Meet Eugene Walter Coates | Creative Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eugene Walter Coates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eugene Walter, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I feel that if you wake up everyday thinking about your passion, your business, your creativity and anything that keep your spirit alive and you feel that you can’t live without, then you will never give up. So my creativity is something I feel will always be in my spirit and soul so I never see myself giving up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career as a full time professional modern, ballet and jazz dancer. Graduated with a BFA from the University of Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA. I went on to dance for companies such as the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco), The Koresh Dance Company and the Lula Washington Dance Company.

I then transitioned me career to becoming a lead male vocalist working for Universal Studios Japan (USJ), Legends In Concert (Atlantic City, NJ) ,Norwegian Cruise Line and Dance Factory Entertainment (Tallinn, Estonia)

I have also been a seasonal casting associate for cruise lines where I spear head, schedule and conduct national and international casting tours searching for singers and dancers.

During this time I was honing my skills as a fashion photographer. And in 2015 and 2016 I was named the top local fashion photographer by Thumbtack for Professionals (Philadelphia) for my great reviews.

I taught myself piano and guitar and in 2016 made my solo artist/vocalist debut on board the Norwegian Star in front of over 2,000 guests. Which is an experience I would say I am most proud of because I organized the songs, singers and band all on my own.

All this experience lead me to where I am today with my creativity and the recent development of my own company C.H.O.P.S. LLC (Creative Haus Of Palm Springs) I consider it a “Haus Of Creativity” Where I am motivated and inspired to work with like minded creative individuals on music, dance, choreography , photography , etc. to bring their vision to fruition. As well as continuing my creative outlet as a singer, songwriter, dj and hosting opportunities.

I do feel that with such a diverse background in entertainment I am equipped with patience and understanding of the artist brain and the development of a project. The experience of being on both sides of the casting table, being both on and off the stage as performer, director and choreographer, allows me to understand the process of creativity.

And of course it wasn’t easy. But I have a mantra that I live by, “following instinct never fails.” For myself, if it feel right, if the creative idea gives me goose bumps and inspires me everyday to get up and get going then I know it is the right thing to do no matter what the nay sayers say.

I’ve learned to always listen to my inner voice , that instinct inside that tells me when something is right or wrong for me both professionally and personally. When I listen and take heed to the “gut feeling”, I never go wrong.

My brand / company is based on inclusivity for all. No matter race, sex, gender identity and most importantly age! I am a man of color with a diverse heritage, I am also openly gay and in the past this has been a hinderance because of prejudice, etc. But now that I am older I am experiencing ageism as well. But I know that if I can over come the obstacles from society viewing me as a man of color and gay then I know I can break down the barriers in regards to prejudice with age.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friends were visiting from Japan I would definitely take them to all the tourist spots anyone would want to see when visiting Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Sign, The Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills Tour, Muhallond Drive, Santa Monica beach and Venice. One of my favorite places to shop is a market named Marukai. It is a place that imports many Japanese objects, delicacies , candies and snacks I love when I lived in Osaka, Japan for 5 years.

Now that I live in Palm Springs, CA. I would definitely go to the tram to the top of the mountains and no visit to Palm Springs is complete without going to drag brunch in the city. Whether it’s at Hunter, Toucans or Oscars, a fun time is sure to be had!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe and dedicate my success to two people. First my mother, Marjorie Marine Kupczak. For being a prime example of always persevering through hardship. She was a white woman who married a Domincan / South African man , who ended up raising two biracial children in the inner city of Philadelphia on her own in the late 60’s and on, while navigating through a culture she was unfamiliar with. Supporting herself and her children monetarily and teaching them about their culture spiritually and socially.

Secondly, my best friend, Ryogo Eto. A friend that’s supportive, dedicated and completely honest through the good times and bad times.

And during the pandemic I dove into being more spiritually healthy and studied a book called Project 369. Life changing.

Website: https://ewc1970.my.canva.site/chopsllcps

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamasilver910/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamasilver910

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaMaSilver910

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2HfTZs-J483DlWn09HCRTQ

Other: https://linktr.ee/MaMaSilver https://on.soundcloud.com/ELtGRKaJgdgV1FKh7

Image Credits
Image Credits Include: Iryna Borys PAP 215 Entertainment