How to become a backup dancer for singers
Music Industry Career Roles - Berklee Online
What is Berklee Online?
Berklee Online is the online school of Berklee College of Music, delivering access to Berklee’s acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world. We are the world’s largest online music school—30,000+ musicians from more than 140 countries have taken our courses—but classes cap at just 20 students per section.
What does Berklee Online offer?
We offer award-winning online courses, multi-course certificate programs, a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Music degree, and a Master of Arts degree.
Who is Berklee Online designed for?
Our programs provide lifelong learning opportunities to people interested in music and working in the music industry. The courses range from beginner to advanced graduate level.
What kind of subjects are taught?
Berklee Online offers more than 200 courses in every musical interest area: Everything from instruction on specific instruments (guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice) to music production software (Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic, and more) to larger concepts in music business, songwriting, theory, and composing for film, TV, and games
Do online students receive the benefits of an on-campus Berklee education?
Absolutely! Just like the students studying on Berklee’s Boston campus, Berklee Online students receive instruction from the same world-renowned faculty, with the added benefit of having music industry professionals from around the world teaching as well. You’ll also receive guidance from Berklee-trained Academic Advisors, and have the opportunity to walk at the Commencement ceremony in Boston with your cohort of graduates who studied online and in-person.
What is the process to apply for/enroll in a Berklee Online program or course?
Certificate programs and online courses are offered on an open enrollment basis. Simply complete the online enrollment form and provide payment prior to the course start date and you’re ready to go! Degree programs require an application and supporting documentation. See the Admission Requirements for more details.
Will I receive a Berklee ID and/or email address?
Berklee Online degree students are eligible to request a Berklee ID. Upon acceptance into the program, degree students are also given a berklee.edu email address.
Can I take non-credit courses in a certificate?
All courses in a certificate program must be taken for credit.
Can I waive some for-credit courses into a certificate?
Students must enroll in a certificate by paying the $175 certificate registration fee prior to completing the final course in the program.
All for-credit courses that have been awarded a passing grade and that align with a certificate program may transfer into that program.
Can I upgrade from a lower-level certificate to a higher-level certificate?
Yes! Berklee Online offers two certificate options:
- CHANGE CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to change their lower-level certificate to a higher-level certificate (or vice versa) prior to the completion of the program. There are no additional fees for this option other than the cost of additional courses, and you will only earn one certificate upon completion.
- STARTING A NEW CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to earn more than one certificate by having the courses from their lower-level certificate waived into a higher-level certificate. In this case, an additional $175 registration fee is required.
Faculty
Who teaches Berklee Online courses?
Berklee faculty and seasoned professionals teach our courses.
Our instructors are recognized experts in their respective fields—they’ve produced and engineered hundreds of artists and numerous award-winning projects, and several of their students have gone on to earn GRAMMY Award nominations.
Financial Aid
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Financial assistance is available for Berklee Online degree programs. This assistance may come from a variety of sources including federal awards, outside scholarships, and private loans.
Federal financial aid is not available for non-degree programs. Non-degree students typically finance their costs out-of-pocket or with a private loan. Review our payment options.
Graduation
What happens if I turn in my graduation application late? Do I still need to apply by December 1 even if I don’t want to walk in the Commencement ceremony?
Because we must coordinate with the Boston campus for Commencement, it is essential that students planning to walk in the ceremony submit their graduation application by 12:00 midnight ET on December 1.
If you submit your application late, you will need to wait until the following year to walk.
We ask all students planning to graduate within the current academic year to apply for graduation by December 1, regardless of their plans to participate in Commencement. Late application for students who do not wish to walk will result in processing delays for your academic record and diploma, and your name may not be listed in the ceremony program.
What’s the difference between graduating and walking in Commencement?
Great question! Walking in Commencement and graduating are two separate things.
You can walk in Commencement when you are nine (9) credits or less away from completing your degree requirements by the end of the spring term. Please note: Berklee Online degree students are not required to walk in Commencement in Boston.
You graduate when you have met all of the following criteria:
- Attained at least a 2.70 cumulative GPA in concentrate courses
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.
00 - Fulfilled all program requirements AND completed a minimum of 120 credits for a single major or 165 for a dual major
- Completed a minimum of 60 institutional credits for a single major or 105 institutional credits for a dual major
- Fulfilled all financial obligations to the college
Note Walking across the stage in Commencement
does notmean that you have graduated. You will not officially graduate and receive your diploma until you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
I just finished my last term at Berklee Online! What happens next? Is there anything I need to do?
