Fabulous People: Mychael Powell

After decades as a successful dancer and singer traveling around the world, Mychael Powell transitioned into a behind-the-scenes career. Today, Powell is the group sales manager at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Learn about Mychael Powell…

Hometown: Spanaway, Washington

First job: Royal Fork Buffet Restaurant. I started off as a busboy and quickly moved up to line runner and eventually the coveted meat carver position.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: Outdoors exploring all of nature’s natural beauty through hiking, biking and kayaking. I love exploring the national parks and usually plan my vacations around those locations.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: At the height of my performing career, I was fortunate to be offered a contract as the Principal Dancer and Singer Understudy at the Lido de Paris. As a chorus boy who previously always had featured roles, stepping up to play the lead role was a dream come true. As everyone knows, the show must go on. Being selected as the Principal Understudy was the ultimate accomplishment in my performance career.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: While I was at the height of my career at the Lido de Paris, that period of time would also be the demise of my career becoming the biggest challenge of my life. I suffered a severe spinal injury while I was performing on stage, which inhibited my ability to walk let alone dance. With hope, lots of physical therapy, and support from my family and friends, I was able to recover and continue performing for a few more years.

Someone who inspires you and why: Gene Kelly. Growing up watching the magically spectacular movie musicals, I always admired the graceful moves of Fred Astaire; however, the brilliant athletic strength of the performances from Gene Kelly inspired me to master tumbling stunts that I would incorporate into my dance numbers.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I feel I have had two successful careers in my life: as a professional performer grateful to have the opportunity to explore the world; then transitioning to behind-the-scenes executive staff in this fascinating entertainment industry. My advice is to find your passion and through dedication, persistence and hard work, you will achieve your dreams. The hours of training/educating myself to achieve these goals went above and beyond the dance classes, singing lessons or training sessions. It was through long hours of practicing/studying that I grasped the knowledge and experience necessary to move forward.

Favorite quote: Be kind to everyone because you never know what the other person is going through.

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: As a youth, I was very flexible. I was able to touch my feet to my head, which is a contortionist movement. By training with my dance coach Mildred, I went on to learn several acrobatic skills that I would perform throughout my career. 

What makes someone fabulous: Remaining humble while maintaining exceptional service through consistent communication to your colleagues and clients.