Not even COVID-19 can keep Alex Wong down. Throughout 2020, he’s continued to entertain his over 566k Instagram and 298k TikTok followers (as of the time of this article) by doing his signature side tilts and other dance moves both at home and in public – all while safely social distancing and wearing a mask when necessary. Among his social media posts are different versions of the WAP dance, and recreations of classical ballet variations with a COVID-19 twist – like when he performed the Esmeralda variation in his living room, kicking a frying pan instead of a tambourine.

The former principal ballet dancer with Miami City Ballet, who gained mainstream fame while competing on So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) before moving on to a successful Broadway and commercial dance career, has always found ways to bounce back from adversity and make the most out of every situation.

Take for example, his devastating injury – a torn Achilles – while competing on SYTYCD. The injury took him out of the competition, and his return to dance was a longer than expected journey, especially when he tore his other Achilles a year later while preparing to return to SYTYCD as an all-star.

Still, the native of British Columbia, Canada rose up and went on to achieve further success, including performing in the original Broadway cast of Newsies; appearing on TV and film in Smash, Fosse/Verdon, The Little Mermaid Live! and The Greatest Showman; and dancing for Taylor Swift at the VMAs.

He’s also appeared in the works of acclaimed dance photographer Jordan Matters and in the film version of Lin Manuel’s In the Heights, which was originally scheduled for theatrical release this past summer but has been postponed due to COVID-19.

In August of 2019, Lara Spencer, co-anchor of Good Morning America, voiced non-supportive comments about then six-year-old Prince George of Cambridge enjoying taking ballet classes, while on-air. Many people interpreted her comments as demeaning towards male dancers, and public backlash ensued.

In response to Spencer’s comments, Alex Wong and Travis Wall led a large gathering of male dancers outside the ABC studios in New York. This public display of support, which involved a dance class, received media attention and sparked the #BoysDanceToo movement.

But despite Alex’s time in the public spotlight and his massive social media following, there’s a lot about Alex that hasn’t been widely publicized. Here’s an inside look into his career.

Social stigma almost prevented him from starting dance

Alex had always loved dancing and performing, but despite his parents asking him if he wanted to take dance classes, he initially resisted – because he assumed dancing was only for girls. That was the stigma he had been exposed to as a young child. Luckily, Alex’s dad is a photographer and brought Alex with him to watch the recital of a studio that he shot photos for. Watching the recital inspired Alex to start taking dance – despite the social stigma.

How he was introduced to ballet

When Alex began dance, he studied jazz and tap. At age 10, he started training in ballet due to the insistence of his teacher at the time, Bonnie Jean Anderson.

“Bonnie said that if I wanted to get serious in dance, I had to start taking ballet and she said I could ONLY go to the Goh Ballet in Vancouver. At the time I was still living in Mission (BC) and so that was a really far drive.”

Why he decided to focus on ballet

When Alex entered his teen years, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in dance, but he didn’t see any dancers in the media that looked like him. At that time (the early 2000’s), Broadway had few male Asian dancers. And there were almost none in the commercial dance scene and on film and TV. But Alex knew the ballet world was more accepting of diverse ethnicities.

And so, Alex focused much of his teen years on ballet. He earned his Solo Seal with the Royal Academy of Dance, and at the age of 17, became the first Canadian to win the prestigious Prix De Lausanne ballet competition. He was immediately offered a contract with American Ballet Theater’s (ABT) Studio Company, in New York.

Joy and disappointment at ABT

“My time at ABT was one of the most AMAZING times of my life,” says Alex. “ABT was a dream company for me. I have so many wonderful memories, but most of my favorites are the ones with my friends. We all lived together in an apartment and it was incredible. I couldn't believe I was living in my dream city and getting PAID to dance!”

But Alex’s experience with ABT was short-lived. It came to an abrupt halt at the end of the season when Alex was told he couldn’t progress any further due to his height of 5’8.

“I had a meeting with the directors and obviously with my height it was going to be difficult in the main company. They had also just hired a bunch of short men before me and so there wasn't really going to be space in the company for me to grow,” recalls Alex.

