Israel-born dancer Asaf Goren appeared on season four of MTV’s “Are You the One” and competed on season 12 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Having come to America with no money, no job and no place to live, the young, sexy break-dancer and model was determined to follow his dreams and his belief in himself.
I spoke with Goren and found him courageous and adorable. Although the season is over, I can almost guarantee you that we will be seeing a lot more from Goren!
I saw you on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and you are an amazing dancer!
OMG, thank you.
Are you working on any new projects now that the season is over?
Yes! I recently was blessed to have a role in Britney Spears “ Make Me” Newest Video and experienced a great amount of attention from that. My Fan base has grown from both shows and I Keep shooting music videos. Music a great passion of mine and I’m trying to combine motivational speaking together with my music. I’ve always wanted to be a motivational speaker, but my intention is to create whether its dancing, music or singing. I don’t like to preach, so I want to do this in a creative way, with Art.
You’re from Israel?
Yes Correct, I’m from Tel Aviv, which is a major city in Israel, the second-most populous city after Jerusalem.
Why did you decide to come to the U.S.?
I came to U.S a year and a half ago, to pursue my dreams of being known for my talent of being a break dancer and to be involved in the Entertainment Industry. I always say that my heart is in Israel, But here in the United States is a place where your dreams can come true. Anything is possible. I feel like I’ve earned it.
You never had any formal dance lessons, did you?
No, I don’t take any dance lessons. I make up my own dance, kind of.
How old were you when you started dancing?
I was 12. It’s funny, my mom is a dancing teacher. She doesn’t own a studio, so I used to see her build choreography in the living room. It was always there.
She must be very proud of you.
My Mother is super proud of all my accomplishments, that I’ve accomplished which motivates me to keep going. I want to make a better life for her and my family back in Israel.
And you’re “street.”
Yeah.
You are also a model, correct?
Yes, I also model and was recently with Wilhelmena LA. Im definitely trying to pursue any potential that god gave me. We call it a “God’s gift”. So you have to pursue it. Its like you get a ticket, and you’ve got to recognize it.
It’s in your DNA.
Thank you.
Are you planning a trip to New York in the near future?
I’m coming to New York this month for New York Fashion week to host a kids show for BBTC Nation by Susanna Paliotta. I wanna motivate kids to follow their dreams as I’m following mine. I feel New York City is the city of opportunity.
I know that you’re very big on social media and that you have a lot of fans. What would you tell them?
I would tell my fans and supporters something that no one ever told me, there is something great in everyone. Maybe they haven’t recognized it yet, but there is something in them that is supposed to help make the world a better place. I recommend you to do what you love and want to accomplish. You live only once in this life, and it’s important to find out what makes you happy.
Well spoken. What was the feeling like when you auditioned for the and had such a grand response?
It was very shocking. I kind of started crying. It was kind of shocking, because if I look back, aside from waiting from 4 a.m. to get into the studio, but also when I first came here. I had no place to stay. I lived in the back of my car. Now I was in front of Jason Derulo and Paula Abdul, and in front of millions of people. As long as you believe it, things can happen.
So you came to a foreign country with no job, no money and no place to stay?
Yes, I just came here.
That’s very courageous.
My friends were never brave enough to go for something they believe, so I had to do it for myself.
How old are you?
I’m going to turn 25 on September 1.
Happy almost birthday. Do you intend to go back and visit Israel?
I just want to visit. I want to go back and just hug my family. I just want to tell them I think that I know what I’m doing. I want to tell them that everything will be OK, and that I do it for them as well.
Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you want to tell me?
I want to tell people that God believes in them. I know that God believes in me, and I believe that our purpose in this world is to make the world a better place though our experience. We have to fight for our goals and dreams, and I wish for everybody to do that. If I can help anyone to do that, then I’m happy to do that.
Asaf Goren
Instagram: @Asafgoren1
Twitter: @Asafgoren1
