Jacob Dimenstein is a senior, Finance major at Fordham. But if we’re being honest, that’s not the most impressive thing about him. He’s been dancing since he was 11 years old and has already performed with Selena Gomez, Fergie, and at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, to name a few. Being a professional dancer and a college senior don’t normally go hand in hand, so how does he balance both? Jacob shares with us his goals for after graduation, the one song that makes him feel cool, and his advice for anyone who wants to pursue their passion.
1) How did you start dancing and when did you know you wanted to do it professionally?
When I was 11, my mom enrolled me in a hip-hop class at Alvin Ailey. I stopped dancing between 14 and 16 and then I joined a hip hop company that was for dancers between the ages of 16 and 20. I realized that I wanted to do it professionally my freshman year of college. That’s why I transferred to Fordham because I signed with my agency at the same time. I was missing out on opportunities because I wasn’t around. I wanted to be able to go to college and also dance because school is first, that was never not an option.
2) What’s been your favorite experience so far?
I’ve had some really life changing, insane experiences. My first real job was one of the most sentimental experiences, which was dancing with Selena Gomez on The Today Show. I never thought I’d be able to do something like that. But my favorite so far was definintely dancing for Fergie. My name was tossed around by someone who I looked up to so being able to share the stage with him, as well as dancing to songs that I grew up listening to was an amazing experience.
3) Dream choreographer to work with/celebrity to perform for?
My top 2 are Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake. But as of recently, I want to work for John Bellion, whether it be dancing or any other kind of aspect.
Jacob (left) performing on Late Night with Seth Myers with Hailee Steinfeld
4) How do you balance both dancing professionally and school? Any advice for people who are overwhelmed?
You just have to do it. It’s definitely difficult, especially with something that’s really passion driven. But at the same time school keeps me grounded. I’ve been committed to school for so long, that it wouldn’t make sense not to finish. So you have to remember at the end of the day, there will always be other opportunities. You just have to be diligent.
5) Favorite college memory:
Winning a TV at Ram Town. (RIP Ram Town.)
6) If you had a song play every time you walked somewhere, what would it be?
I listen to a lot of music so that’s hard. I’d have to say Caught Up by Usher. Every time it plays, I can’t skip over it. It makes me feel cool.
7) If you could pick 3 celebrities to be in your entourage, who would they be?
Mark Whalberg for sure, Justin Timberlake definitely, and Andrew Garfield.
8) What are your plans for after graduation?
To immerse myself in the entertainment industry, whether it be dancing or acting. But my immediate goal after college is to book a world tour with a major artist.
9) Best advice to anyone who wants to pursue their passion but is too afraid?
Well I’m afraid…so with that being said, it’s okay to not know. But at the same time, you’ll never know if you don’t try. Pursue what you want, don’t conform to something you think you need to be. If you have a passion, a drive, see it through. You can always say no later or do something else, but it might be too late if you wait.