As an in-demand choreography powerhouse, Bobby Newberry has spent years crafting innovative stage material for the likes of Missy Elliot, The Pussycat Dolls and Eminem. His work has been featured on such show as X-Factor, America’s Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars to name just a few.

He’s also been impressing audiences with his seductively soothing vocals on an acoustic rendition of La Roux’s “Bulletproof” , a duet with former Pussycat Doll, Melody Thornton.

Now, combining his love for dance and passion for music, Newberry takes center stage for the very first time with his debut single and music video: “Dirrty Up”, featuring Jessie & The Toy Boys.

In my interview with Bobby, we’ll discuss the making of Dirrty Up, his collaboration with the amazing Melody Thornton and how, through hard work and never losing sight of his goal to inspire others, is making his dreams come true.

goJimmygo (gJg):Bobby, congratulations on your video and all of your success so far.

Bobby Newberry (BN): Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

gJg: The video for “Dirrty Up” is amazing. How tough was it to make?

BN: It was intense. I’ve done a lot of videos before but this was the first video with me as an artist. It was an eighteen hour shoot day, throwing ourselves on the concrete floor over and over again.. <laughs>

gJg: Is “Dirrty Up” a song you had written?

BN: It’s a song that I co-wrote with The Invaders. We’ve just released it on i-Tunes!

gJg: How did the “Bulletproof” collaboration come about with Melody Thornton?

BN: That was interesting. I had originally recorded a version of that song a while ago. After I played Melody my version of it, she came up with the idea of re-recording it as a duet!

Afterwards, she wanted to put it on her mix-tape. It’s gotten a lot of great exposure.

gJg; What was it like working with Melody? She’s phenomenal!

BN: I’ve known Melody from working with The Pussycat Dolls. We’ve been great friends for a long time. I’ve always known she was an incredible singer and was honored that she wanted to work with me on this song.

gJg: What’s the message of the video?

BN: We wanted the video to have a very cold, stoic feeling but yet be beautiful at the same time. The finished product really captures the desperation.

gJg: Where was it filmed?

BN: The middle of the Mojave desert! <laughs>

It was definitely interesting dealing with the elements but, it was worth it in the end.

gJg: Was singing and dancing a big part of your life growing up as well?

BN: Yes, I started singing and dancing at a very young age. I grew up watching Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna videos and teaching myself the choreography. Then, I’d invite my family over and put on shows for them in the living room.

From there, I started entering myself in talent shows and choirs. Eventually I received a scholarship from The Edge, one of the biggest dance studios in LA, and really started seriously training. I still sang in the choir but made dance my priority because it’s really difficult and takes years of training to be a strong dancer.

gJg: Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

BN: I love to eat! I secretly love eating more than anything. I love going to restaurants and trying everything. Sometimes I’ll even order three desserts. <laughs>

gJg: What’s next for you?

BN: To keep growing as a choreographer and artist. I also want to keep releasing new music. The plan is to release a new song and video every six weeks. I start shooting again at the end of July.

gJg: Where do you see yourself a few years from now?

BN: I see myself as an artist that continues to grow and one that people can find inspiration from. For me, the best feeling in the world is when people tell me they’ve been inspired by listening to my music or watching my videos.

Article first published as A Conversation With Artist and Choreographer Bobby Newberry on Technorati.