But luckily, ABT wanted the best for him. Alex adds, “The directors did the most amazing thing. They personally reached out to all the companies I was interested in by calling the directors of those companies, and even flew me out and paid for my hotels, etc. so I could audition. Never in my life have I heard of that happening. I felt very grateful.”

Why he left the ballet world

Alex joined Miami City Ballet (MCB) and within a few short years, rose to the ranks of principal dancer. But something inside him was stirring – a longing to once again dance the other styles he had trained in while growing up.

Thus, Alex’s journey to SYTYCD began, a journey that would ultimately lead to him working in musical theatre, commercial dance, film and TV. Not to mention, becoming a social media sensation.

How he ended up dancing en pointe for Taylor Swift on the VMAs

Alex tells the story best…

“I have NEVER trained en pointe. Gaynor Minden had given me some pointe shoes because I needed it for one of those silly videos I do,” says Alex. “The week before the VMA's there was a casting for Taylor and they were looking for UNIQUE people. I really didn't feel all that unique so I felt I needed something to stand out.

I showed up at the audition in basketball shorts and a tank top (but I wore my pointe shoes underneath). I started dancing kind of normal and then I kicked off my sneakers in a tilt revealing pointe shoes, and then I pulled out a fan and was just being silly and dancing all around the room. The next thing I knew I was dancing at the VMA's with Taylor Swift”

What’s Alex is up to these days?

2020 has made it clear that anything can change at any moment, and we have no choice but to adapt – or to pivot turn, in dance terminology. Alex has always pivoted with grace and style throughout his career, so it’s no surprise that he continues to enjoy his passion for dance and performing, and share this passion with his audience despite the challenging times we are living in.

From his success across multiple genres of dance and entertainment platforms, to his social advocacy with #BoysDanceToo, Alex has and will no doubt continue to achieve success on his own terms – come what may.

Want to know more about Alex? Check out these fun facts.

“What’s one interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?”

“Contrary to popular belief, I actually always feel very stiff and not flexible. Everyone thinks I'm so flexible, but I really have to stretch a lot to maintain it.”

How do you feel about dancing in bare feet, especially when it comes to turns?

“I hate turning barefoot. I pretty much always wore Foot Undies on SYTYCD. Most of the choreographers hated Foot Undies but for some reason I think I got lucky and somehow my Foot Undies matched EXACTLY to my skin tone. So, NONE of the choreographers minded. THANK GOODNESS for that because otherwise my feet would have been so torn up. There may have been a few times that I didn't wear Foot Undies, but I always wore them at least for rehearsal.”

What’s a little-known fact about Jordan Matter’s famous photo shoots?

“They're semi-planned. We do talk about what we might be able to do and location scout a bit. A lot of it is truly on the fly though and there are definitely uncomfortable situations when you get kicked out or get in trouble.

What are your top 3 fav dance movies?
“Center Stage. That is my top and only! Hahaha, unless you consider Greatest Showman (I'm obviously biased as I was in it).”

What are your fav foods?

“I'm quite an adventurous eater. I love having a ton of variety. I really like bubble tea though. Does that count as a food?”

Prior to COVID, what were your fav things (outside of dance/performing) to do in NYC?
“I loved walking around, dining out and spending time with friends. I was able to actually do most of that shortly after strict lockdowns were lifted, although all of my time was spent outdoors. My friends and I did ballet class in the park and worked out together and danced.”

Do you ever miss being in Vancouver?

“I definitely miss my parents, but in terms of the weather... no. Haha, it rains way too much.”

What are your top 3 fav Broadway musicals?

“Wicked, Legally Blonde and Dear Evan Hansen.”

Outside of performing, do you have any additional career aspirations for the future?

“I'm really open to wherever life takes me. I think I'd like to own some sort of business but I'm really not quite sure what yet. I've always sort of wanted to own a bubble tea shop, but I don't think I could dedicate 100% of my time to that.”

Read more profiles on male dancers in Vince Kanasoot’s #BoysDanceToo series.

Vince Kanasoot is a former professional dancer and musical theatre performer, who has since transitioned into communications and journalism. His works have been published in The Georgia Straight and Daily Hive, and he is currently working on his first novel. Follow his adventures on Instagram and on his site, VanCityVince.com.