VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
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BUSINESS PEOPLE MEET: DAVID KING BEING A SHOWSTOPPER REQUIRES A LITTLE RISK TAKING Name: David King Company: Spirit Productions Title: CEO What's new with your company? I just opened my third show, "Shades of Temptation," at the Broadway The- ater at New York-New York. I am really quite excited about this addition to the productions we already offer in Las Ve- gas: "Dancing Queen" and "Broadway Celebration." What is the best business advice you've received, and from whom did it come? D evelop your own identity. It probably first came from my parents. When I started "Spirit of the Dance" in 1996, "Riverdance" already was an international sensation. I knew that if I created the same show, it wouldn't have lasted three months. I took the decision very early on that "Spirit of the Dance" would have its own identity and break new ground. That's why the show is based around the international world of dance, and it incorporates dance styles from around the globe: salsa, fla- menco, ballet, ballroom, tap, jazz and much more. "Spirit of the Dance" was the first show I had ever made. It became a mas- sive, monster hit overnight. Within two years, it was the biggest dance show in the world, with 14 troupes of dancers performing my show in 14 countries on the same night. Today, it has been seen wide. SHOWS OF AFFECTION: David King, center, CEO of Spirit Productions, poses with dancers from his "Shades of Temptation" show at New York-New York. "Shades" is the newest of King's three Las Vegas shows (including "Dancing Queen" and "Broadway Celebration," also at New York-New York). blessed with 'round-the-clock entertain- by more than 30 million people world- ment. Because of that, the people are very savvy and will let you know what they like and don't like. Describe your management style. I would describe it as fostering a team If you could change one thing about Las effort. To put together a great show and Vegas, what would it be? I give audiences an extraordinary experi- ence, everyone has to be fully, 100 per- cent committed. I am open to ideas, and everyone has a say. As a result, we all put our hearts and souls into every perfor- mance. What challenges do you face doing busi- ness here? L as Vegas is a very competitive mar- ket. The city offers a seemingly endless variety of really good shows. Because of that, it's important not only to produce a great and unique show but also to pro- vide an exciting entertainment experi- ence that makes audiences smile. What's the best part about living in Las Vegas? T he people. I have met the most in- credible audiences. Like New York City, Las Vegas | 12 NOVEMBER 2012 | is 5 Where do you see yourself in 10 years? D oing exactly what I am doing now. would, and will, bring even more wonderful shows to this town. What are you reading right now? " What is your dream job, outside of your What is something people might not current field? I Vegas Knockout" by P Moss. It's a novel someone gave me about the biggest box- ing match in a century coming to Las Ve- local alike, who make up the city. What do you do after work? D know about you? W couldn't see myself outside of my current field. Perhaps I could be in- volved in it differently, but the truth is, gas and the unique people, visiting and my biggest thrill still comes from stand- ing at the back of the theater and watch- ing audiences of different nationalities and different countries screaming and applauding. That gives me satisfaction beyond my wildest expectations. In re- ality, I am the luckiest man in the world, living my dream. epends on the city and the day. It's dif- ficult when I am launching a new show to find time to do everything I would like. I definitely enjoy taking advantage of all the great restaurants the city has to offer. And of course, entertainment is in my blood, so I really do enjoy taking in as many shows as possible. Whom do you admire and why? I admire all of the tremendous talent I've been fortunate to work with over the years. I get such a thrill when the world's biggest stars call me by my first name, and many of them have become hen I was 7 years old, I was a child prodigy on the piano, giving classical concerts and entertaining everywhere. On weekends, my uncles and cousins would all come to my parents' house and there was constantly music. We would play the piano, clarinet, drums, ukule- les and a host of other instruments. It was really quite magical. Anything else you want to tell us? T here comes a time in every person's life when he or she has to take a chance to achieve a dream. When that moment comes, use every ounce of talent and skill inside of you to bring that dream to fruition. The joy that comes from it is simply the best feeling imaginable. The feeling I get when I see and hear the my close friends. joy and delight of audiences all over the world is simply the best feeling imagin- able. It makes all the endless hours and sleepless nights worthwhile. Blackberry, iPhone or Android? B lackberry. COURTESY What is your biggest pet peeve? P eople who don't take risks to achieve their dreams. The risks, the gambles I took, were done because something in- side of me was telling me I simply had to do it.