Congratulations on finishing! If you have already filled out a graduation application, you will want to double-check the "Graduation Checklist" to ensure you have taken care of all of the various items associated with graduating. If you have not filled out a graduation application, you will need to do that as soon as possible.
You will not be able to graduate until we have received and processed your graduation application.
When will I get my diploma?
You will receive your diploma within 6-8 weeks of completing your degree requirements. Please keep in mind that instructors have up to two (2) weeks to submit final grades after the term concludes.
Diplomas are mailed to the address you include on your graduation application. If your mailing address changes after you have submitted your graduation application, be sure to update us at [email protected].
Keep in mind that if you are walking in Commencement, you will not receive your official diploma at the ceremony.
Transfer Credits
Can I find out how many transfer credits I am eligible for before I apply to the degree program?
If you are interested in applying to the Bachelor of Arts degree program and would like an estimate of the amount of transfer credit you would receive, you can request an unofficial transfer evaluation by emailing a copy of your transcript(s) to the Berklee Online Transfer Team at transfer@online.
berklee.edu. Be sure to include your name, major of interest, and any additional questions you may have. You can expect to receive your assessment within 7-10 business days.
I didn’t receive credit on my Official Evaluation for all of the courses that I thought I would. What should I do?
The earlier you contact us with questions or concerns regarding your evaluation, the easier it will be for us to address any issues. Therefore, it is very important when you first receive your official transfer evaluation that you review the information carefully.
If you notice a remaining requirement that you believe you’ve already fulfilled, first consult our document on Common Reasons Credit Does Not Transfer. It’s possible that the course you are thinking of didn’t meet our eligibility requirements.
If none of those exclusions apply, please fill out a Transfer Credit Equivalency Re-evaluation form for the courses you wish to have reconsidered.
Sometimes, we are not able to locate specific information for a course online and we are not able to determine an equivalency, but we are always happy to review additional material which will help us make that determination.
Do my Berklee Online, Berklee campus, or Prior Learning Credit coursework count towards the 60 transfer credit limit?
No, credits completed at Berklee or through the prior learning process do not count towards the 60 transfer credit limit. This maximum is for credit-bearing exams and undergraduate-level coursework completed externally.
What is a credit deficiency and why do I need to make up credit?
Credit deficiencies are caused by transferring a course that is less than three (3) credits to fulfill a three (3) credit Berklee Online requirement. Students with a credit deficiency will be short of the minimum number of credits required to graduate once they have completed their program requirements. In order to be eligible to graduate, you will need to make up the credits you are deficient in.
While the Transfer Team does their best to avoid giving students credit deficiencies, it is not always possible. You can make up the credits you are deficient in by completing additional Berklee Online coursework, by applying for prior learning credit, or by completing additional external coursework in the area in which you are deficient.
Note all external courses will first need to be approved by the Transfer Team.
Can transfer credit fulfill prerequisites?
It depends. Generally, transfer credit cannot be used to fulfill prerequisites unless we determine that the course you completed is a direct equivalent to one of the courses we offer at Berklee Online. Keep in mind that there are some courses which require you to pass a placement exam. For these you will need to achieve a passing grade on the test to fulfill the prerequisite, otherwise you will need to complete the appropriate Berklee Online course.
Can I transfer credits to Berklee Online after I have started the degree program?
Yes, you can.
To determine if the coursework you already completed or are considering taking is eligible to fulfill your remaining degree requirements, contact the Transfer Team at [email protected].
I am a Berklee campus student. Can I transfer courses from Berklee Online to my campus-based program?
View a list of transferable courses to Berklee’s campus programs.
For additional questions about transferring courses from Berklee Online to Berklee's campus programs please contact the campus transcript evaluator at [email protected].
Are Berklee Online courses transferable to other institutions?
Berklee Online is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the same association that accredits our main campus and other leading academic institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. Our courses are transferable to other institutions, but it's up to the receiving institution to decide the number and types of courses that may transfer.
We recommend getting a course pre-approved by an institution before enrolling.
Tuition
How do Berklee Online’s costs compare to other education options?
Berklee Online’s programs have a tuition cost that is approximately 64 percent less than on-campus tuition at Berklee’s Boston campus. Moreover, a recent study revealed that the average annual tuition at for-profit colleges is more than twice as expensive as Berklee Online. Even average annual tuition at other accredited non-profit online universities is roughly $11,000 more expensive than tuition for a year with Berklee Online!
How much does a certificate program cost?
