This dancer, choreographer and Best Gogo Boy Glam Award nominee (for the second year in a row) has got a lot going on at the end of 2024 and into next year, from gigs all over town to Virgin Cruise shows to a highly anticipated J-Lo film: Gabrièl Reyes!
Thotyssey: Gabrièl, hello! How has the holiday month been treating you so far?
Gabrièl Reyes: December / Holiday month is always the best since it’s also my birthday month.
Happy birthday! Doesn’t it suck to get Christmas and birthday presents so close together though?
No, for my birthday I tell people to just celebrate with me: dance, party, drinks and food. I tell people for Christmas to get me gifts, cash and food, lol!
Heard! So congrats first of all on your Best Gogo Boy Glam nomination! This is your second nomination in a row, right?
Yes. Thank you!
Besides dancing in that world, you’re a prestigious dancer and choreographer in general.
Yes thank you for noticing. I have done quite a bit.
Can you tell us a bit about what you’re in involved in at the moment in the greater dancing world, or something you’ve done recently?
One of my biggest accomplishments was last year in a movie with Jennifer Lopez, Kiss of a Spider Woman, which will be released next year. I was a dancer in it.
Amazing! I’m so curious about that movie, but I’m guessing there isn’t a thing you can tell us about it yet.
Yes, not too much I can say… but be ready for a lot of dancing! I’m also involved in being an associating choreographer for Virgin Voyage’s new ship next year as well. I do teach master classes, and get hired by private corporate companies to choreograph shows and small dance numbers. My next project is dancing in a cabaret show at Casa Capriani in Downtown NYC; it’s a members only [club], but it’s definitely a show I hope gets bigger.
What can you tell us about your origin story?
My story is long with a lot of accomplishments, but I had to overcome a lot of struggles. Nothing is easy, and nothing was given. But dance and performance and entertainment have always been a part of me.
Dance came as a hobby and something fun, until I got to college. Before that, it was a lot of sports; I was told to be like my other brother. Once I got to college and did my own thing and came out gay, I was able to find my talent in performing!
I’ve been all over this country three times–three cruises. Not to many countries, but enough shows and TV. I’m very proud of myself.
Incredible! Do you have any specific dance or choreo idols and influences?
Hmm. I love contemporary and Latin. I a lot of pole and exotic dancers. Choreo idols–too many. If anything, my style is very Paula Abdul–80s with fusion of Latin flare. My movement is very sexual and smooth, passionate and pure, strong and powerful.
It’s always a pleasure to come across a guy on the gogo stage who can actually move! Do you ever get lost in the music and have a full, breakout choreo moment?
Oh, all the time. OMG every night… especially if my song comes on, or if people cheer me on.
What might that song be? I’ll get my tips ready for the DJ, lol!
Janet Jackson, or Beyonce! Anything that’s sexual, or 80s-90s hits: Amber’s “Sexual,”
Donna Summer, or any disco. If I’m in the mood, like Trina, or the “Thong Song,” or “Mystical.”
Being a gogo dancer means having to combine movement with sexuality. Were you always comfortable with that, and did you have to overcome any shyness when you first started?
For some reason, I was always open to my sexuality. Once I moved out and was able to realize that and find gogo at 17 years old, I was able to let loose and find how to control it.
It’s a fun time to be a sexy dancer in nightlife I think, as we see with venues like Balcon which incorporates dancers into their weekly drag show numbers. That’s a fun scene, right?
Yeah. But that’s always been a thing–I mean, for me. I’ve been working since the Splash, Escuelita and No Parking club days. But it’s fun to see it return again.
Do you have any looks planned for the Glams this year?
No, but I’m sure I will pull something together.
What else is coming up for you, and what bars can people find you dancing at within the next week or so, or regularly?
This week: Friday I’m at C’mon Everybody in Brooklyn. Then Hush on Saturday for “Shush!”
Let’s end with: what do you want for Christmas?
Kitchen appliances, lol and new pots and pans! I love cooking a lot. Or a sewing machine with lessons, so I can continue to create and be creative.
Happy holidays, Gabrièl!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Gabrièl Reyes’ upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 