Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Rivera.
Hi AJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
How’s it going? My name is AJ Rivera, but as both a professional dancer and Litefeet music producer I go by Aye Jae Beats. I started dancing in 2014 and started competing in 2016. I joined the Navy at 18 in 2015 but have continued my love for dance and music while serving full time!
I’m the CEO of the Outsiders Dance Team, a Litefeet dance team with members around the United States. I’m currently stationed in El Paso, Texas, but I am from Connecticut originally. I recently became signed as a professional dancer this year under MVMT Management in Las Vegas, and have been both getting booked for events, and throwing my own events, in CT, Rhode Island, Texas, and California. In 2020, I also began a journey as a producer, and within a year I have accrued almost 100k streams on SoundCloud, and have music on all platforms.
The style that I both dance and produce is called Litefeet, a New York City-based dance style originating before 2006. This dance style has made me into the best dancer I could ever hope to be, and has allowed me to spread culture throughout the United States! I have collaborated with popular music producers including Coma Beats and Freddy DuKo to make music for the dancers.
Dance and music have been such a huge part of my life and I feel blessed to share my story with you all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve gone on two deployments including a combat deployment to Afghanistan from 2018-2019. After coming home, I struggled with my mental well-being and put my love for music and dance on the backburner.
Thankfully, after taking some time to get myself right, I came back to what I loved, which truly helped bring me back on the path to happiness! Before making my own team, I was on a few different teams, and while I loved being a part of them, I knew that the vision I had for myself and my people was something I needed to do on my own.
I’m thankful for my struggles.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dancer – Professional Dancer signed under MVMT Management in Las Vegas, NV. Style – Litefeet, a high flying New York Dance Style as seen on TV from the likes of Kid the Wiz and WAFFLE. Known for my high energy combo style Litefeet and my difficult, exciting shoe tricks, as well as being a crowd pleaser! Example here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XSsgOZewmc.
Music producing – Litefeet music producer for the dancers! I specialize in high energy, loud kicks, and unique melodies with exciting vocal chops. Examples here – https://soundcloud.com/aye_jae/sets/the-dark-side.
What sets me apart is my work ethic and willingness to learn. I have reached out to and befriended the best in both dance and music production, and these wonderful friends of mine have to lead me in the right direction to become the best I can be in both disciplines.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I used to be TERRIBLE at dancing! It isn’t a matter of talent; It’s a matter of how much work are you willing to put into your craft. You can do anything you put your mind to, just surround yourself with the right people and learn everything you can!
Contact Info:
- Email: mvmtmanagementllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayejaebeats/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aye_jae
Image Credits
Cruz X Control and El Paso Dance Community
