LIVE: Breakin’ Convention 2012 – Disabled Dancers, Street Art and House Mayhem

Posted on May 7, 2012 by admin

Breakin' Convention 2012 #BCLive - Live Stream Arts Council England, BBC

Currently boasting its 9th year of excellence. The world renowned Hip-Hop and dance festival is gracing our UK stages once again at Sadler’s Wells theatre, London…and this time it’s a LIVE event streamed online on ‘The Space’ in conjunction with Arts Council England and the BBC.

Available on computer, tablet, smartphone and connected TV, The Space invites you to take part in the biggest summer of arts the UK has ever seen, whenever you want it and wherever you happen to be.

As well as classic street styles like breakin’, poppin & lockin’ – #BCLive 2012 hopes to champion newer styles such as house dance, derived from the dancefloors and club culture.

When asked ‘what draws you back to BC each year’ – festival goer Stevie Garwandoe explained: “It’s a sense of coming together and celebration of the street dance community that you can’t seem to get anywhere else.

“It never fails to showcase acts that leave you energised and inspired, there’s so much going on – I can’t imagine it ever feeling stale.”

Creative director for the weekend-long street dance culture festival: Jonzi-D; Hip-Hop pioneer, Rasta and passionate creative is, this year joined by MTV Base and 1Xtra presenter, DJ Sarah Love.

Keep up-to-date with BC12 as it happens with @BConvention tweets. Check in on Diva-J and myself here.

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60 Seconds: Mr Jason Torres Dance Videography Don

Posted on March 17, 2012 by admin

JTorres - Credit: Angele Bhatt


Credentials: Head videographer at World of Dance Tour UK (WOD), noted dance photographer and top-class beard wearer…



Hi Jason, great to finally meet the man behind the lense!
Great to meet you too.

Lots of us London street dancers will have come in to contact with your work in way or another. Take @StreetDanceSpy through some of your proudest moments…

My proudest moments have been when I’ve met producers for Sky1, BBC and Channel 4 and they’ve told me they’ve seen my work and really love the way I capture dance and scenery. One producer also took my number and want’s me to work on something with her in the future, other proud moments include actually being asked to travel somewhere to film something like World of Dance.

When did you and dance videography/photography direction click for the first time?

It was around a year ago today, I read a blog about a girl in the States saying she didn’t know the UK had a dance scene until she saw us compete in Juste Debut. So I messaged her asking “What made you think the UK didn’t have a dance scene?” and her response was that she never see’s any video footage of UK dancers up. At that time I was a dancer and in to photography but always had an interest for videos, so I literally bought a camera that can film and started capturing most of the dance here in the London/UK.

What’s next for you in 2012?

In 2012 and beyond i plan to get my name more out there and hopefully have a team and capture a lot more! Also travel a lot more around the world to film different dance styles, also film more than dance.

Keep up with the latest from cool kid JTorres on the Twitters, or check out his fresh video updates on Youtube here.

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Video: So ‘Far from the Norm’ Botis Seva of Enigma Dance Company talks concepts and choreo

Posted on December 18, 2011 by admin

Choreographer and Director of Enigma Dance Company, Botis Seva takes creative control in this concept video release shot by Jason Torres (World of Dance, videographer) most people who know Botis would describe him as a ‘forward-thinking’, ‘non-conformist’ who pushes the boundaries of what’s expected of street dance. 

#SDS got the chance to speak to Seva himself to see how the concept for his latest  ’What is Norm’ was achieved, and his thoughts on the London dance scene…

Hi Botis, last time I saw you was at Live Vibe East (Ilford) in summer. You wowed crowds with a contemporary hip-hop production, which was all about ‘inner-daemons’…Tell us what inspired you for the concept of ‘What is Norm’?

The inspiration for this production came from personal experience in my life. The production was based on finding freedom and not conforming to the normal way of living life. My other inspiration came from my dancers who worked with me to bring up this concept to portray.

What propels you to keep dancing and creating new things?

