Canadian dancer, choreographer and actor Paul Becker has had a career of, well, fairy tale proportions. His first big break in the entertainment industry came when he was hired to be Kate Beckinsale’s dance partner in a major commercial and the choreographer didn’t show up to set. Becker stepped up the the plate and kickstarted his career in the process. Becker has since worked as a choreographer on everything from Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 and 2 to Mirror Mirror and Sucker Punch. He has lent his skills to the likes of Michael Buble and the Jonas Brothers in the music world and has worked on TV shows as varied as the CW’s Hellcats to his current gig on ABC’s Once Upon A Time and Once Upon Time in Wonderland. With a documentary in the works and more Hollywood films on the horizon, Becker took a break out of his busy schedule to fill us in on his fascinating career.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I was born in Victoria, BC, Canada, and I find myself choreographing films, concerts and shows all across Canada and all around the world. I have worked on films like Twilight, Mirror Mirror, and ABC series Once Upon a Time. I am in the most competitive field in the job market and blessed to do what I do.
How did you get started as a dancer growing up?
Growing up in Victoria, I discovered dance at a young age. I had been breakdancing on cardboard all through elementary school. Then I was encouraged to try a hip hop class… Well, I was hooked. From then I was pulled in to every style of dance from ballet to jazz and tap. I fell in love. Every day after school and on weekends I would train. Looking back, I worked very hard, as do most dancers. Knowing what I wanted to do, I then left Victoria after high school to move to Vegas to peruse my dream.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Integrity, hope and love.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
My absolute favourite restaurant is Acadia. The chef is Dustin. The food is amazing and the atmosphere it just perfect. It makes for a great evening with friends. You need to try it.
What’s next for you?
Right now I am on set of Once Upon A Time and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland on ABC. I am having a lot of fun doing these back to back. On my off-time, I am filming my documentary on song and dance legend Ben Vereen, which features Usher, David Foster, Liza and more. I am excited for it to be released. I have a few other projects that are soon to be released, like The Immigrant starring Jeremy Renner and Joaquin Phoenix. I am very excited about it.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How do we stay up-to-date with you and your projects?
My website PaulBecker.me and Twitter.
