ALMA House

ALMA. One of my favorite house crew in Japan. Enjoy.
:)
Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack.

Princejack.

Media : Pushing On @ Blujazz

"Pushing On @ Blujazz" spotlight coming soon! The fun'kiest event every last friday of the month :)

-^_^arC

15 minutes with Ian (aka Chunky)

I met up with Ian (aka Chunky) at a locking session he organized over at Danz People Studio. It was a fun session with an educational purpose. This session was actually the first for the Lion City Lockers, a group started where dancers who enjoy locking come together to jam.

Caleb cornered me with his camera. Ahh!

For those who are interested in joining their sessions can drop us a mail to check for the dates of their next upcoming session.

The funkiest breed of dancers coming out from the Lion City Itself!

QN 1. How did you get started in dancing? And what made you a Locker?

"I began sometime in 2002. I started with watching Korean Music videos by H.O.T and Shinhwa and tried copying their choreography. Like any other typical newbie, I mistook what I was doing as Hip-Hop. However, unknowingly some of the moves that I copied were Locking moves. Thus my dance steps were fed to me by the videos I watched. (very ‘biter’ right?)

The one event that changed my perception of dance was from Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular held in mid 2005. The Lockers were dancing to James Brown’s ‘Get up off that thing”. The horns kept sounding into my ear. It really blew me away. The Lockers wore the funkiest things ever. The big apple hats, suspenders, stripey socks and their repertoires of moves glued my eyes onto the stage. It hit me hard. It was so different and it was something more than ‘cool’ or ‘attitude’. It was mad fun to watch. With that piece of music in mind, I continued to explore this music style. Boy, I fell in love with the Funk, and learning to Lock was the only way I could connect with the music. This was the beginning."

QN 2. Could you tell us more about your experience in being a dancer?

"I started very much on my own trying and experimenting with different things I saw on videos. It wasn’t an easy process because there was no one to guide me and I had to correct a lot of wrong stuff as I progressed along the way. It was frustrating to relearn things over and over.

It all changed with the invention of Youtube. The only way I could improve was to post up videos of my dancing and await critiques by other dancers. My fate changed on the day I met Aga, a Locker from Taiwan whom came across my videos and made friends with me. Through his generosity, he fed me with music, knowledge, clips and a lot of support to what I was doing. It was through him where I got to know Lockers from other countries as well! My contacts have grown. Until one fine day, I realized that Aga was one of the first Lockers in Taiwan. A true pioneer and he belongs to a crew called Swift Lockers; a revolutionary group from Kaohsiung that has won a series of competitions(like KOD 06 in China).

In a way Aga has became my shifu (master) and I’m indebted to him for all that he’s taught me. One thing that impressed upon me was his notion of Lockers a brotherhood and just because we had the common thing in Locking that he was giving me so much help. I could not have gotten where I am today if not for his love."

QN 3. Could you tell us more about your trip to Taiwan last year.

"I actually went down to Taiwan twice within a short span of 3 months. The first trip was for a performance with O-School and the other was a solo trip for training. I met up with Aga for the first time finally. He brought me to his studio, Max Studio. I was blown away by the great warmth and hospitality by their dancers there. There was no such thing as ‘levels’. As long as you’re a street dancer the amount of respect is always the same. Dance is seen to be expressive there, unlike our very commercial local scene. Things here were simple but the dancing was always genuine. Everyone was humble and it was a great experience to be able to jam with some of the funkiest lockers in the country. The laymen in general knew the differences in the different dance styles (when asked what is locking, they would give a wrist twirl and point). It shows how educated their scene is."

QN 4. Updates on your Foreign Bodies (FB) project?

"We’re currently working on a DVD which will tell people more about Foreign Bodies. It will hopefully be out by the end of the year."

click to find out more about the project

"What is interesting to me about this project was how I blog about my progress. So people will know what is coming up and will anticipate it. An update to look out for is that FB will be traveling down to Taiwan in April to be part of the Max Studio Party 08. It will be a showcase as well as a battle event with Brooklyn Terry from Elite force gracing the event. I reckon a lot of great footages will be prepared and posted! So watch out for that!"

QN 5. What is it that keeps you inspired and motivated in dance?

Dance brings people together.

"Music was the thing that got me dancing and I believe music inspires dance. Dance to me is a universal language and like how the singer sings its like how we use our body to make music ‘visible’.

