Hinton Battle: The Architect

Tell me your whole inception into entertainment — When did you first become interested in it? And actually, how did it all begin for you?

Well, it started when I saw how much money they were making and how big celebrities houses were! But all kidding aside a bit, when I was a little kid I used to watch a lot of old musical movies and it sparked my interest. I never thought I would actually do them [Musicals], but here I am.

Where exactly do you hail from? And, in having said that, growing up who did/do you consider to be your strongest influences?

Well I was actually born in Germany, but I grew up in Kansas, Washington DC and New York City. My biggest influence growing up was my mom. She instilled in me that I can be whatever I wanted, and to make sure I’m the best at it.

So, when then did you opt to pursue entertainment on a professional level?

Actually, entertainment chose me. I originally moved to NYC to study at School of American Ballet when I was 13, and while on break I was looking for work. My sister had been cast as a chorus member in this new modernized hip adaptation of ‘The Wizard of OZ,’ called ‘The WiZ,’ so I auditioned and got cast in the chorus. While the show was on a promotional tour — before it actually hit Broadway — one of the leads left abruptly during intermission and I was called out of the chorus and cast as the ‘Scarecrow’ for the 2nd act. I had no idea what to do, but I knew I could dance. So Stephanie Mills, who was playing ‘Dorothy’, said to me, “When I pull your straw, that’s when you have a line.” So every time Stephanie would pull my straw, I would Jump in the air, do a split and a Pirouette turn, and say whatever came out of my mouth! Being that I was the ‘Scarecrow’ who had no brain, it worked and the crowd loved it. The next day, the director called me and offered the role full-time, and the rest is history.

What has been the key to your overall success thus far? And, of course, what will keep sustaining you in the business of entertainment?

First and foremost, loving it. You have to love what you do, then it never gets old and tired. That’s what keeps me going. Any job is a new job and a new experience, even if you only have 3 days to do it!

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away entertainment?

Yes, I’ve always loved architecture. I think if I wasn’t in entertainment, I would have been an architect.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

To be honest, any moment in the entertainment industry is a “Big Career Moment.” Rather it be a Tony Award, a Choreographer Award, performing for a wonderful crowd, or teaching kids who have a passion and willingness to learn, and watching them grow and achieve their personal goals. It all shares an equal level of greatness.

Looking ahead, say five or even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

In a house on the beach, with my feet up and a stomach full of chicken! But seriously, I have no idea…I don’t even (know) where I will be ten minutes from now. That is the beauty of the entertainment industry, and why I love it!

As for the immediate future, what’s next for you, Mr. Battle?

My new Jazz album Something New, that we have been promoting and is available on iTunes now. I also have a TV Show that I’m producing and hosting in Japan called ‘Road to Broadway,’ which is a reality/docu-series following the journey of Japanese dancers trying to make it on Broadway…And, I also have two new dance schools opening in Japan in 2015.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Thank you for the interview and a have blessed day…

Any closing “thoughts” for our readers?

Keep the faith, don’t give up and fight for what you believe in.

@hintonbattle

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