Meet Moses Rankine

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Moses Rankine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Moses below.

Moses, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a family that survived domestic violence, I learned early on what it means to keep going, even when things seem impossible. Watching my mom rebuild our lives showed me the true meaning of strength, and I’ve carried that with me ever since.

I think I get my resilience from a mix of things—my family, especially my mom, and the challenges I’ve faced, both in life and in dance. Every time I’ve been told no or felt like I didn’t measure up, it just pushed me to work harder. Rejections, long hours, injuries—each obstacle has made me more determined. I see them as stepping stones, moments where I can choose to either give up or come back stronger.

But it’s more than just pushing through tough times. For me, resilience is rooted in my love of dance, my love for my family, and my desire to build a better future. I don’t just dance for the sake of it; I love what I do, and it helps me find purpose in my movement. I dance for myself, my siblings, and my mom, who sacrificed so much so I could chase my dreams. When I’m on stage, I feel like I’m representing everything we’ve been through, and that keeps me going.

At the end of the day, I know that resilience will carry me through this industry. It’s not just about talent—it’s about staying strong through the challenges and believing in the bigger picture. That’s what I hold onto when things get tough.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Over the last 15 years, I have trained in various styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and ballet. This journey has led me to earn recognition as the 2022 Senior Male Best Dancer at the Dance Awards and to work with choreographers like Andrew Winghart, Megan Lawson, and Stacey Tookey. As I embark on my professional dance career, I am excited for what lies ahead. I’m particularly proud to be touring this year across the U.S. and Canada with DanceOne, where I’ll share my passion and knowledge with the next generation of dancers.

I also have an upcoming role on The Next Step and a European tour that will take me to Switzerland, Milan, and Prague. I am grateful for my experiences and am committed to evolving as an artist. In the future, I hope to tour with music artists, collaborate with dance companies, and perform on Broadway. I believe that dedication to my craft, resilience, and a grateful heart will guide me toward these dreams.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I look back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey have been adaptability, discipline, and musicality.

Adaptability: The dance industry is constantly changing, and the ability to adjust – whether it’s picking up a new style, working with different choreographers, or transitioning between the stage, the classroom, television, or film makes you more valuable as a performer. My own versatility in styles like contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, parkour, and jazz has opened many doors for me. To anyone starting out, I would say: be open to trying everything, even if it feels outside of your comfort zone. The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities will come your way and the more you will learn about yourself.

Discipline: Professional dancers never stop training and honing their craft, but dance is also mentally demanding. It’s not enough to just love dance – you have to show up everyday, put in the work, and also take care of your body. Developing the habit of showing up consistently, even when it’s tough, is what separates the good dancers from the great ones. My advice to those who want to make dance a career is to stay committed to the grind. Talent and love for dance are very important, but it will only take you so far; discipline and grit are what will push you to the next level.

Musicality: Musicality is one of the defining elements of my dance journey. Being able to interpret music and let it inform your movement is what sets you apart as an artist. It’s not just about hitting the right steps but connecting deeply with the rhythm and emotion of the music. For those starting out, I recommend spending time understanding the music you’re dancing to. Learn how to feel it, not just count it. Musicality can transform your performance and make it truly captivating.

Stay adaptable, stay disciplined, and always dance with heart. Anyone who can focus on developing those skills will be well-equipped to handle the challenges of this industry.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Living with Type 1 diabetes is one of my biggest ongoing challenges as a dancer. Managing this condition requires constant attention, especially because dance is physically demanding. I wear a monitor and prick my finger to test my blood sugar a minimum of five times a day, but when I’m training, in rehearsal, or on set, it’s even more frequent to ensure my levels stay stable. Every time I eat, I need to give myself insulin, and there are moments when my adrenaline spikes—like during an intense performance—which can also raise my blood sugar, or moments when my levels drop too low, requiring even more adjustments. To overcome this, I stay very disciplined with my health management. I plan my meals and snacks strategically around my schedule, I make sure I have my testing kit, insulin, and glucose tablets at all times, and I find ways to reduce stress, relax, and care for my body.

It’s a balancing act, but I’ve learned to incorporate these practices into my routine so that I can keep dancing at my best without letting my diabetes hold me back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mosesjames
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/UukQKsarx64