TikTok Influencer Gratton’s Viral Dance Videos—"Stay True to Yourself”

Every choreography that Martin Gratton has created for the studio has always been unique, but always put together in a way that you know that Martin choreographed that piece. He is such a passionate and strong unique individual, with a heart of gold.—Genni AdeSanya, Founder/Director of Footsteps Dance Studio

Martin is such a genuine and passionate creative being. Always smiling and so passionate about his work—Vanesa Seco, Choreographer/Influencer with 2.3M TikTok Followers.

When two highly respected dancer/choreographers emphasize the “passion” that Martin Gratton brings to collaborations with them, it’s fascinating to realize that many successful artists have overcome less than nurturing backgrounds. Or, have not believed in themselves.

Emerging from small town Cantley, Quebec, dancer/choreographer/influencer Gratton has now worked with the likes of Beyoncé and done multiple live shows besides Tynomi Banks, a drag queen from RuPaul's Drag Race Canada. He’s also earned dance and choreography awards. But, growing up, he admits, “I was trying to be someone else to please others and to fit society's mold. The second I started to love, appreciate, and take care of myself the way I honestly should have from the beginning, is when everything started to flow. For me, being unique is literally the definition of perfect.”

Additionally, an awesome list of leading-edge dancers and influencers have now collaborated with Gratton, including people like hip-hop dance artist Matt Steffanina and TikTok personality Kelli Erdmann, along with Fynnaves, Jaeden Gomez, Karaleigh Cannella, Dababy Boomers, Yai Ariza, Stringy, Aaron DeSilva, Melissa Vales, Aidan Tooth, and Michael Stuckless.

And, “The French Guy,” as his social media handle goes, has also found strength and support all around him, explaining, “Sometimes, this entertainment industry can knock down your self-esteem but always stay true to the person you are and never let anyone, no matter the social status, make you doubt that. But, I love the community behind the dance scene. It is full of open-minded beings that are willing and ready to share together. The community is also why I chose dance as a career.”

Gratton, who says he’s trained in different styles with his “strength being hip-hop and commercial dance choreography,” further explains what makes him stand out: “I feel my content's joy and clean fun helps me stand out as unique. Plus, it’s fascinating for people to see a bubbly male dancing who’s also heavily tattooed. People often expect tattooed people to act a certain way. That contrast makes me stand out from the crowd.”

Moreover, he also tells what he brings to his collaborations with other leading performers/influencers: “Authenticity and happiness is a part of who I am and something I will never change. It is important to stay who you are and authentic no matter where you’re heading or doing in collaboration.”

As for what helps make a video go viral, with several of his getting millions of views on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Gratton gives some tips, including honestly presenting his diversity:

“I feel it’s a mix of many different things, mostly the joy that people can feel through their screens. I get this comment a lot when it comes to my content that people say that it makes them feel safe and happy. I think it has to do with my unique casting that shows people that you can be different and still embrace it and be successful—diversity is not a curse but a blessing.”

Be it under Broadway’s neon lights or on the massive soundstages in LA, Gratton’s goals are to be working on the biggest stages in the U.S. And he visualizes being on a national or world tour, saying, “I have tunnel vision for my goals and focus on precise things.” Indeed, when it comes to the intersection of dance, music and the film industry, he says they’re all about great storytelling: “Dancing brings a sound, melody, or music to the physical world. When you’re dancing and connecting emotionally, it creates an expression of its own that is therapeutic and liberating. And, the best part about dancing is that you can tell a story without words. You can tell a story directly with emotions which are even more powerful than what words can explain.”

With well over 100 million views of his three top-rated dance videos on various Social Media platforms, he recalls the origins of his success: “During the pandemic, I created social media content with my roommate for fun. Quickly I saw a substantial public interest, realizing that people enjoyed the diversity in my look/vibe and the way I was moving. They also enjoyed seeing my roommate and me goofing around together. I also think the cultural difference between her (my roommate) and I brought much attention and positivity to my social media.”

Most importantly, he adds, “Social media is definitely a tool for my dancing career. It brings together all kinds of creative beings, so I love it. It is a blessing for global connections between content creators/dancers.”

On top of which, there’s the impact of technology on dance performances. For example, backdrops now often use light projections to create objects and scenes around which an entire performance can be constructed, and things like projection mapping tools can create awesome 3-D illusions and enhance a dance performance’s storytelling. Gratton, who envisions himself in awesome productions, adds, “I truly believe that live concerts and live events will continue to use many special effects to enhance the experience for viewers.”

In conclusion, Gratton believes that “dance can change the world by showing vulnerability and passion,” and that his goal with all his platforms as a dancer/influencer is “to inspire people to stay true to their selves” because “everyone is so unique and perfect, so embrace yourself and trust you. It’ll bring you what you truly need or want.” He proudly claims, “I know I will have a big imprint in the art industry.”

Check out Martin Gratton’s fun viral videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.