Interview: Haus of Gaga Dancer Michael Silas

We recently caught with the dancer Michael Silas, aka Mikey Mugler, the dancer Some may remember Silas from when he was a contestant on Bravo's Step It Up & Dance. But afterward, he was chosen as one of Lady Gaga's original male dancers.

Mugler has performed in both the Fame Ball, the Fame Monster, and the Emmy Award-winning Monster Ball world tours. Don't forget that he also appeared in music videos for "Poker Face," "Love Game," "Paparazzi," "Telephone," and "Judas." While Gaga is currently touring the world, we caught up with Mugler to find out what he's up to next.

Out: When and why did you start dancing?

Mikey Mugler: Actually, I started my dance training pretty late. I began training at 17, but I used my athletic background to push me harder, further, and faster than those around me.

Who is your biggest influence?

My biggest influence is life itself! I'm constantly intrigued by each day as it unfolds! I guess that's why it's called the present!

What has been your favorite dance moment?

There have been three, actually. My first world tour in 2002 with Kelly Rowland, performing in both of the places that I grew up in: Germany and Houston, and last--but certainly not least--filming Lady Gaga's Monster Ball HBO Special.

What is your go-to song to get pumped up? Why?

I don't really have a go-to! Those who know me know that I love music--anything with a feel good energy and a nasty beat speaks to my spirit. If it has those two things, voila, I'll pumped and ready to go!

If you could dance with any person alive or deceased who would it be?

Obviously every dancer's dream is and was to dance with Michael Jackson! But I'd love to kick ball change with Beyonce, dutty wine with Rihanna, and jive with Miss Jackson--if your Nastay!

You've already accomplished a lot in your career, so how do you define success?

Successes aren't what you gain financially or through material things you accumulate during the process. Success, to me, is the growth and the experiences you go through in this journey we call life. If you live: learn and apply, then I think you're very successful.

What does dancing mean to you?

When I dance, any worries from the world go away. It's like I'm in a trance and nothing for that time on stage matters.

What new projects are you working on?

Life is my newest project. Learning exactly where I'm at right now, what I desire from it, and how to make it happen. I'm so intrigued by life and my new journey. Dance will always be my passion, but it's time to share what I've learned with the world!

What can we expect from you next?

What's next for me is to continue living and showing up as life calls on me. Never being afraid of the task at hand and always put my best foot forward!