Meet Moses James Rankine | Professional Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Moses James Rankine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Moses James, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When it comes to risk-taking, it’s something I’ve always embraced as a critical part of my journey as a dancer. I believe that taking risks is necessary to push boundaries, both artistically and personally, and it has played a major role in shaping who I am today.

In dance, every audition, every performance, is a chance to take a risk. You put yourself out there, exposing your vulnerability, creativity, and passion to the world. Whether it’s trying out new choreography, auditioning for a high-profile gig, or even moving across the world to follow a dream, each step has been a leap of faith. For example, when I flew to Las Vegas to audition for MJONE with Cirque du Soleil, I knew the competition was fierce, but I had to take that chance—it wasn’t just about whether I’d get the role, it was about the experience, the connections, and the growth that come with stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Being a professional dancer means constantly evolving, and risks are at the heart of that growth. Every time I put myself on stage, whether it’s for a TV series like The Next Step or performing at conventions like Dance One for the 2024-2025 tour season, I push myself beyond what I think is possible. Dance One itself is a platform where I’ll not only share my skills but also challenge myself to connect with new audiences, mentor other dancers, and explore fresh creative directions. It’s a huge responsibility, but one I’m excited to take on because I know the risks will help me develop even further as an artist.

Outside of dance, risk-taking has also played a huge role in my personal life. My family and I have faced challenges, including surviving domestic violence, and my mom, who’s been a single mother of four for the last few years, has been my rock. We had to rebuild our lives, and deciding to pursue dance full-time while balancing the pressure of financial uncertainty, travel, and professional competition is a massive risk. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the greatest rewards come when you face uncertainty head-on. My commitment to dance, despite all the challenges, has brought me incredible opportunities—opportunities like winning the 2022 Senior Male Best Dancer title at The Dance Awards in Las Vegas, or being scouted by Cirque du Soleil and now Dance One.

Risk-taking requires a balance, though. As a dancer with Type 1 diabetes, I have to constantly manage my health. Every rehearsal and performance is a test of my physical and mental stamina. I’m always checking my blood sugar, adjusting my insulin levels, and making sure I’m staying mentally sharp, especially during high-energy performances. But managing these risks has taught me resilience and discipline. Wellness, both physical and mental, is a huge part of how I prepare for the risks that come with my career. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t be able to give my best every time I step on stage.

So, for me, risk-taking is not only about advancing my career or pushing creative limits, it’s about embracing uncertainty and understanding that the greatest growth comes when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Dance, for me, is more than just movement—it’s a form of storytelling, a way to express emotion, and a means of connecting with people. What sets me apart as an artist is not just the technique or the skills I’ve developed over the years but the personal story that I bring to every performance. My journey as a dancer has been profoundly shaped by my experiences, my family, and the resilience I’ve had to develop along the way.

I’ve been dancing for over 15 years, and while I’ve achieved a lot that I’m incredibly proud of, it hasn’t always been an easy path. I’m most proud of being named the Senior Male Best Dancer at The Dance Awards in Las Vegas in 2022. Competing among thousands of talented dancers and earning that recognition was surreal. Another highlight was training at the prestigious Juilliard Summer Dance Program and Protégé NYC, working with world-renowned choreographers like Jamar Roberts, Andrew Winghart, and Stacey Tookey. Those moments have shaped me into the artist I am today, but more importantly, they’ve taught me the value of hard work, commitment, and staying true to my passion.

But my journey has been far from easy. The dance industry is incredibly competitive, and sometimes it feels like every job, every audition, is a make-or-break opportunity. But each challenge has been an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned to embrace risk, stay adaptable, and trust in my own abilities, even when the outcome is uncertain. For example, being invited to audition for Cirque du Soleil’s MJONE in Las Vegas was both a risk and an opportunity. The experience alone was invaluable, and it reinforced my belief that stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth.