It gives me freedom and I feel it is the best way for me to express my emotions and feelings. I love creating and seeing my work on stage. It’s the best feeling when you see the hard work and its final outcome. My reason for creating pieces are to show the audience the raw life and hard hitting concept that can effect and maybe change your life.

What has been your proudest moment in your dance career so far?

My proudest moment in my dance career was Continue reading →

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Barking & Dagenham Youth Dance at Urban Culture Day – Olympics 2012 Promo

Posted on August 31, 2011 by admin

The Olympic torch and the Olympic spirit ignited the people of Barking and Dagenham earlier this month as urban creatives from all over the eastend teamed up to put on a show that was ‘inspiring, motivational and fun’ for all.

Becontree Leisure Centre - Olympic Bunting

Milton McKenzie the new Mayor of Barking and Dagenham made an appearance to kick off proceedings at the brand new leisure centre in Becontree heath – where he said he hoped the event would ‘inspire young people across the borough to take up more sports.’

Mayor Cllr Milton McKenzie of Barking & Dagenham

The idea behind the day was to get the borough excited about the upcoming Olympics in London in 2012, but also to bring together athletes and urban creatives in the community to inspire young people to enjoy keeping healthy.

Anne Estlea a volunteer for the council explained that through ‘Urban Culture Day’ the council was pushing for young people to get involved in sports, saying: “Sport doesn’t have to be about overworking yourself, it can also be about having fun and exercising at the same time.

“In Barking & Dagenham we’re potentially sending around 30 people to the Olympics, we want the youngsters to take ahold of that and own it.”

Barking & Dagenham Council - Urban Culture Day Volunteer

Anne Estlea Barking & Dagenham Council - Urban Culture Day Volunteer

The day also featured a free upbeat workshop and show-stopping performance from local dance group ‘Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance‘ (BDYD.) BDYD was created to give those who don’t get to go the theatre a chance to experience some high-class arts.

BDYD youngster getting spruced for the performance

Unlike some environments there’s no peer pressure Continue reading →

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Big Dance 2011 is the meet and greet hub for diverse ‘stars of tomorrow’

Posted on July 16, 2011 by admin

Young performers at 2011 ‘Big Dance’ say that it isn’t their performance on stage at The Scoop that they remember most, but the wide range of people that they meet and greet back stage.

The Calthorpe Allstar girls catching some of the Sunday show

While the idea of getting to perform to an audience of hundreds is any young dancers dream, they also cherish learning from fellow dancers and gaining knowledge that is beyond their years.

The annual event is a collaboration between Sadlers Wells and London Youth Dance – it provides a platform for tomorrows hottest crews to make a name for themselves in on of Londons’ prime locations.

The wonderful Sanskriti

Amongst the acts of 2011 are groups like BDYD, a diverse youth dance company from Continue reading →

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Marso Riviere, Miguel Marin, Supple and Tommy Franzen show that ‘Hip-Hop is fluid’ at ‘The Place’

Posted on June 14, 2011 by admin

The three choreographic pieces from Saturday evenings’ (11th Jun 2011) ‘Spring Loaded’ season of dance presented the popular marriage between hip-hop and contemporary dance at ‘The Place’ North London, but in a way audiences hadn’t seen before.

Marso Riviere 'La Porte'

For the first half of the evening French choreographer Marso Riviere told the story of life after death through a  concept of a puppet (dancer) and puppet master (musician.) Moved and controlled by the live music being played by Miguel Marin, b-boy Riviere tried to resist its grasp, ultimately trying to resist death.

Seville-born Marin juxtaposed soothing chords and jarring clangs while Riviere expressed his inner-turmoil with laboured breathing and convulsive chest movements. He used the large space effectively, taking inspiration from Capoeria and Breakin’.

The evening rounded off with a 20 minute long performance from Swedish (So You Think You Can Dance star) Tommy Franzen, and Aussie Hip Hop choreographer Supple – the choreographic duo wanted to create a piece that symbolised the journey and teachings of hip-hop.

