Rage ‘tones it down’ and goes corporate

A decade ago, Ryan Riley was an unstoppable force in dance. He received the attention of event promoters and partygoers alike, branding himself well, with most persons knowing the high-spirited mover and shaker by the name Rage.

The name was no surprise either. Rage was known for a distinct style of movement where he fused seven years of martial arts training into choreographies for productions as well as in-the-street dance routines that would make all the patrons inside a party at the Limelight Entertainment Complex huddle around to watch the excitement.

“I had a good run; dance can work as a career but back then I didn’t really see where it would allow me certain benefits that are available in other fields. Specifically, the security people need to survive like health and life insurance, and it wasn't generating enough to achieve financial stability,” he said.

Being an active dancer did earn him several awards and he was featured in commercials for Burger King, Honey Bun and Digicel. Rage has not only danced in but choreographed for music videos like Mr Vegas’ Gallis/Sassa Step, Skinny Fabulous’ Beast Let Go and Diana King’s Yuh Dun Know.

He has dropped off the dance radar. Turns out, the ‘rage’ has calmed for a more corporate setting working in the field of digital marketing. He told THE WEEKEND STAR, “Dancing is what got me introduced and interested in marketing.”

The decision to make the switch happened gradually. The dancer worked for a few corporate companies, served as a brand ambassador and also turned to event promotion, being a member of a group responsible for the staple 90s Recall party.

“While waiting for rehearsal to start one day, that’s when I was with the dance company operated by Sodanne Browne, I came across a posting for promotions and sponsorship and out of curiosity, looked up what it required. At the time I leaned towards law or psychology with my educational background more in the social sciences,” he said. “I did my research and I’ve been holding my nine to five as a digital marketing coordinator in public office for a few years. I also do photography and create video content for numerous organisations across the commonwealth region and local agencies.”

Rage still dances but there’s a slim chance persons will see him bussing a move in public he said, “unless they catch me at a party enjoying it for me”.

“I love dancing, especially at soca events,” he said, which is not happening with the entertainment button stuck on pause.

“To the youth, persons interested in becoming a dancer or any career for that matter, keep your options open and keep yourself flexible. See what others are doing and see how you can do better. When you find a problem, see if you can provide a solution. Also save, that’s one thing my mother teach me,” he said.