Meet Roland Gruspe Jr

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roland Gruspe Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roland, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
I’ve learned that authentic interpersonal connections are what ultimately drive my business/career, and that if you want to succeed at any job, make yourself invaluable! Go the extra mile and make them never be able to imagine what life without you there would be like.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a professional dancer/performer for over 20+ years represented by the Movement Talent Agency in Los Angeles, an AGVA union stage performer at the Disneyland resort for 13 years, and a principal actor/dance-captain for Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE (US/CAN) National tours.

What sets me apart from others is the longevity I’ve created in my entertainment career.

I’m most proud of the opportunities that dance has provided for me such as: TV appearances, national commercials, performing on iconic stages/venues in every major city/state in the US, traveling overseas, working with major brands, teaching in world-renowned dance studios, and so much more…

Also, knowing when/how to “pivot” my career has helped me get to where I am today. It wasn’t easy but as an artist now in my mid 40’s… I’ve learned to never be complacent, always challenge myself and to keep moving/dancing through life because it’s been my fountain of youth.

Lastly, I want the world to know that if you can wake up every morning loving what you do, help and inspire others around you to be better than they were yesterday, then you know you’re doing something right in business and in life!

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?
Some of my favorite spots to show out-of-town friends/family are in DTLA!

Here’s an itinerary of spots I recommend and that are all on the same block in DTLA:

1. Grab a bite to eat at Grand Central Market.

2. Walk across the street and take a historic cable car ride on the Angels Flight Railway.

3. After, pop over the local hot spot La Cita Bar for a drink.

4. Then walk down the block to the Perch Rooftop Bar & Restaurant for a picturesque happy hour and romantic dinner.

5. Walk back around the block and do a photoshoot at the iconic Bradbury Building.

6. Then catch a fun drag show at Precinct.

7. Finish your DTLA pub crawl at The Grayson Bar & Speakeasy.

8. And if you’re into art, checkout the MOCA & The Broad.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout my mom for instilling in me the drive, hustle and zest for life! And I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unconditional love & support from my fiancé Patch. He has been there with me every step along the way and has been my #1 fan in life…

Website: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/350b95ca-bde1-11eb-8e19-7b99ea4a485c

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roland_jr?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/rolandgruspejr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rolandgruspejr?si=Icin-pEhMsdGA1uB

Other: https://www.instagram.com/dancingconcierges?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Winnie Angel, Lindsay Rosenberg, Ariele Chapman