Right now, I’m excited about my role in the upcoming 2024-2025 convention season with Dance One. It’s a chance for me to share my passion with younger dancers, help them develop their own skills, and inspire the next generation. This opportunity means a lot to me because I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors, and now I get to give back.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my story, it’s that perseverance, passion, and authenticity are at the core of everything I do. My art is my way of expressing not only my love for dance but also my journey—what I’ve overcome and what I continue to strive for. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, not just through my performances but through the connections I make with people, whether they’re watching from the audience or learning from me in a class. Dance is my way of sharing that journey with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Welcome to LA!

Breakfast: Start the day at République in Mid-Wilshire. It’s a trendy spot with incredible pastries, and their eggs benedict is top-notch. The French-inspired menu and architecture will give you that true LA brunch experience.
Explore: Head to the Griffith Observatory for a breathtaking view of the city and the Hollywood sign. It’s the perfect place to take in the iconic LA skyline and start the trip on a high note.
Lunch: Grab tacos at Guisados in Echo Park. Their braised meats and handmade tortillas make for some of the best tacos in LA.
Afternoon: Check out The Getty Center. The art, gardens, and architecture here are unmatched, and the views of LA from the hilltop location are stunning.
Dinner: For the first dinner, go for a classic LA dining experience at Bestia in the Arts District. Known for its Italian food with a twist, the vibe is cool and industrial, and the food is top-tier.
Nightlife: End the night with some cocktails at The Rooftop at The Standard Downtown LA. It’s chic, fun, and gives you great views of the city at night.

Day 2: Venice Vibes & Beach Day

Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice. It’s a plant-based café with a bright, airy vibe, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
Morning: Stroll along Venice Beach, checking out the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and street performers. Rent a bike or just soak up the sun.
Lunch: Head to Great White, just steps away from Venice Beach. Their fish tacos and avocado toast are legendary.
Afternoon: Walk over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some shopping and exploring. This trendy street is full of boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes.
Dinner: Have dinner at Gjelina, one of Venice’s most famous spots. The wood-fired pizzas and small plates are fantastic, and the rustic atmosphere is quintessential Venice.
Nightlife: For a night out, head to Townhouse & The Del Monte Speakeasy. It’s a historic bar and speakeasy right in Venice with live music, great cocktails, and a fun dance scene downstairs.

Day 3: Hollywood Glamour

Breakfast: Grab breakfast at The Griddle Cafe on Sunset Blvd. It’s known for its over-the-top pancakes, and it’s a great spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.
Morning: Hit up the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take a tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Lunch: For lunch, check out Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax. This Italian-American spot is casual but delicious, with amazing pizza, pasta, and salads.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the Hollywood Hills or take a tour at Paramount Studios to get that behind-the-scenes movie magic experience.
Dinner: For dinner, go to Musso & Frank Grill—an old-school Hollywood restaurant. It’s classic LA, and you might just spot some celebrities.
Nightlife: Head to No Vacancy in Hollywood. It’s a speakeasy-style bar in a 1900s house, with live music, and a little secret entrance experience that adds to the fun.

Day 4: Downtown Arts & Culture

Breakfast: Start the day at Eggslut in the Grand Central Market. You’ll get to experience one of LA’s most famous breakfast sandwiches, and the market is a cool place to explore.
Morning: Check out The Broad Museum, one of LA’s contemporary art gems. It’s free, but be sure to reserve tickets in advance!
Lunch: Grab a bite at Badmaash, a funky Indian gastropub downtown. The butter chicken and spicy fries are a must-try.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Little Tokyo or check out the quirky shops in Chinatown. The Japanese American National Museum is also worth a visit.
Dinner: For dinner, try Broken Spanish for some upscale Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. The atmosphere and flavors here are always on point.
Nightlife: Hit up The Edison downtown. It’s a gorgeous bar housed in a converted power plant, with live music, burlesque, and a unique vibe.

