Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with World of Dance’s Josh Lamb

Talented performer, storyteller, and choreographer Josh Lamb is the future of dance. He and his partner Denise gave the world “goosies” when they competed on season three of World of Dance. After one performance, they became instant frontrunners and a fan favorite duo. But, this isn’t the first time they’ve seen worldwide recognition: before the competing in the series, their performance to Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity” went viral, racking up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. Pop Culturalist spoke with Josh about his creative process, the pressures of the competition, and his biggest takeaway.

PC: How did you discover your passion for dance? Was there a single moment when you knew you wanted to pursue it professionally?
Josh: I’ve always had a passion for dance and movement. Before I even knew what dance really was, I was always improvising and creating movement in my bedroom. It was when I went to see the musical Billy Elliot at the age of eleven that I really knew I needed to sign up for lessons and started taking it seriously. I’ve always known that I wanted to do it professionally.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re choreographing a new piece?
Josh: I’m still discovering my voice as an artist, and I’m still experimenting with my process and choreography. I usually start by listening to the song, seeing how it makes me feel, and then go from there. Sometimes, I film myself improvising to the song and watch it back to fix and change things, then re-teach it to myself as choreography. Other times, I take time to think of the choreography and piece it together picture by picture.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your dance career?
Josh: My inspirations and mentors that I have the privilege to assist and train under are Chaz Buzan, Talia Favia, and Cora Kozaris. They have done so much for me, my career, and my training—I owe it all to them. I’m still working to find my own voice as an artist, and they are the perfect people to train me and help me find that voice.

PC: How did you and Denise meet? How did that partnership form?
Josh: Denise and I met about five years ago when I started training at Canadian Dance Company. The following year, we were paired together by the studio director, and the rest was history.

PC: Your performance to Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity” went viral. What was your initial reaction when you discovered that news? Has it helped open any doors?
Josh: I remember driving home from that competition and looking on YouTube and seeing the views just grow and grow. It was a rather shocking experience because you don’t usually expect to go to a competition, have someone post your video, and then have it go viral. It was very special for us to see how many people appreciated our performance. It did give us a lot of recognition in the dance community, which was pretty cool.

PC: What went into the decision to compete on World of Dance?
Josh: Denise and I have always been fans of the show. We never really thought about being on it ourselves until our manager, Franci Nicassio, submitted us. She really made dreams become a reality for us. She’s the best!

PC: Your initial audition has over half a million views online. Have you had a chance to
reflect on that milestone?
Josh: Denise and I are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support after our initial performance. We are really grateful for the feedback and love.

PC: After your initial audition, many saw you and Denise as frontrunners. Did that bring any added pressure heading into the next round? How were you able to manage those expectations?
Josh: Yes, going into the duels round was rather stressful. After doing well in our first performance, we knew we had to do something even better and really step it up. We knew we had to put our best foot forward, dive even deeper, and execute our piece to the best of our ability.

PC: Your second performance was equally as beautiful and impactful but received criticism from some of the judges; they felt it didn’t “fit” the round. How mindful were you that this was a competition or were you there to create art?
Josh: For me personally, dance will always be art first and sport second. It was important to us as artists that we kept the integrity of our voice and our story. We did not want to change who we are as dancers for the situation. Yes, it is always very cool to see an impressive physical dance, but the dances that have stuck with me and had the power to change my life and who I am as an artist have always been emotionally and story-driven. It’s the genuine human moments in choreography that will make a person relate and connect to your art.

PC: When you look back at the experience, is there anything you’d change?
Josh: : Yes, if I’m being honest. I would have changed the fact that I used my own choreography on the show. I have since discovered that my voice as a choreographer is not quite ready to share on that large of a platform. I still have a lot of work and discovering to do as an artist and I still have so, so much to learn.

PC: Do you think we’ll see you and Denise compete next season?
Josh: You’ll have to wait and see. [laughs]

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Josh: This is Us

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Josh: The Truman Show

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Josh: Billy Elliot

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Josh: Lady Gaga

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Josh: Russian Doll

PC: Hidden talent?
Josh: I can do a killer loon call.

To keep up with Josh, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch World of Dance every Sunday at 8/7c on NBC.

Photo Credit: Kathy Spence