her. Other recipients stood out by dancing through adversity or disability. Some have been cancer survivors themselves.

What’s your secret to running a biz and being a dad?
Be a Dad first. I have 3 amazing boys and I love it! Between two conventions, our dance studio, basketball practice and piano lessons, it’s definitely a challenge. I try my best to prioritize my work, keeping them first. Most times, that means getting them to bed first and then finishing my work, a lot of times till 2AM or later. I couldn’t do it without my wife, my partner Gene (Burdette), and tremendous support from our family.

What’re the best moments you’ve had as a convention owner?
It’s a bit overwhelming but when a young dancer tells you that your event has changed their life and you can see what they mean, it’s incredibly rewarding. Also, watching the kids performing on stage at Radio City and seeing three of our kids on stage with Britney Spears’ CIRCUS tour were some of our proudest moments.  

Also, my wife and I recently went to New Zealand for work. I surprised her and we renewed our wedding vows overlooking the beautiful Auckland harbor. It was one of the best moments in my life that was possible because of Monsters.  

Any funny behind the scenes stories?
It’s a little embarrassing, but what the heck. I love watching Locking. Besides an adult tap class that I took after seeing Bring In The Noise, Bring In The Funk, I have no dance experience at all. A few years ago, the legendary Suga Pop was teaching a Locking class at our Orlando finale. It looked like so much fun, so I tried to hide behind our projection screen and pick up a few moves. Then, I got caught! One of our show alumni was standing on the opposite side of the room, watching me and laughing. It was all in good fun, but I still haven’t lived it down. 

Your advice for the next gen is...
Nothing is owed to you or guaranteed. Stay humble, take care of business and be ready to work hard!  Most importantly, never stop taking class.

Besides dance, you love...
My wife, my boys… and football!

Thanks Andy for giving us an insider’s look at your success. Follow him on Twitter @monstersdance and see what Peanut, MOHH dancer, has to say in her debut today as Ambassador.