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Victoria native lands role in independent dance film

Joey Falcon started dancing when he was 13 and started dancing professionally when he was 17. The 22-year-old now dances for Planet Funk Academy in Houston and will appear in "Avengers of Xtreme Illusions," which is in production.
  • by CAMILLE M. DOTY - CDOTY@VICAD.COM
  • Originally published September 12, 2011 at 7:57 p.m., updated September 12, 2011 at 11:50 p.m.

  • Getting to know Joey

  • Birthname: Joe Falcon III

    Family: father, Joe Falcon Jr.; mother, Maria Falcon; sisters, Bethany Falcon and Jennifer (Falcon) Huey

    Schools attended in Victoria: Memorial High School, Crain Middle School, and Our Lady of Victory

    Favorite quote: "Taking a risk ...

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    • Getting to know Joey

    Birthname: Joe Falcon III

    Family: father, Joe Falcon Jr.; mother, Maria Falcon; sisters, Bethany Falcon and Jennifer (Falcon) Huey

    Schools attended in Victoria: Memorial High School, Crain Middle School, and Our Lady of Victory

    Favorite quote: "Taking a risk excites the spirit and gives rise to creativity and courage."

    Hobbies: Dancing; staying in shape; playing piano, soccer, and basketball.

    Favorite sports team: Los Angeles Lakers

    Role models: Brian Puspos, choreographer; Jordan "Sifu" Kolar, dancer

    Favorite song: "3 A.M." by Matchbox 28 (acoustic version)

Joey Falcon is an athlete, dancer and instructor.

Now he can add actor and producer to his list of credits.

The 22-year-old Victoria native began filming the dance flick "AXI: Avengers of Extreme Illusions" in early August.

Falcon said he was surprised to be able to pursue his passion.

"I was so overwhelmed," he said. "But I feel very fortunate and blessed."

AXI is a series of short films featuring a dancer in each segment. It is scheduled to be viewed at the WorldFest-Houston Independent International Film Festival and released next summer.

Some of the featured acts include YouTube sensations from France, Les Twins, and dancing champions I.aM.mE, a Houston-based dance crew, which won the sixth season of America's Best Dance Crew on MTV.

Falcon came close to fame with the hit dance show ABDC. But, one of his Planet Funk teammates was deemed ineligible three days before the first live viewing. Contest rules stated that members could not be replaced and the team could not compete.

It was a dream deferred, but not denied for the driven hip-hop dancer. He said that he hit a lifetime low.

"There was a point I thought I was done dancing," he said.

Falcon moved back to Victoria and started attending Victoria College. After one semester of class, Falcon realized he couldn't live without dance.

With determination and a leap of faith, Falcon moved back to Houston in early August. Within 24 hours, a dance director gave him a chance to be in his movie. Falcon said his spiritual beliefs made this opportunity possible.

"I think God wanted to see what sacrifices I would make before He rewarded me," he said.

Falcon and director Shawn S. Welling were first introduced in 2006 when the aspiring dancer moved to Houston after graduating from Memorial High School.

Falcon described his relationship with Welling as extremely close, like family.

But similar to the prodigal son, Falcon left and returned to his dance roots. He said he needed to mature and gain some worldly experience and his "father" greeted him with open arms.

Welling, the owner of Planet Funk Dance Academy, said he has seen Falcon's development since their initial meeting.

"He (Falcon) has an amazing work ethic and he's an incredible dancer."

Falcon faith in dance has been restored.