There is a one time $175 registration fee per certificate program. Students may either pay per course term (at the $1,515 per credit course cost) or pay in full to receive a 10 percent discount. The registration fee and all courses for the term you wish to begin in must be paid in full in order to begin.
How much does an online Bachelor’s degree cost?
Online undergraduate degree tuition is $59,160 for 120 credits for all majors except the guitar major.
Tuition for the guitar major is $63,660. Students taking 10 courses per year can complete the degree in four years at a cost of $14,790 per year. (Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.)
How much does an online master's degree cost?
Online graduate degree tuition is $33,120 for 36 credits. The Master of Music in Music Production and Master of Arts in Music Business programs are designed to be completed in one year of study. Both programs are comprised of 12 three-credit courses that can be taken during four 12-week semesters.
What is included in the cost of a course?
The cost for an individual course includes the tuition fee. The cost of required books, hardware or software must be purchased separately, unless it is stated that these costs are included with your enrollment. Some courses may include additional fees for files or content.
How Do You Even Become A Backup Dancer?
Mark and Donald Romain are twin backup dancers from Los Angeles who have worked with artists like Britney Spears, Ke$ha, and Katy Perry, just to name a few.
They talked with BuzzFeed about how to break into the field, what NOT to do on set, and dancing with the stars.
How many years of training or schooling did you do before breaking into the professional world? What's the typical amount of preparation for backup dancers before they start out with their careers?
MR: Everybody's path to breaking into the professional world of entertainment is different. I personally have no training. I learned on dance teams in college and on the job. You have to work your craft. Like going to the gym to maintain your strength, you have to work out your creative muscles and skills regularly. I see kids barely up to my knees that are training like beasts and adults who have had no formal training move to L.A. to work, so it varies. Although I had no formal training, I had performed on stage many times with my team. There is a big difference between doing well in dance class and being able to perform on a stage; it's important to get performance experience.
If you start late, that's okay, but train, train, train.
DR: I had been dancing for about four and a half years when I signed with my first agency. The typical amount of time of preparation that it takes to prepare to be a backup dance varies with each dancer. Some people train their whole lives, but there are also dancers who move here in their early twenties to pursue it. Once you get signed, it's still an uphill battle to book your first job and get noticed.
What is the audition process like?
DR: There are two different types of auditions — open calls and private. I've been to open calls where you are auditioning against 300 other guys for just a few spots; they can last multiple days with each reaching 8-10 hours. When calls are that big, they usually don't even take your resume or headshot until after the first cut. The choreographer or his/her assistant will break you into groups. Once in your group, you say your name, your agency, your height, and then you dance.
Most times you do the routine twice with a freestyle at the end of the second time and they make cuts from there until they decide who they want.
For private calls, the amount of dancers is much smaller. These auditions are usually no more than a few hours. It's hard when you're first starting out; you don't get invited to private calls because people don't know who you are. When I first got to L.A. and started auditioning, it was a very intimidating process. It's been a couple years now, though, and so going to auditions is fun because, at this point, I see the same guys at the auditions. Auditions are very competitive; there are a lot of amazing dancers here in L.A. When it comes to the energy between everyone, it doesn't feel competitive, though. Everyone is very supportive of each other, and when a dancer kills at an audition, everyone cheers.
MR: Not all jobs come from auditions, though! This is why it's important to establish relationships with other dancers and choreographers, to take classes, to have good relationships with your agent, and for people to know who you are.
A lot of jobs come from direct bookings or referrals. People can smell a networker a mile away though so the best thing is to do your job, do it well, and make friends.
When do you feel you first really broke into the business?
DR: The first job we booked a job for a major artist, it was for Katy Perry at the American Music Awards. I remember walking into the warehouse for rehearsal and seeing the stairs set up and mirrors placed at the front of the space and it looked just like MTV Making the Video to me. I grew up watching that show and watching behind the scenes footage of Janet and her dancers rehearsing in a similar space and I just couldn't believe I was getting to experience this. When the music started at the show and I was prepped ready to go I had a nauseous feeling in my stomach from excitement and I knew that dancing was a career I wanted.
MR: I remember thinking, I'm actually getting to be a backup dancer.
After that I was doing a hand double job on a Rihanna commercial and literally, that was it. We spent 10 hours on set, got suited up in tuxes and then just used our hands, but I felt so grateful that I was making money on a professional set. That in itself is a huge blessing in this industry.
View this video on YouTube
youtube.comPerforming in the video for "Till The World Ends."
