Meet LaQuette Milner

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Personal Stats:

Name: LaQuette Milner

Age: 31

Birthplace: Fontana, CA

Title: Dancer; playwright; teacher; creator of Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz

How she got started: The theater truly was a calling for Milner, who showed an affinity for dancing at age two. Her mother enrolled her in many dance classes but the young Milner fell in love with tap, enjoying the fact that she was able to make her own beats. As a teen, she won a best actress award for her performance as Dorothy from The Wiz—an award that covered the entire Inland Empire. She graduated high school and was accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Shortly after, she was given her own part in Nickelodeon’s Rugrats touring production.

Career highlights: Before Milner’s Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz was showing in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, she was working on her own dancing credentials, performing choreography in front of Beyonce; being on-hold to be a back-up dancer for Missy Elliot; and even dancing for a scene in Beauty Shop. But it’s the positive feedback that Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz, which she not only created, but wrote the music for, is garnering that has her on cloud nine.

Her heroes: Milner is adamant that she wouldn’t be where she is today without God’s help. But for her, Michael Jackson is a real inspiration. “For what he brought to the industry...the idea of dancing in a music video—he was so unpredictable,” she said. His dedication to his craft left an impression on Milner, who added, “He was an entertainer.”

Her favorite part of the industry: “This industry is really a personality test,” Milner explained, laughing. “You have to explore a lot of yourself and make sure it’s something you want to do in order to be your best.” You have to deal with a lot of “no’s” but it’s worth it to interact with the greats. While auditioning for Chaka Khan, Khan referred to Milner as “ ‘such a blessing.’ And even then, I didn’t make it on stage,” she quipped.

What she’d still like to accomplish: Though she runs her nonprofit dance studio, LQ’s Performing Arts Center, and wants to keep providing a space for children and families to dance, Milner wants to continue taking the Wizzard around the country. She’s gotten Converse to sponsor the show and provide ruby-covered sneakers. There is talk of making the show into a TV movie. This dynamo wears so many hats, she’s also looking into writing additional shows and finishing a second B.A.

Article appeared in our 28-3 Issue - August 2011