Tommy Franzen E.D.D.

 

Continue reading →

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B-Girl Sunanda and B Supreme pioneer ‘Women in Hip-Hop’ at Street Fest 2011

Posted on May 31, 2011 by admin

Shoreditch’s very own live art festival Street Fest (2011) played host to Holly McCartney of B Supreme’s B-Girl battle and female hip-hop battle.

Sunanda Biswas comparing at Street Fest B Supreme B-Girl battle, Kloe Dean of 'Myself' in yellow

B Supreme has been representing women in hip-hop for five years. The team will be featuring again this year at the Southbank centre, after the great success of last years’ women in hip-hop festival.

Hyped up and ready to go, Sunanda acted as compare and judge for the B-girl and hip-hop female battles for Street Fest 2011.

I caught up with the O.G. B-Girl in-between battles to pick her brain about up-and-coming females in the street scene.

Having been in the game for around 12 years, the energetic Sunanda Biswas a.k.a. B-Girl ‘sunsun’ has is now in a more educational role, in lending her knowledge to new faces; “I think B-Girls are in a good place right now, there’s so much new talent around.

“In particular B-Girl Roxy from ‘Soul Maverick’ she’s got amazing flexibility, B-Girl Nads and Danielle who were in my crew, also B-Girl RascElle of Sin Cru (Cambridge) who we saw today in the battle.”

 

The difficulties that used to face B-Girl’s were not being taken as seriously as the guys, I wonder if this is still Continue reading →

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Turbo on Breakin’ Convention 2011 ‘you might see a certain Rasta on CBBC’

Posted on May 11, 2011 by admin

TV star of Sky 1′s ‘Got to Dance’ Isaac a.k.a.Turbo was a spectator at Breakin’ Convention this year (2011); he said he was ‘inspired’ by precision perfect movers Plague dance crew and the Ugandan bboy crew everyone was talking about, Tabu Flo.

Keep an eye out for this face on CBBC - Turbo at Breakin' Convention

Since the Got to Dance soloist reminded us that street dance is still allowed to be about having fun, he hasn’t stopped spreading the Turbo joy across the country.

Turbo even joined in with the other young attendee’s and performers in a dance cipher up on the mezzanine at Sadlers Wells. Continue reading →

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Founder of Breakin’ Convention Jonzi D records dark documentary in Kampala

Posted on May 2, 2011 by admin

Breakin’ Convention after eight years has come to be a pioneer of stability and gratification for hip-hop acts the world over.

Aerosol art in the yard at Salder's Wells

SDS got the chance to speak with the man who’s in the eye of the cultural storm and the founder of the festival Jonzi-D.

The London Rasta speaks with a laid back Grenadian charm slowly and carefully, but underneath it all there’s an eagerness to inform and educate just like with everything he gets involved in.

Jonzi D with DJ Rashad of Chicago Footwork at Breakin' Convention 2011

Currently at work on a documentary directed by Irish-born Emile Dinneen about the ‘Night Dancers’ (people influenced by spirits and witchcraft) of Uganda. The documentary features all around do-gooders and Ugandan Breakin’ phenomenon ‘Tabu Flo’.

The piece performed by Tabu Flo Continue reading →

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‘Big City Brains’ and the dancing Japanese robot ‘ASHIGARU’ at Breakin’ Convention 2011

Posted on May 1, 2011 by admin

Danish hip-hop crew Big City Brains was born in 2003 from popper Steen Koerner, genius slow motion walker ‘Phax’ from Paris and Japanese robotics dancer ‘Mori516′, the company are performing this evening at Breakin’ Convention  (01/05/11.)

Mr Steen Legendary popper, mechanical dancer & Big City Brains choreographer

Now in its eighth year Breakin’ Convention ‘international hip-hop dance theatre festival’, founded by hip-hop pioneer Jonzi D, has managed to showcase over 3,030 acts to audiences in excess of 70,000.