What advice would you give to dancers looking to break into the industry?
DR: The more you can do, the more you can be used for jobs. Also, maintain a great relationship with your agency. Who knows better what choreographers are looking for and booking than your agent? Listen to what they have to say and be proactive about helping them help you. Stay in the gym and in great shape, have great head shots, take classes and meet people and, most importantly, have a great attitude. The hours in the industry are long and the work is hard, no one wants to work with someone who is difficult and doesn't contribute to a positive working environment.
MR:There are some dancers that show up in L.A. and book consistently right away. That's not how it happened for me, you have to be persistent and be willing to grow and learn once you get here. Be willing to do things just to meet people and get yourself out there at first. A great way to get the agent you want besides auditioning is to book a great job and go to that agency and say "Hey, I'm booked on this great job and I'm really interested in being represented by you". But remember, a "great" agency may not be the best for you. Do your research.
What's the most memorable tour or performance you've been a part of?
DR: Being able to perform with Britney Spears. When I was younger, my cousin would play her during our little shows for our family, and Mark and I would be her backup dancers. I saw Britney open for *NSYNC when she had just come out. After that show, I came home and told my grandma that there was a singer who opened the show that I wanted to dance for.
As a part of the generation that grew up on her music and such a huge fan, I was overwhelmed by the opportunity to support her on stage. I don't think any experience can compare to dancing on stage and looking to your right and performing next to you is your favorite artist. The second moment that meant a lot to me was doing MTV New Year's Eve with Ke$ha. My senior year of high school, my family took a trip to New York with my best friend. Me, my brother, and my best friend traveled two hours in to Times Square to be on TRL and we actually made it on the show. A couple days later, we came back with my mom for New Year's Eve. Doing New Year's Eve with Ke$ha, we performed in the same studio TRL was taped in, and our dressing room overlooked Times Square and where we stood seven years earlier with my mom. Both were very surreal experiences.
MR: The "Till The World Ends" music video with Britney Spears. I grew up dreaming of being in a major dance music video, and being a part of that was such an incredible experience.
I remember seeing the world premiere of "...Baby One More Time" with Donald and following every music video and performance of hers after that. My most recent performance with Ke$ha at a college was also just pure fun. She is a blast to be with onstage.
What are the most rewarding parts of being dancers? And what are your biggest struggles?
MR: One of the most rewarding parts is when you're onstage and you're free. There's no thinking — you just enjoy expressing yourself with your body, and there are exhilarating moments when you connect with people specifically in the audience. The other most rewarding part is taking my family to experience things they don't normally get to. I live backstage, but they don't. To be able to see them see those things gives me a lot of joy. The biggest struggle is trusting is not taking the decisions that the "powers that be" make personally. As Erykah Badu says, you're sensitive about your shit. You have to trust yourself and keep moving on.
You have to have a sense of humor.
DR: The most rewarding part of being a dancer is having the opportunity to express yourself through art as your work. There is no feeling that can compare to being on stage and dancing your heart out. There is a lot of rejection and a lot of disappointment. You have to really believe in yourself and be willing to make sacrifices. You sacrifice a lot of your social life and relationships when you dance. Every job I've had I've found out about probably with no more than 48 hours' notice. You always have to be available and it's very hard for friends and family to understand that. While it is rewarding to be able to do something I'm passionate about as a career, at times, it can feel like work. Being around the entertainment industry, it is easy to lose sight of why you've decided to pursue this career in the first place. You have to remember that you are dancing for the love of it, not for the resumé.
How much access to the artists you work with do you have outside of practices? Do you become friendly?
DR: It really depends on the artist.
I've worked with artists who I only saw for a little bit during rehearsals and right before we went on stage, but others are extremely friendly and like to hang out during rehearsals with us, go out dancing, and really relate to the people around them as being on the same level. Working with these artists are always the most fun and memorable because you get to see and interact with them in a way most people don't.
What is the biggest faux pas a dancer can make when dealing with a very famous artist?
MR: I would say taking pictures and sharing them during the rehearsal processes, especially early on. The rehearsal space is a sacred place and everybody is learning. What the public sees is a finished and polished product, and the artist shouldn't be worried that you're going to compromise that.
What are your long-term career aspirations as dancers?
DR: I would love to see as much of the world as possible. Artists that I aspire to work with are Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé.
