Former Beyonce Dancer Visits Chicago, Offers Jazz Master Class

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Alvester Martin

CHICAGO–Alvester Martin, 27, has already shared the stage with star studded entertainers like Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and pop star diva BeyoncĂ©. Yes, that’s right, Queen B. He first started dancing for the Grammy Award winning singer in 2004 when he was handpicked to join her 2005 Destiny Fulfilled World Tour. He even performed with her at the 2014 VMAs, where he was the iconic singer’s featured dance partner.

Martin began dancing at 5-years-old. As a teenager he studied song and dance at the New World School of the Arts in Miami. His dedication quickly paid off because by age 15, Martin received full scholarships to both the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre of Harlem and the School of American Ballet. He chose the latter and soon after graduating, he took on several important roles with major ballet companies across the world.

The performer does more than just dance. Martin has taken modeling jobs for companies like H&M, Pepsi, and Target and he has held roles in films such as Stomp The Yard and Footloose.

And if that isn’t impressive enough, he also sings. His musical career launched in 2011 when he was cast as the lead singer in the Michael Jackson Tribute production, “Man in the Mirror.”  He was able to tour the country, as well as Lebanon, France and Amman.

After having so many experiences, Martin said he is at a place where he can offer advice to aspiring entertainers.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences,” Martin said.

Even though he is a native of the “real Miami,” as he refers to home, he came to Chicago to work with performers of all ages throughout the Chicagoland area. On Thursday, Martin offered a Jazz/Contemporary Master Class at the RH School of Performing Arts, 1514 E. 63rd Street. He also visited the Generation Dance Company in Joliet, Ill.

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Alvester Martin works with youth from the Generation Dance Company in Joliet, Ill.

“I love kids and the [Black] community, so anytime I can give back, I do,” Martin said.

Before heading back home on Sunday, Martin will be performing in the city.

Last month, The Artist’s Lounge, a new monthly event that features local artists and musicians, will welcome Martin to the stage on Saturday. The show will tribute old school, classic music, highlighting artists such as Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

The performance is be held at Refuge Live, 416 S. Clark Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Martin has plans to drop his upcoming album, “Love Me or Leave Me,” in the spring of 2015 under Emagine/Universal Music Group. He said his life experiences inspired him to write the songs he did.

“For me, everything is about life experiences because I feel like that’s what creates you,” he said.

One of those experiences was heartbreak. Martin said he believes people will be able to relate to the album, especially the songs that address that.

“I wrote those out of sheer frustration,” he said.”

“I think I’ve truly been in love probably once and then I had my heart broken, that was one of the biggest things I went through, but I’m better now,” Martin said.

“Love is universal, love is what connects us all, we all have a love for something, whether it’s another person, or God, our parents, money,” he said.

Check out his single “So High” by clicking HERE.

To keep up with Alvester, visit his website at www. AlwaysAlvester.com.

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