Jake Sergi (centre) has performed in Las Vegas and will now head to London. Photo: Instagram.
Griffith’s teenage sensation Jake Sergi continues to experience an early career surge, performing on the semi-final of a popular TV show and at Las Vegas’ famed Aria Resort and Casino.
He may only be 17, but if you want to book him to perform, you’ll need to speak to the new agent that represents him.
In March, Mr Sergi was accepted into Sydney’s Brent Street, an elite performing arts studio that has trained some of Australia’s biggest stars, such as Paris Cavanagh and Marko Panzic.
Being at the studio has afforded him many opportunities. Last month, he was able to perform in the semi-final of Dancing with the Stars.
“It was a surreal experience, but a really long day,” Mr Sergi said.
“It wasn’t as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be. It wasn’t like performing in front of a live audience, where you only get one chance. I knew that if I messed up I could do another take.”
A few weeks earlier, he took the stage at the famed ARIA Hotel and Casino on the middle of the Vegas strip, a venue that has featured in films such as Jason Bourne, Now You See Me and The Family Plan.
“They flew us out there, paid for our accommodation and flights. It was a luxury experience,” he said.
The 17-year-old’s dream is to eventually move to the United States and become a back-up dancer for a well-known performer such as Jennifer Lopez.
“I personally loved the experience of travelling to America; it was my vibe. It was warm, it was bright. Visiting the country made me want to move there even more. It showed me how many opportunities there will be,” he said.
Jake with mum Nide and dad John. Photo: Supplied.
The job for finding him those opportunities now falls with agency Focus Talent Management, which is working with him at present and will officially sign him on his 18th birthday.
“They look after some of Australia’s best dancers, like Katie Barlow,” Mr Sergi said.
“If there’s any jobs coming up in Sydney, my agent will apply for me. If I get selected, I get to make money. The agent looks after me as a working dancer.”
Mr Sergi is now gearing up for his next overseas trip, this time to Europe.
“Brent Street did auditions for a new team called Project 10, which is the top 10 of everyone who has been to the academy, including the alumni. I was selected among all of them, so I get to go to London,” he said.
His fully funded trip to the UK will see him train with world-renowned choreographer Dean Lee. Mr Sergi will also join a backup dancer bootcamp and perform at the launch of Dean’s new company, Shapehaus, in front of top UK agents and casting directors. He was the youngest of the 10 selected.
It’s another remarkable achievement for someone who was struggling at school just two years ago, due to persistent bullying.
“We are super proud considering what he went through,” Auntie Yvonne Turnell said.
“I told him the best revenge is what you’re doing. Dancing will make you so strong, make the bullies come and pay to see you.”