MR: I'd love to go on a world tour, shoot a holiday commercial, or be on any TV show that I watch avidly. I'd love to be onstage with Beyoncé and do the VMAs. All of these goals really are just part of the biggest goal of mine, which is just to continue to grow as an artist and get more work that helps me to do that. I've been studying acting and other creative endeavors, so in 10 years, I could be doing absolutely anything. That's the best thing about the industry — it can legitimately take you anywhere if you keep yourself open to opportunities outside of whatever plans you've made.
where to study, salary, pros and cons
Author: ProfGuide
Updated
Dancer is a person of art who performs rhythmic movements to music, taking part in theatrical performances, shows. The profession belongs to the type “a person is an artistic image”, it requires excellent self-discipline and, of course, talent.
Children who distinguish literature, physical education, music and singing from all school subjects can become dancers. By the way, the ProfGid career guidance center has recently developed an accurate career guidance test that will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence. 9Ol000
Brief description
This profession has a rich history and is closely associated with the arts. However, the success of dancers by more than 50% depends on dedication, endurance, self-discipline. A specialist can work independently, performing solo choreographic numbers, it is also worth highlighting pair and collective dances. There are a lot of types and techniques of this art direction:
- ballet;
- pop and folk dance;
- historical dance and others.
See also:
Also distinguish styles such as street jazz, hip-hop, R'n'B, contemporary dance, street dance, etc. Dancers choose the style and type of performing arts based on their physical abilities, temperament, personal preferences. On stage, they create artistic images, convey emotions, making the hearts of the audience tremble.
Features of the profession
Anyone can become a professional dancer, but it is worth starting training in childhood. Choreographers recommend giving children to dance studios at the age of 3-7 years, which will allow them to develop good posture, plasticity, stretching, a sense of rhythm and other skills necessary for professional performance. Dancers most often work in 1-2 overlapping styles, they pay special attention to training and rehearsals, maintaining excellent physical shape. A career is short, because its peak is at the age of 15-25 years, and after 30 years, most specialists change their field of activity.
They can realize their talent and knowledge in other areas, working as directors, choreographers, school teachers.
Dancers independently or under the guidance of a choreographer create performances: choice of music, sequence and rhythm of movements, costumes and image, facial expressions, plasticity. Before performing the dance, they rehearse for a long time, honing their skills. Many members of this profession often travel around their home country and travel abroad, where they give concerts. The activity is associated with certain difficulties, which leaves an imprint on the lifestyle and character of the dancer.
Pros and cons of the profession
Pros
- Excellent physical development, because dancing strengthens the body and willpower.
- Opportunity to work on the best stages.
- Talented dancers achieve success quickly.
- The profession is interesting, active and ambitious people will like it.
- Opportunity to earn income from various sources, because dancers work alone or in pairs, can take part in private productions, star in music videos.
- Useful business connections in the world of art.
- The opportunity to change the field of activity, because dancers often open schools, give private lessons, work as choreographers - the choice of directions is huge.
Cons
- High injury rate.
- Serious injuries can put an end to a professional career.
- Short career period.
- Very high competition.
See also:
Important personal qualities
Dancers have excellent plasticity, but in this profession not only technical performance is important, but also emotionality. The dancers convey the idea of the performance with the help of movements, facial expressions, so they must be distinguished by well-developed artistry. Increased efficiency, resistance to physical stress and low pain threshold are very important, because rehearsals and performances often end with sprains, dislocations and other minor injuries.
Only those people who do not suffer from laziness, negligence, and excessive self-confidence ascend to the pinnacle of success.
Dance training
Professional education can be obtained in different institutions:
- schools and academies of choreography;
- dance studios;
- colleges;
- universities.
There are no special requirements for the education of a dancer, the level of his skill is determined during choreographic tests. It is worth starting training at a young age in order to reach a professional level. Let's consider the most interesting directions:
- "The art of dance (by type)", implemented in choreographic colleges and schools. You can start training after grades 7-9, which depends on the requirements of the college;
- The Art of Ballet. The direction of training is open in many creative colleges, studio schools, academies.
Children who have completed the 4th grade of the school are invited to study.
You can also go to study at a university, choosing a specialty related to choreography, folk dance and other areas. Primary training can be obtained in public and private schools of choreographic art, during individual lessons.
Universities
-
4 years
90,000 ₽/year
12 budget places
-
4 years
158,100 ₽/year
23 budget places
-
4 years
65,000 ₽/year
8 budget places
-
4 years
200,000 ₽/year
16 budget places
Best Primary Schools
- Dance Quarter School.
- School for children "Dancevaliya".
- State 27 Dance Studio.
Best colleges and academies for dancers
- ARB im. A. Ya. Vaganova.