I believe that Locking (and other street styles) are ‘Social Dances’. Meaning it brings people together. You can never dance alone. Dance to me is a connection from me to you. When you point, I lock! When I jump, you twirl! The fun and connection I have with friends when dancing in a circle always keeps me going. Being the ‘best’ and ‘dominating’ doesn’t interest me a single bit. Dance is more than that and I love it because I enjoy the power of interaction through movement. Locking allows that.

I feel that I could use dance to portray a huge chunk of my character. It is difficult to tell someone: “hey I am Funky and full of mischief!” and expect them to understand what I mean. Let my moves show you, because it’s the best language for me to converse in. Putting a smile on people’s face is the best reward anyone could get. It keeps me going."

QN 6. What is it about your specs that you keep them on all the time?

"My specs is my Mojo. Actually it was just to complement my face shape (because i grew rounder) but later it very much became part of my character; so much so that after a while people remember the specs and stopped paying attention to the face (that’s kinda sad). Thus without this big piece of plastic hanging over my face, I don’t think Chunky can ever be Chunky. It’s part of me now." *fondles specs at this point*

Caleb

Evocation 2008

Evocation was wrapped up last Saturday. It is one of two annual concerts put up by NUS Dance Ensemble, with Evocation being a sort of preparatory ground for the bigger scale The Next Wave.

With that in mind, this reflection on Evocation is not about dancers who shine on stage or inspire millions. Neither is it about good, bad or could-be-better choreography. Evocation is about a dancer’s journey to somewhere – be it to gain experience before The Next Wave; to become a better performer; to grow as a dancer into a choreographer; to experiment with new styles; or anything else. There is no way a dancer can stagnate or be less of a dancer after a production, unless he or she did not reflect, learn and be brave enough to change for the better.

Evocation to me is especially about the journey to becoming a choreographer. Choreography is certainly not something that comes naturally to everyone. It also means a lot of homework to familiarize oneself with history, vocabulary, styles, ideas, meanings, context… to decide for oneself what ideals to meet, what visuals to create, how to tell the story, what to do with the dancers you have, how to teach, how to adapt to changing circumstances, how to help people respect you and your choreography, and, returning to square one, to decide for oneself the answer to ‘why choreograph?’.. Kudos to everyone who survived the entire process, and more.

I initially thought it was a natural and logical process that dancers want to become choreographers one day, but I found out it wasn’t always true. I cannot fathom the reasons for not having the desire to choreograph – can someone enlighten me? I do know, however, that taking that step helps you look at dance from the other side, and that the little choreographic endeavour will benefit you immensely when you go back to being a dancer, learner, performer. And after being a choreographer, what’s next? To be an artistic director in all senses of the word? To spread the love for dance in some other ways? If a dancer thinks long-term, I’m sure that’ll be on his or her mind. Tell me what you think.

Credits also go to Ensemble founders who realized this platform for aspiring choreographers. It was a decision made with plenty of foresight. It also speaks a lot about the passion that existed in the dance company – then. It still remains to be seen if years down the road Evocation is still viewed in the same way as it was originally intended to be; organizations have to experience ups and downs. I certainly hope Ensemble continues to grow dancers well, if not better.

Evocation 2008 displayed a varied repertoire. There seems to be more and more variety each year, which serves Ensemble’s strivings towards versatility well. This variety does more than achieve higher entertainment value for a concert. It also displayed the fact that dancers cannot and do not want to be pigeonholed. Hence every year we see no lack of choreographers coming forward to propose new concepts and styles, and we keep seeing ballerinas attempting zazo; hip hop-based people experimenting with contemporary movements, as well as fusion-everything, where in this case “fusion” should mean building onto something, rather than to dilute or confuse.

To qualify, one cannot be termed a versatile dancer just by the number of uniquely different items he or she “collects”. One has to genuinely understand where the different forms are coming from, accept them, and put equal heart into each of them before anything can be gained from such dabbling. The individual has to also organize oneself in relation to these experiences – what are my strengths and weaknesses that were exposed in the process? How do I apply these insights and new dimensions in movements to enhance how I move currently?

Having said that, Evocation 2008 went well despite the usual production woes. Surviving the journey and getting something out of it is probably the best measure of success here. Cheers to all others embarking on any big productions/ projects.

And the question for those who just came out of one:

So, how was your journey?

~Candy

Event: 1000 Camels by Arts Fission

The above poster was taken from their E-newsletter. Please do support :)

-^_^arC

Media : In the beginning, there was HOUSE

Let there be HOUSE!
Koki's personal video :





-^_^arC

GEM 3 : Ignite Your Senses!

