was born May 7, 1990, in Tampa, Fl to the parentage of Christine Johnson and Lee Borders. He started his journey with dancing at the tender age of 11 primarily hip hop. With this newfound passion, he began to train and critique his craft at the Oak Park recreation center in Tampa, Fl. Throughout his middle school years at Franklin, he entered many talent shows and contest which he received numerous awards. Freshman year while attending Howard W. Blake High School he began to explore many forms of dancing. For example Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, African, Afro-Cuban, Walts, liturgical, and Swing. With this knowledge obtained, after high school years, he was requested by Band Director Carmen Griffin to choreograph Broadway show” Dreamgirl’s” and Janet Jackson Tribute show. He also served as Dance Director at Burgess School of the Arts. As a director he worked with children from ages 5-17, teaching hip hop and liturgical routines for a grand finale production. He also choreographed many productions at the Prestigious University Of Tampa. Marcus has also danced professionally, notably, he has opened up for Grammy award winner Gospel composer Carlton Burgess. He also choreographed for Gospel artists Cepeda McKay No Limits feat.
Nikki Ross also was performed on B.E.T. Bobby Jones Gospel show. He has also taken part in dance companies such as Astro Genesis Records and V.Y.B. which has afforded him to travel the country and perform at many venues. Marcus has auditioned for Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance broadcast and for the movie Step Up 4 Revolution. He has worked with professional choreographers such as Wade Robson, Chris Judd, Laurie Ann Gibson, Brian Freidman, Dave Scott, and Mia Micheals at the Pulse On Tour convention in Atlanta. Marcus is always excited to extend his knowledge in dance and perform. Marcus helped Dance Mogul Magazine to see that his training and his accomplishments won’t mean anything if your ultimate goal is not to set a better example for the next generation and assist them with achieving more than you ever could. It is that very mindset why Dance Mogul Magazine exists, so it is an honor to present someone who is aligned with purpose like Marcus, a Dance Mogul on the Rise.
Dance Mogul Magazine Exclusive…
Dance Mogul: Who were some of your dance inspirations growing up?
Marcus Borders: Missy Elliott: as a kid growing up watching Missy and all of the young dancers in her music videos inspired me to want to explore talent and love for dance. Michael Jackson: Michael inspired me to want to go above and beyond through his videos as far as in dance or just even life current events there was always a deep message behind the story he was telling, which was placed so people could learn about his life.
Dance Mogul: Were your parents supportive of your dancing?
Marcus Borders: My parents couldn’t give me the support I wanted as a dancer. It’s been a rocky road for me growing up wanting to be a dancer. I just had to work twice as hard as others that could afford it. It was a challenge, but not a challenge that couldn’t be accomplished.
Dance Mogul: What was it like to go on tour at such a young age?
Marcus Borders: Well I was a dancer/choreographer for Astro genesis records it was an experience I had to miss days of school, be up super early in the morning traveling to New York all the time. It was tiring but very worth it. I got to experience things young kids couldn’t at such a young age.
Dance Mogul: How do you balance your love for gospel and hip -hop?
Marcus Borders: I do a lot of research on entertainment to see the difference in hip-hop choreography and gospel choreography. But most of the time my brain and body will adjust according to the style of music that is being played. It’s just a gift that is giving by god. So I give total praise to him.
Dance Mogul: How did the opportunity to dance for Disney come about and what is it like? Marcus Borders: The opportunity came about when I was working at Wal-Mart as a cake decorator in Brandon, fl. I always did a lot of Disney cakes and I thought to myself: hmm why not go do something that’s going to make a big impact on our generation.
Dance Mogul: What advice would you have for young up and coming dancers?
Marcus Borders: Advice I would give to young and up and coming dancers is, stay in class and never give up on what you love entertainment is the hardest in the industry especially for female dancers trying to make it. It’s just a lot of competition, stay focused, and dream big and never lose sight of what God has given you.
Dance Mogul: What are your future aspirations with your career?
Marcus Borders: I would love to be a well-known choreographer across the globe. I don’t want to be limited to anything. I want to be able to cater to everyone in every way. I want to be the reason why kids love to dance.
Dance Mogul: Do you feel Dance Mogul Magazine is needed to empower the next generation so that their voices can be heard?
Marcus Borders: Yes, I think everyone deserves to be heard. There is always a story that needs to be told. This might end up being their only outlet to be able to get whatever is on their chest about their love for Dance out and heard.
Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you want to thank for helping you on your journey?
Marcus Borders: I would like to thank: Kandace Nunn, Johnson Phyllis, Gaines Kelly, Rayl Albena, Arnoudova Carmen griffin, and Demario Henry. I want to say thank you for all that you did for me growing up to what I am today. Which is the next face in the dance world? The same knowledge you gave me about dance I’m passing down to the next generation that comes around.