- MGAH.
- MCU at the Moscow State Academy of Theater Arts "Gzhel".
- School-studio (school) at GAANT them. I. Moiseeva.
- KMTI them. G. P. Vishnevskaya.
Best universities
- IPCC.
- GITIS-RATI.
- MGAH.
- ARB them. A. Ya. Vaganova.
- Russian State University A. N. Kosygin.
- ISI.
- UGAI.
- SPbGUP.
- AGIIK.
- KemGIK.
See also:
Place of work
Dancers are in demand in theaters, film industry and organization of holidays and events. They can work as teachers, find vacancies in nightclubs, private groups - there are many options for employment.
Salary
There is no exact tariff rate in this segment, because everything depends on the style in which the dancer works, personal qualities, education, reputation and experience.
Dancers can receive a fixed salary or fees for each performance, lesson.
Dancer's salary for December 2022
Salary information provided by hh.ru portal.
Russia 20000–160000 RUB
Moscow 40000–60000 RUB
Professional knowledge
- Classical choreography.
- Acting.
- Fundamentals of physical training.
- Art History.
- Foreign languages (for professionals who work abroad).
Famous dancers
- Karen Hardy.
- Ekaterina Krysanova.
- Yankovsky Vyacheslav Vyacheslavovich.
See also:
Examples of companies with vacancies as a dancer
Philip Kirkorov - biography of the singer, how old is he, film roles. Age of Philip Bedrosovich. Kirkorov family: children Alla Victoria and Martin Kirkorov, father and mother. Personal life.
Philip Kirkorov grew up in a creative family and went on tour with his parents since childhood.
After school, he tried to enter GITIS, but did not pass the competition. Having entered Gnesinka, he showed an obstinate character, and his father doubted whether he would turn out to be a singer. At the end of 19In the 80s, Philip began to collaborate with Pugacheva, worked in her Song Theater. But a year later, he decided that he would succeed without the patronage of the Diva. Since the mid-1990s, he has become one of the most successful performers on the Russian stage.
instagram.com/fkirkorov
10 facts about Philip Kirkorov seven years. The official biography of the singer says that Philip accompanied his parents on tour from childhood and spent time on a high chair backstage while his father performed. The boy got used to being awakened early, dressed and taken to the train station to go to a new city, which was recorded in his parents' tour schedule. Mom Victoria Markovna worked as an entertainer for her father. Once at a concert, she announced the performance of Bedros.
She managed to say: "Arno Babajanyan's song" and then three-year-old Philipp ran onto the stage and loudly shouted "Memory!". The hall exploded with laughter. So the future artist made his debut as an entertainer. By the age of seven, he regularly appeared on stage after Bedros, the father of Philip Kirkorov, sang the song "Son". Introducing his son, the singer evoked admiring applause from the public. 
After Philip's first concert, he approached Margarita and promised to erect a monument to her. 
The performers on stage, with a few exceptions, appeared on stage in formal suits. Kirkorov changed the situation, showing himself to the public in unusual outfits. In one of the interviews, the singer said that he got his passion for bright costumes thanks to his grandmother. Philip Kirkorov in childhood often stayed with his grandmother, who worked in the circus. She took her grandson to performances. Behind the circus scenes, Philip, according to him, absorbed not only energy, but also vivid images. There are legends about the singer's love for bright outfits and the amount of money that Philip spends on clothes. In 2017, he organized an exhibition of his own costumes in the Kremlin, for which more than 80 full-length mannequins of the singer were made. 
The school administration blamed Philip for the incident and forced the parents to compensate for the damage caused by their son. As Kirkorov recalled, in childhood he got caught for the smallest infractions that his classmates got away with. According to Philip, karma began to haunt him even in adulthood, when debauchery and obscene behavior were attributed to him. The singer is convinced that it is easier for him to agree with the accusations than to argue, proving his own innocence. 
The singer drove him back to the nursery, but he returned to her again after a short time. 
According to Kirkorov, this delayed the official announcement of the divorce, since the public could decide that Alla left him because of the scandal. 
In 2017, fans celebrated Kirkorov's 50th birthday. In honor of the anniversary, at the end of April, the singer performed in the Kremlin for ten days in a row, gathering full houses. The record was recorded by representatives of the Russian Guinness Book of Records. Philip also holds the record for the number of Golden Gramophone awards. By 2012, he had collected 17 figurines. In 2020, a joint video by singer and blogger David Manukyan called "Rolex" gained 2.5 million views on YouTube in a day. 