Choreographer Steen Koerner (Mr Steen) says that times have really changed since he started dancing back in 1982, for the better; “luckily the street dance community is so much more organised, what would’ve been a show or convention back then is a ‘cultural event’ now.”

The Big city brains performance at Breakin’ Convention 2011 Continue reading →

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BBC ‘Children in need’ reward Newham dance samaritans with ‘Artz Intervention’ gig in Stratford

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

BBC children in need have recognised young community street dance heroes ‘MakeumDance‘, and supplied them with funding to put on a show at Stratford circus.

A dance and music performance evening entitled ‘Artz Intervention’ is to be hosted at one of Newhams’ most famous theatre houses. It is the result of months of free dance classes being given to the community.

Local street dance crew ‘MakeumDance’ comprised of around 20+ dancers have for the last few months been staging free classes in local primary schools and youth groups, such as Kaizen, Selwyn, Blugate and Ellen Wilkinson primary schools – and at E13 Mix studio for ‘BBC project’.

Dan Brindson, a P.E. teacher at Ellen Wilkinson primary school said: “I have about four pupils from year 5 going to the project after school on Mondays, they’ve really been enjoying it!”

Leader and founder of the dance company Tommy Bonnici-Smith has been eager for an opportunity like this for a long time: “It was kind of a personal thing, I’ve wanted to have a show with all our people and students involved for ages so I applied for funding.”

 

Image: Toby Jackson MakeumDance crew 2010

The show will also be hosted by legendary ‘Nike dance athlete’ Kymberlee Jay.

Jay is responsible for establishing the professional dance training facility and online resource ‘Funk Physics’, and in February hosted Continue reading →

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Got to Dances’ ‘Parallel’ duo join the ‘concept video’ movement

Posted on April 25, 2011 by admin

Since the commercial industry sat up and took notice of street dance, its grip on the art form has caused a shift in the face of dance.

Photo:Engage photography & design 'Parallel' duo

 

Over the past five years cinematographers, directors and dancers have become one and the same. One half of the hip-hop dance duo ‘Parallel‘ (who featured in ‘Got to Dance’ 2010) Wolfgang Mwanje explains how essential it is that dancers are entrepreneurial. “To be a dancer you’re essentially a product, if you want to entertain people you have to know how to market yourself properly” he goes on to say, “dance is never going to put food on the table, it’s too hard to live just by your art.”

The modest Wolfgang speaks of his first memorable encounter with street dance, working in his gap year at the ‘Arts Depot’ in north London, the young Londoner saw female touring dancers ‘FX’ perform and thought ‘wow, street dance is amazing and I’d love to get in to it if I get the chance.’ He explains ‘I’d seen small snippets of street dance before but nothing like that.’

The boys on Sky 1 show 'Got to Dance' back in 2010

Similar to a lot of other successful street dancers, Wolfgang Mwanje, 22, and Ashley Simon, 23 stumbled in to the world of street dance from athletic backgrounds. Simon, the sensible and thorough half of the duo (understandably graduated from a Law degree) had a background on the football field, while 6″2 Mwanje was an avid basketball player. Aspiring cinematographer Mr. Mwanje claims that it is because of their athletic backgrounds that they were ‘able to do flips and tricks so easily.’

It is Wolfgang’s passion for dance and overriding practicality (which he inherited from his parents) that has morphed the ‘Parallel duo‘ in to a multimedia performance art machine. Law graduate Ashley and multi-media design technology design student Wolfgang in true entrepreneurial style have channelled their passion for dance by showcasing it in short story films. The duo explain that the way they both think ‘is heavily based around telling people a story and leaving them with something to think about.’

The boys were unsure at first at how their new concept would be received. ‘It was a case of taking a risk’ Wolfgang said, but added ‘we were inspired by the choreographer and artist Shaun Evaristo’ – Parallel duo’s shift from just dance to art direction and dance has been amplified by Evaristo (a talented young L.A. dancer/choreographer) Continue reading →

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