JAY REVELL

“FAMILY DEFINITELY GIVES ME FUEL AND MY SON MARLEY WAS LIKE A JET ENGINE TO PROPEL ME FORWARD.”

PRODUCED BY RHYS MARCUS JAY // PHOTOGRAPHS BY DARRYL OTTEN // MUA ISABEL SEO

Robe: Versace @ Mr Porter

GIVE US AN INSIGHT TO YOUR JOURNEY FROM YOUR YOUNGERS YEARS, UP UNTIL NOW.

I grew up just west of central London and my life was filled with all the things that growing up in the centre of an urban city brings. It made me streetwise, it made me resilient, but it also made me cultured and opened my eyes to so many inspirations. I played a lot of sport growing up and it gave me a hard working mentality. I apply that to everything.

When I was 15 I decided I wanted to take up dancing after a random visit to the BRIT School, I was inspired and excited to try something I’d never done before, not thinking of the consequences I dived in to auditioning and applying to the school. Somehow I got a spot, they felt I had potential. I then went on to work hard to gain as much knowledge as I could and two years later got my first job as a dancer.

The rush and feeling I got from performing on a bigger platform was addictive and made me work even harder and I never stopped.

Shirt: Hugo Boss, Trousers: A Cold Wall @ Browns Fashion

EXPLAIN WHO JAY REVELL IS, FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW.

Jay is a multifaceted creator, working as a director, creative director, choreographer and designer. My most important role though is a father.

YOUR ALARM GOES OFF IN THE AM, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT YOU DO TO START YOUR DAY?

I know it’s a terrible habit but I usually check my emails, I hate missing things. Then I make a smoothie lol.

WHAT DEFINES YOU AS A PERSON?

I don’t know if I can be defined I wear many hats in this life that require different things Jay as a Director is different to Jay as a choreographer, different to Jay as a father or friend. I don’t really have a box.

WHAT GAVE YOU THE DRIVE TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER?

I’ve just always known I want to succeed at whatever I do, I will always persevere. But family definitely gives me fuel and my son Marley was like a jet engine to propel me forward.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOUR MAIN PURPOSE IN LIFE IS?

I’d say my purpose is to bring joy, elevate those around me and make people think. I love to see people smile or feel whether that be friends, family or audiences. I want to inspire and show that there’s always a way to move forward no matter what’s stacked against you.

Sunglasses: Atika Vintage, Outfit: Dries Van Noten @ Browns Fashion

NAME 3 TOOLS WHICH KEEP YOU BOTH MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY FIT?

Mentally and physically fit, wow.

1 is boxing it requires skill, fitness, timing and technique. You have to have instincts to react but constantly thinking fast to be a step ahead.

2 is yoga I do a lot of hot yoga, more now as I’m getting older. It keeps my muscles stretched and prevents injury, it also gives me a really quiet space to think and usually opens me up to how I will resolve situations it’s like a mind and body cleanse.

3 is dance whether I’m creating, freestyling, taking class or in rehearsals. You’re constantly moving in a 3 dimensional manner but engaging your brain too in the same way.

ARE THERE ANY TIPS THAT YOU CAN GIVE READERS FOR LEADING A LIFE THAT INVOLVES DREAM CHASING?

Put yourself in the right place, don’t talk, act. Leave fear at the door and be open.

Be yourself if you’re going to make it in whatever you do the best version of yourself will get you there, so work on finding who you are and what you truly want. Also be ready to improvise the road to success is never a straight line.

NAME SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS.

My son making it to 10 and being an amazing human is a huge achievement.

Starting my company Black Skull Creative and the success we’ve achieved, we keep elevating so our current work is some of our biggest, Little Mix’s 2019 arena tour, Jurassic World Live, Years and Years at Glastonbury. Also creating on the BRIT Awards for different artists over the last 3 years, it was my first gig 16 and a half years ago and it feels amazing to evolved in my role when working on the show.

IN 5 YEARS, WHAT DO YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH FOR YOURSELF?

I want to keep that close to my chest but I will manifest my dreams into reality so watch this space.