Lifestyle

“Mike the Connect,” AKA Mike Alexander has Gained Legend Status for Connecting Artists with Opportunity

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2022

What is the one thing Steve Aoki and Floyd Mayweather have in common? Aside from their relentless ability to remain in the spotlight, these two women have both worked with the same tireless entrepreneur and industry connector: Michael Alexander AKA “Mike the Connect.” An entrepreneur and entertainment industry specialist by trade, Mike has dedicated his life to connecting the entertainment world’s brightest stars with sponsorships, events, and one another. While Mike gained most of his success behind the scenes in the entertainment industry, his unique ability to connect with others has quickly catapulted him into a spotlight of his own.

During his 10 years in the entertainment industry, Mike has traveled to over 70 countries as a full-time entrepreneur. Having made the essential connections that could possibly help expand a brand or audience, Mike has worked behind the scenes with names like Steve Aoki and Floyd Mayweather. Mike’s Instagram account depicts him backstage with Justin Bieber, handling Elon Musk’s flamethrower, and boarding a private jet for a client.

The role of the industry’s go-to connector isn’t all fun and flamethrowers, and Mike regularly encounters serious obstacles when trying to connect with new artists: “One of the biggest obstacles is making an artist feel comfortable enough to trust that my best interests are always my highest priority.” A lot of artists are taken advantage of and find it hard to believe that I am trying to help them grow their business and their brand.”

Mike believes that the best way to gain the trust of his clients is to put in hard work and produce results. Mike prefers to put his nose to the grindstone and start producing results right away, rather than talking big or flashing shiny deals before potential partners. Mike’s work ethic, combined with his seemingly innate ability to unite even the most dissimilar strands of humanity in the entertainment business, has allowed him to form relationships with many of the world’s biggest stars.

Mike’s words reflect his work ethic perfectly when asked what advice he would give to those interested in following his career path. “My advice for anyone that may be trying to enter the entertainment business, is to do your research on every angle of the business so that you truly understand what you’re diving into,” says Mike. “A whole lot of people think that this business is just hanging around with celebs, partying, and traveling the world, but it’s not as easy as it seems. You will be putting in a lot of long work days, especially when you are touring, and you have to be prepared for that non-stop aspect of the job.”

Of all people in the entertainment business, Mike the Connect knows what it means to work long days on tour. Mike currently works alongside names like Steve Aoki, who has broken the Guinness World Record for most days spent touring five years in a row. While touring the world may seem like the experience of a lifetime, Mike knows that every day on the road is grueling work both for the artist and those around him. Mike has to stay one step ahead at all times, understanding the local music scene and keeping up to date with all industry trends.

In the midst of the current pandemic, however, even Aoki’s tours have slammed to a halt. As Mike puts it, “a lot of touring and events are on pause at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that I stop connecting. Instead of touring, I’m shifting my focus to connecting artists with other artists, helping them produce some incredible projects together while the world is on pause. My hope is that these collaborations allow musicians to bounce back even faster after COVID-19, showcasing big names and bringing new artists into the mainstream.”

In other words, not even coronavirus has slowed Mike the Connect down as he continues to connect artists the world over. Although Mike may not appear on stage next to Aoki or in the ring with Mayweather, his expertise and connections allow such artists and athletes to take the spotlight and share their talent with the world. Alongside Mike, the next generation of artists and athletes is ready to take the spotlight with his help.

Looking for more behind-the-scenes content from your favorite artists?

Follow Mike the Connect on Instagram and Twitter for the latest news and exclusive backstage clips.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.