Last weekend was jam-packed with dance events ! It was really crazy but yet good to know dance is getting more limelight :)

Well, to kick start the list of events was Temasek Poly Dance Ensemble's Dance Production; Gem 3. It all happened on both fri and sat( I managed to catch the friday one). It was held at their main auditorium and I must say it was a pretty nice place!

Overall the dance items were pretty entertaining, concepts were great escpecially the item about the girl who couldnt walk and with Ryan Tan in it. There was also a few nifty bonuses such as a funkstyle item, some acting, as well as a really great solo performer. She really took up the stage! Great! Most of the dance items had alot of people, I didn't have the chance to view the blocking as I was sitted at the very first row. Thus could only see the choreo details. Im sure the blocking would have looked much better from a higher(further?) view.

The only dissapointment was that it was or seemed pretty short. Maybe its cuz the items were revolving around a theme, with 3-4 items per theme.Hmmmmmm....maybe thats why... :P Was an enjoyable night, Ryan, Gin and the Last Night part did it for me. This looks like a very good progress for dance in schools here in singapore!! Kudos!

Cant wait for more productions to come :)

Last night? Last night! Oh Last Night!!!!



-^_^arC

RF Anniversary pictures (ZOUK, National Museum)

Just a couple of shots of the Radikal Forze Crew anniversary.



Bboy Felix on da mic. Day 1 at Zouk



Bboy Mahmut.



Sylvin and Trinity posing with Bboy BigMouth, where Taiwan had won the crew battle on the 2nd day at National Museum.

www.radikalforzecrew.com

Camera man PrinceJack

URBAN LEGENDS: Nick Demoura

Sharing some videos from the EKETC workshops.

Fyuuuuuu,
Caleb

Calendar Of Events

This will be the calendar of events that we will post future events in. You are always welcomed to contribute events by emailing us (keepingtherhythm@gmail.com) or leaving a comment! :)




-^_^arC

FUYO Inter-school 2008

Callin all Bboys and street dancers!

This weekend FUYO will be having their Inter-school 3v3 Bboy competition :)

15th March 2008 (Saturday), 6pm - 10pm
Singapore Management University - Arts & Culture Centre.
$5/admission ($6/team participating)

Full details can be found here


For those who signed up for Studio Wu recital, the first round auditions will be tmr! All the best to everyone :)

Updattttez

Hey guys sorry for the very rag-tag layout and event list. As soon as I get the relevant info and organize it properly, the "E-calendar of events" will be up and hopefully it will look more organized! :)

oh for all you funkstylerz out there :

Kenneth aka K-lock is organizing a mini battle event....Please support if you have the time; Details as follows

16th march 08, sundaytime will be 6pm onwards.pls come early. Entry fee $5.pls let kenneth know whether you are coming!contact him @ 98313460cheers ppl!venue will be @ Music Garage (bugis area)Meet 530pm at bugis station, he will bring you guys there.
Judges are Michael, Ben and Octo.

Spread the love!!

Check out these 2 vids... damn..jealousy reigns



and

Radikal Forze 10th Anniversary

Well guys Radikal Forze's 10th anniversary is happenin tmr at Zouk!

9.30pm - 11pm at Zouk main room for the Pre-party performance :)

and

on Sat 4pm-late will be the International Battles held at National Museum Gallery Theatre!
Tix for it going at $10 and camera fee will be $15.

Show some support :) Details from www.radikalforzecrew.com

On a second note, Temasek Poly's Dance Ensemble will be having their Dance production on the 14th of March, Friday. Its at their Auditorium 1. 7:30pm-9pm. Tix going for $15 and its free seating.

Step up 2

Well the movie looks real promising. Saw the trailer and wonder if those masked men were the jabbawockeez :P

Anyway something closer to home : The Step Up 2 Dance competition ! With $5000 cash+prizes, its definitely something! Check out the finals at Lido Shaw House lvl 5, On the 15th of March this month from 2-5pm :)

More details

http://www.shaw.sg/sw_promodetails.aspx?promoCode=34%2060%20202%20148%2069%20126%20154%2094%20185%2032%20240%20142%20100%2075%20160%20152



-^_^arC

Events Events!

March will be a happening month! Lots of stuff coming up. Will post as soon as i get the dates fixed :)

Incomings:

-Temasek Poly Dance Production
-Danceworks 08
-NUS Evocation
-Funkystylz battle (2-2 pop/lock)
-Studio Wu recital auditions
-O school KO night details ??
-On a side note Step Up 2 is opening as well :)

yay! This month is really going to "march" past


-^_^arC