MEET ELMBOOGIE
Born and raised in Seattle Washington, Elm Pizarro is an accomplished artist in every sense of the word. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Elm moved to Southern California primarily to advance his architecture career. After many years of working with some of Orange County’s top design firms specializing in Entertainment Design (Edwards and Regal Cinemas) then Production and Custom Homes and Multi-Family Housing - Elm decided to switch gears soon after designing a feature home for Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the Lewis Family in El Segundo - still considered to be the crowning achievement of his entire architectural design career.
Utilizing his “eye” for graphic design, a knack for web development, interest in marketing, and his tremendous experience and lifelong passion for dance led him to create world renowned: www.boogiezone.com – YOUR online dance community connection! Founded in 2001, and launched in 2003 - Boogiezone has served as a tremendous platform for thousands of dancers and choreographers around the globe and has opened so many doors and opportunities and bridged many dreams to reality. The Boogiezone Network is massive, with direct relationships that include the most sought after teachers, choreographers and directors, top dance studios, convention companies, talent agencies, event production companies, and more. In May of 2019, in the midst of the global Covid-19 Pandemic Elm was able to finally focus on producing Boogiezone’s Mobile app and launched it for download on Android and Apple.
As the Chief Brainchild and Creator of Boogiezone, Elm has continued to expand his vision to embrace a multitude of creative endeavors; teaching all over the world, producing numerous events (Social Gatherings, Global Showcases, Theatrical Experiences, Educational Forums, Dance Intensives), and exploring all facets of creative direction from stage to film. Elm’s broad network of global contacts has opened up opportunities to expand Boogiezone. As a result, the world famous Boogiezone Community Class Network was born. The Boogiezone Community Class satellite program and concept was accepted and integrated into 14 different studios countries around the globe. It changed the face of the dance community forever, providing a gateway for a great handful of instructors to make a career for themselves teaching and spreading dance.
As a result of building up his network and brand, Elm is now the proud owner of a physical creative arts facility EPICENTER - Arts + Entertainment (www.epicenterarts.com) - formerly Boogiezone Utopia opened to the public in January 2012. It is his intention that with being able to offer the community a place to call “home,” art and dance can truly thrive. EPICENTER is a 14,000 square foot mega complex, houses over 40 Faculty members, and has been home to several well known dance companies and crews like Breed, Culture Shock Los Angeles, Clipper Spirit, and programs like Boogiezone High School, YDP - Young Directors Program, BZX –Boogiezone Exchange (3 Week Dance Intensive) just to name a few. In 2017, Elm fully launched his dream endeavor with the DNA - Developing Next Artist program, which provides mentorship and artistic development to new and emerging singers and dancers.
Elm has a unique flair and approach when it comes to branding and developing programs. The reason why he has so many under his built. Elm is the Founder and Creative Director of “Boogiezone Armada” (Est. 2013), "Breed - Adult Exhibition Dance Company" (EST. 2003) and Co – Founder of "Offspring - Junior Exhibition Dance Company" (EST. 2008), “Prodigy – Jr. Contemporary Dance Company” (Est. 2012), “Entity – Contemporary Dance Company” (EST. 2009), “Baneful Brew – Poisonous Medley of Style” (Est. 1992) and “Diamond Disco Dollz” (EST. 2013) - which as physical extensions of Boogiezone help to spread the Boogiezone philosophy of "Community.” It is not uncommon for members who come through the Boogiezone ranks to fine tune their craft or focus their career path through Elm’s mentorship. Many of Boogiezone’s dancers progress on to dance professionally as backup dancers in music videos and tours and/or choreograph for mega artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher, and Lady Gaga and have been featured on television for shows like SYTYCD, ABDC, ELLEN and movies like Step Up 2.
His newest creative endeavor utilizes his knowledge for dance and choreography and creative direction in conjunction with his massive network of connections in Entertainment. In 2017, Elm launched a new program for emerging artists called DNA - Developing Next Artist (www.developingnextartist.com). This groundbreaking program allows emerging artists across a wide variety of disciplines to explore, exercise, and exchange their craft. Through extensive collaboration, and the process of creation, this program provides the opportunity and platform for artists to express themselves freely. This allows them to create amazing pieces of work through which experience is gained, knowledge is learned, and passion is shared. So far Elm is working closely with 8 singer/songwriters all with varying experience levels, a handful of choreographers and 40 emerging backup dancers - all primed and ready to set the world ablaze!
Above all, Elm’s life mission is to inspire others through dance, utilizing Boogiezone as a vehicle for expanding his reach and Boogiezone Utopia as his creative outlet. Through whatever platform of creativity that he chooses, he promises to help bridge dancers to their dreams by sharing his love with as many around the globe, especially to those who do not have dance readily accessible. He enjoys meeting people from all over the world and hopes to continue serving as a positive role model for the dance community and industry at large.
[SEE RESUME FOR FULL LISTING OF ACKNOWLEDGMENTS]
Awards
First Place Online Dance Video Contest
[The Banji Magic Show} [Sharaya J] [Missy Elliott - Judge]
Hall Of Fame
[World of Dance]
Lifetime Achievement
[Culture Shock Los Angeles]
Lifetime Achievement Award
[Chapkis Dance] [Collaboration So Cal]
Choreographers Pick
[Baneful Brew “Dr. Seuss”] [Pulse Dance Convention]
08.03.13 - So ecstatic! We actually won the contest! Thank you to all of the talented dancers who helped bring this concept to life! Special shout out to Nena Muhammed who added the Special Effects to this version of the video!
When I heard about this opportunity to submit choreography for Missy's new artist Sharaya J - I didn't doubt that I had to put something together. One: this Banji song is HOT and I can't wait for more Sharaya to drop - and TWO:Missy Elliott is my favorite artist of all time, and the idea of her actually watching something I choreographed and created is crazy to me! Anyway, for a project that was going to go down as quickly as this, I knew I had to call on my wonderful Boogiezone Armada dancers. Thanks so much for learning everything in like 3 hours and then spending the next night with me as we filmed. What a turnaround. I've never produced anything so fast in my life! If not for just a few youtube hits, at least i can feel accomplished and can say anything is possible if you put a little elbow grease on it! Last but not least thank you to Tricia Miranda for inspiring our dance community and for serving as an amazing example to follow! You've held it down for so long, and after all your success still manage to keep it real! Thank you everyone for watching! Now hit this up!
BANJI.
BE AUTHENTIC. NEVER JEOPARDIZE INDIVIDUALITY!
Elmboogie
Creator of Boogiezone
Welcome to the Banji Magic Show!
BANJI CERTIFIED DANCERS
AISHA GIBBS
ARIANA LYN ZARI
ASHLEY NELSON
BRYNDA ROWEN
DANIELLE MARTINEZ
DAVID LEE
DIVINA MESROPIAN
DYLAN SHEPHERD
EMILY HOFFMAN
ESHE GIBBS
JAYEN WELLS
JUAN GUARDADO
KNICOLE HAGGINS
LINDSAY PRESCOTT
MARIO WOOLFOLK
MICAELA TAYLOR
NEICO JOY
SHAINA SEIDENBERG
SOPHI MLADINEO
TYLER VON D
CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS
SHAINA SEIDENBERG
DYLAN SHEPHERD
MARIO WOOLFOLK
KNICOLE HAGGINS
LIGHTING
JERRY HOFFMAN
SUPPORT
KENT GYINS
FILMED AT
BOOGIEZONE UTOPIA
Presented to Tricia Miranda, Sharaya J and Missy Elliott.
Concept and Choreography by Elmboogie
For Booking - Contact MSA - Los Angeles