How old Philip Kirkorov was at the time of the meeting, he did not specify.
Biography of Philip Kirkorov
Childhood of Philip Kirkorov
"Tatar" - the hero of Viktor Sukhorukov in the cult film "Brother 2" (2000) called Kirkorov a Romanian, giving rise to a whole series of Internet singers. According to the place of birth, he is called a Bulgarian, but the blood of several peoples flows in Philip.
Bedros - Philip's father - Armenian with Turkish roots. He was born with the surname Kirkorian. In an interview, Bedros said that he changed his last name so as not to have problems at the Bulgarian school.
instagram.com/fkirkorov
Bedros' parents sang in the choir and taught their son to music from childhood. He was noticed by the Soviet composer Arno Babajanyan and invited to study in Moscow.
Having become a popular singer, Bedros met Victoria Likhacheva, the future mother of Philip Kirkorov, on tour. Jewish, Russian and blood of other peoples mixed in her veins. After a short romance, they got married, and a few years later they had a son.
In an interview, Philip repeatedly said that he never remembers his childhood. According to him, he erased all memories and does not want to live in despondency, grinding the tragedies of the past. The main argument of the singer against memories is the absence of his mother. She died of cancer at 1994 year. According to Philip, Victoria was the only person he always listened to. The singer assured in recent interviews that there were only three women in his life: mother Victoria, wife Alla and daughter Alla-Victoria.
Kirkorov's parents performed together. Father sang, mother announced his numbers. They took their son with them on tour. Therefore, Philip from childhood got used to a nomadic lifestyle.
They took him everywhere with them, and from the age of seven he participated in his father's act, singing the song "Son".
Interestingly, the singer recalled how he did not like his own name. He reproached his parents for choosing a name until he heard the entertainer announce his own appearance on stage. Then, according to Philip, he realized that he was satisfied with the name and he did not need a pseudonym.
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The boy grew up in a wealthy family. Despite Soviet shortages, he always had enough of everything. He spent the summer with his grandmother in Bulgaria. In the 1970s, the Kirkorov family moved to Moscow. The boy lived on Taganka and attended Moscow school No. 413. Due to the fact that his parents constantly went on foreign tours, Philip had imported chewing gum and other goods that were scarce in Soviet times. This helped him avoid many problems at school.
Philip, according to his recollections, was easily given humanitarian subjects. He had to memorize lessons in the exact sciences.
Philip finished school without any problems. He was awarded with a gold medal. He planned to enter GITIS, but when he joined, the teachers decided that his vocal abilities were not enough. The official biography says that Kirkorov, after failing at GITIS, had a three-day depression.
Philip Kirkorov's youth
Philip Bedrosovich recovered thanks to the support of his grandmother. According to him, at one time she said prophetic words that it was worth the wait and his phone would be cut off.
Philip became a student at the Gnessin Music College. Already in his second year, he was invited to sing a song in the TV show "Wider Circle". The singer recalled that before the broadcast he called all his friends and acquaintances.
He hoped that the next morning he would wake up famous. But two weeks after the broadcast, no one recognized him. According to Philip, this was a serious disappointment.
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While studying at Gnesinka, the novice singer was noticed by Ilya Rakhlin, the artistic director of the Leningrad music hall. The family of Philip Kirkorov toured a lot when he was little, so it was not a problem for the singer to pack up and go to perform in Germany.
In April 1988, thanks to Ilya Reznik, the singer met Alla Pugacheva. Already in the fall, she invited him to "Christmas Meetings". In the late 1980s, an invitation from a Diva meant a lot. Participation in her program automatically meant the rise of a young performer's career.
In 1989, Philip went on tour with the Alla Pugacheva Song Theater. The singer introduced him to the poet Leonid Derbenev.
He composed such hits as "You, You, You", "Heaven and Earth", "Atlantis" and others. Many years later, singer Philip Kirkorov said in an interview that no one else understood him like Leonid.
In the same year, the performer gives the first solo concert and participates in the television festival "Song of the Year". He left Pugacheva's Song Theatre, saying that he wanted to destroy the image of "Alla Borisovna's favorite" and prove that he could succeed on his own at the end of 1989. Some time later, he received the Grand Prix of the 1990 Schlager festival.
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The path to success
Since the early 1990s, Philip has been touring regularly in North America, Israel and Germany. At 19In 1991, the singer gives a solo concert dedicated to International Women's Day on March 8.
Until 2004, the singer Kirkorov regularly gave concerts, positioning himself as the main connoisseur of female beauty.