Day 5: LA’s Natural Beauty

Breakfast: Head to Backyard Bowls in Santa Monica for a healthy and refreshing acai bowl to start the day.
Morning: Spend the morning hiking at Runyon Canyon or if you’re feeling adventurous, drive to Malibu for a hike in Solstice Canyon and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Lunch: In Malibu, stop by Malibu Farm Café on the pier for lunch. The farm-to-table menu is fresh, and the view of the ocean is unbeatable.
Afternoon: Chill at Zuma Beach in Malibu for a relaxing beach day. Enjoy the sun, surf, and beautiful surroundings.
Dinner: On the way back, stop at Geoffrey’s Malibu for dinner. It’s an iconic oceanfront restaurant with stunning sunset views and a seafood-heavy menu.
Nightlife: For something unique, check out The Bungalow in Santa Monica, a beachfront bar with a casual, cool vibe perfect for a laid-back night with friends.

Day 6: A Day of Dance & Music

Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Blue Jam Café on Melrose. Their crispy French toast is a must-try!
Morning: Attend a dance class at Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood. It’s a world-renowned studio, and whether you’re a dancer or just want to watch, it’s an inspiring experience.
Lunch: Have lunch at Granville in Studio City, a farm-to-table spot with plenty of healthy options and a cool vibe.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in NoHo Arts District, visiting local art galleries, or take in an improv show at The Groundlings Theatre.
Dinner: For dinner, head to Yamashiro Hollywood, a Japanese restaurant with the best view in LA, located in the Hollywood Hills.
Nightlife: Wrap up the night dancing at The Avalon Hollywood, one of LA’s premier clubs with amazing music, live performances, and a vibrant crowd.

Day 7: Final Day of Fun

Breakfast: Kick off the last day with brunch at The Rose Café in Venice. The food is excellent, and the vibe is classic California.
Morning: Head to Santa Monica Pier for some classic LA fun—ride the Ferris wheel, play games, or just take in the beach views.
Lunch: Grab lunch at In-N-Out Burger—a must-try for any LA visit. You can get a full meal for under $10 and enjoy it like a local.
Afternoon: Spend the last afternoon walking down the Third Street Promenade for some shopping and people-watching. Maybe hit up a beach yoga class before heading home!
Dinner: For a memorable final dinner, visit Providence on Melrose Avenue. This Michelin-starred seafood restaurant is a great way to end the trip.
Nightlife: End your LA adventure with drinks and dancing at The Highlight Room, a rooftop bar and club offering amazing views of the Hollywood skyline and the perfect vibe to cap off a week in LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think about where I am today, there are so many people who have helped me along the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for their unwavering support, mentorship, and love. First and foremost, I have to thank my mom, Jamie. She has been my rock through everything—raising me and my three siblings as a single mother and always pushing me to follow my dreams, even when the path wasn’t easy. Her strength and resilience are a constant source of inspiration for me, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to my sister Kyal and my girlfriend, Sophie. They’ve both been there for me through all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded, and reminding me why I love what I do. Their love and support have given me the mental strength to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.

When it comes to my training and development as a dancer, there are two people who deserve special recognition: Dawn Rappitt and Teddy Forance. Dawn, the studio owner of Elite Danceworx, played an instrumental role in shaping me as a young dancer. The time I spent at Elite Danceworx was where I really honed my skills, built my foundation, and learned the value of hard work and dedication. Dawn always pushed me to be better, and her guidance set me on the path I’m on today.

More recently, I had the privilege of training under Teddy Forance at CLI Conservatory, where I spent time as a pre-professional dancer. Teddy and the CLI team provided an incredible environment for growth and creativity, challenging me to take my artistry to the next level. The opportunities I had there were invaluable, and I’m so grateful for the mentorship and support they offered.

I also want to acknowledge the role organizations like Dance One are now playing in my journey. Being contracted for the 2024-2025 convention season is a huge honor, and it’s another platform where I’ll continue to grow and share my passion with the next generation of dancers.

Each of these individuals and institutions has contributed to who I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without them. Their belief in me gave me the courage to take risks and chase my dreams. This shoutout is dedicated to all of them.

Website: [https://youtu.be/UukQKsarx64]

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_mosesjames [@_mosesjames]

Youtube: [https://youtu.be/UukQKsarx64]