On the official website in the biography of the performer, the annual concerts by March 8 were called "Kirkorov's tradition". Then there was an incident with an insult to journalist Irina Aroyan and the image of Philip as the main connoisseur of female beauty in the country was shaken. In the winter of 2010, the performer again spoiled the image of a favorite of women by attacking Marina Yablokova, an employee of the Golden Gramophone music award.
In 1994, the singer married Alla Pugacheva. Despite all the rumors that he uses marriage to develop his own career, in 1996, in the composition "My Bunny", Philip could confidently declare: "... you are Pugacheva, but I'm Kirkorov." In his arsenal were the Golden Gramophone and World Music Awards, two Ovation music awards and three Singer of the Year awards according to the Moskovsky Komsomolets publication.
In 1995, the performer represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Despite the modest 17th place, participation in the competition became a landmark for Philip. In subsequent years, he helped the contestants from many states many times. He was an assistant to Ukrainian singers Alexander Ponomarev (2003) and Ani Lorak (2008), Belarusian singers Anzhelika Agurbash (2005) and Dmitry Koldun (2007), Russian singers of the Tolmachev sisters (2014) and Sergey Lazarev (2016, 2016) and Moldovan performer DoReDos (2018).
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In the summer of 1995, together with his relatives Pugacheva Presnyakov and Orbakaite, he went on the Starry Summer family tour.
In the same year, Alla announced her retirement from the stage. According to rumors, she did this so that her husband could make a career and become the "king of the stage."
In 1997, the singer pleased his fans with information that he was going on a super tour.
He gave tours in 100 settlements of Russia, then visited the CIS and far abroad. The plane with the inscription "Philip Kirkorov" carried tons of equipment and a large team of the singer.
A year later, the performer set a Guinness record by giving more than 30 concerts in a row during a month in the city of St. Petersburg.
Popularity in the 2000s
In the 2000s, Kirkorov, whose family, parents and any details of his personal life were of interest to fans, moved away from active concert activity, created his own company and became a producer.
He brings popular musicals to Russia, like "Chicago", participates in television projects, appearing as a host or performer of key roles in New Year's musicals. For example, the role of the devil in the production of Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka brought Philip the Kinotavr Prize (2002).
The singer appears more than 10 times as a cameo in the popular TV series 33 Square Meters (1999), My Fair Nanny (2005), Voronins (2017) and others.
The roles of Kirkorov in the feature films Love in the Big City (2010, 2011), Understudy (2013), Crew (2016) and Grandmother of Easy Virtue (2017, 2019) were remembered by the audience.
In the 2010s, the artist begins to conquer YouTube. His clips "Mood Color Blue", "Ibiza", "Rolex" and others break records for views on the network.
Philip Kirkorov: biography, personal life, children
Philip carefully guards information about his personal life. For many years he has been cultivating the myth that there are only three women in his life: his mother Victoria, who died of cancer in 1994, Alla, whom he had been in love with since childhood, and his daughter Alla Victoria.
Kirkorov, whose personal life remains a mystery to fans for many years, was in love with a girl from a neighboring house, Tanya, as a child. This is stated in his biography on the official website. There you can also find information that Philip told his friend about his sympathy and he "took away" the girl. Kirkorov did not fight for Tanya.
It is unknown how true this information is. But until the beginning of the 1990s, sources did not report information about the singer's novels. For some time, information about Kirkorov's early marriage flashed in the media. Allegedly in Bulgaria, his father picked a bride for him. But Bedros denied these data in an interview.
It is known that in the 1980s the singer had an affair with Maria Shatlanova. The girl won the Miss Moscow Region contest and attracted Philip's attention by looking like Pugacheva. The singer offered her a place in his backup dancer.
In 1993, Pugacheva divorced her next husband. Philip began courting her. According to the singer's official website, he sent roses to his beloved, adding two flowers every day. By December 1993, the number of flowers in the bouquet reached 113. Then he came to Alla on a gilded carriage.
Kirkorov announced his engagement when he received another Ovation award. In March 1994, the couple legalized their relationship in St. Petersburg. The ceremony was led by Mayor Anatoly Sobchak. In May of the same year, the couple got married in Jerusalem. The couple divorced a decade later.
Later in the life of the singer were Lyubov Uspenskaya and Aziza, to whom he proposed.
In the 2010s, with a difference of a year, the singer had children Alla Victoria and Martin Kirkorov. Businesswoman Natalia Efremova became their godmother.
