Alright, so here are some clips from the competition. WOW!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Smoked in Ohio 2-OSU Breakdance Competition
Wow...holy smokes! There are some talented sons of bitches and bitches out there. I helped out el presidente Dean Parnham Jr. of OSU's Breakdance club the the breakdance event of the year at OSU this weekend and JESUS, wow.
I will be posting some photage of the the battles I captured.
Videos coming soon.
Damn...that's all i got to say...damn...
I will be posting some photage of the the battles I captured.
Videos coming soon.
Damn...that's all i got to say...damn...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Anyone Can Dance, Don't Give Me That "I Can't Dance Bullshit"
Okay, so my personal belief, honest belief, ANYONE CAN DANCE. I know I've posted a bunch of technical stuff and some videos featuring the "professionals," but after God left a positive comment on one of my posts (http://thesuprememaster.blogspot.com), it made me remember that I want to make it clear that dancing should be fun. (which is what God said he wants his children to do). There is no critical eye that's judging you when you dance. And if someone is, who gives a shit? They're just uptight individuals who are too cowardly to let themselves live. Who gives a crap if you don't have rhythm or the technical moves? You're movin' and grovin' and having a good time. And good times, are contagious. Smiles are contagious. Your energy is contagious.
When I go dancing, I love to see people get down with their bad selves. I'm not talking about grinding...that's not really dancing...that's sex on the dance floor with clothes on...or club stalking for that matter...ok...how creepy. But I'm talking about that random dude or girl who's dancing all over the place, having a good time, and doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. Yea, sometimes they look "funny," but that energy, that free spirit full of fun and life is so fun to watch. Watching other people get into dancing no matter their skill gets me pumped and wanting to dance too. Dance can really be a way for people to get together and loosen up.
I remember once I went to my friend's band show. I didn't know any of his friends except one, and he and I just stood there for half of the show. Then I decided, well, let's start making things fun/interesting. He said he didn't know how to dance. I told him that was bullshit and just to have fun. We danced for the rest of the show and it was so much fun. We did the cheesiest stuff. We did the fishing move when you reel someone in, a simple goofy bouncing step, we raised the roof, it was ridiculous and it was fun. It was great too because he had this giant Jew fro and it bounced along with his moves. Good times.
So if you don't normally dance, give it a try, just have fun. Plus, God says so. http://thesuprememaster.blogspot.com
When I go dancing, I love to see people get down with their bad selves. I'm not talking about grinding...that's not really dancing...that's sex on the dance floor with clothes on...or club stalking for that matter...ok...how creepy. But I'm talking about that random dude or girl who's dancing all over the place, having a good time, and doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. Yea, sometimes they look "funny," but that energy, that free spirit full of fun and life is so fun to watch. Watching other people get into dancing no matter their skill gets me pumped and wanting to dance too. Dance can really be a way for people to get together and loosen up.
I remember once I went to my friend's band show. I didn't know any of his friends except one, and he and I just stood there for half of the show. Then I decided, well, let's start making things fun/interesting. He said he didn't know how to dance. I told him that was bullshit and just to have fun. We danced for the rest of the show and it was so much fun. We did the cheesiest stuff. We did the fishing move when you reel someone in, a simple goofy bouncing step, we raised the roof, it was ridiculous and it was fun. It was great too because he had this giant Jew fro and it bounced along with his moves. Good times.
So if you don't normally dance, give it a try, just have fun. Plus, God says so. http://thesuprememaster.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"Rize" Trailer
This is a great documentary on Krumping. According to Wikepedia, "Krumping is an urban African American street dance form that developed on the streets of South Central Los Angeles, around 2001 - 2002[citation needed]. It is characterized by free, expressive, and highly energetic moves and is a major part of the hip hop dance culture, alongside other techniques, such as: breakdance, locking, popping and freestyling." The movie follows some of the best krumpers around, addressing the history of krumping, krumping as a dance movement, and the personal inspirations behind these dancers. Check out the Trailer.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Stylez's Last Performance of the Year!
Stylez performed their last performance for the year this weekend at OSU's Relay for Life Event. The crowd loved us and we kicked ass! Check out the videos below. It's great because you can finally see who we are now...hahaha. What's in store for the rest of the quarter is Stylez First-Ever Elections and Stylez First Annual End of the Year Banquet. We're holding our Elections at tonight's practice and then on Wednesday, we're treating everyone to dinner at Brio. We've also got surprises for everyone, like awards and of course speeches. There will probably be tears too since we're going to be saying goodbye to a couple of seniors and foreign exchange students. Anyway, I'll keep you updated on our Elections and Banquet. You'll be seeing pictures from them I'm sure.
For now, please enjoy our final performance for the school year:
For now, please enjoy our final performance for the school year:
Friday, May 16, 2008
A Bit of Stylez History
Stylez is going to perform at American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at The Ohio State University at Fred Beekman Park tomorrow. We're going to perform our Midwest Mix Up Round 1 and our SoulTime Round 1 dance routines.
We're holding our elections on Monday and our First Annual End of the Year Stylez Banquet at Brio on Wednesday. These are very important events for us. We've never had elections before or a banquet. You see, Stylez started two years ago and the leadership wasn't very good. The president was very controlling and dominating. He didn't start of that way, but he grew into a very domineering dance captain. The team almost feel apart at the end of its first year.
Stylez's second year was very rocky as well. The two team captains fought a lot, causing the team to have low morale and lack of energy. People could probably tell from our performances. At Midwest Mix Up last year, we did not make it past Round 1 because we were practically laughed off the stage. Once again the team fell apart at the end of the year. The president decided not to lead the dance group anymore.
Finally this year, we've had excellent leadership. We had four dance captains who worked very well with each other. We went to Monsters of Hip Hop in D.C. and won 2nd place at the Midwest Mix Up. All of these things, we have always wanted to do as well.
So you see, 2007-2008 school year has been the best year for Stylez ever. We've accomplished so much and (I know this is going to sound cheesy but it's true) a real Stylez family. The dancers are all friends with one another. We love to stay after practice and just hang out.
I could not have wished for a better year! :)
We're holding our elections on Monday and our First Annual End of the Year Stylez Banquet at Brio on Wednesday. These are very important events for us. We've never had elections before or a banquet. You see, Stylez started two years ago and the leadership wasn't very good. The president was very controlling and dominating. He didn't start of that way, but he grew into a very domineering dance captain. The team almost feel apart at the end of its first year.
Stylez's second year was very rocky as well. The two team captains fought a lot, causing the team to have low morale and lack of energy. People could probably tell from our performances. At Midwest Mix Up last year, we did not make it past Round 1 because we were practically laughed off the stage. Once again the team fell apart at the end of the year. The president decided not to lead the dance group anymore.
Finally this year, we've had excellent leadership. We had four dance captains who worked very well with each other. We went to Monsters of Hip Hop in D.C. and won 2nd place at the Midwest Mix Up. All of these things, we have always wanted to do as well.
So you see, 2007-2008 school year has been the best year for Stylez ever. We've accomplished so much and (I know this is going to sound cheesy but it's true) a real Stylez family. The dancers are all friends with one another. We love to stay after practice and just hang out.
I could not have wished for a better year! :)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Voguing
From Wikepedia:
Vogue ("Performance") or "voguing" is a highly stylized modern dance characterized by photo model-like poses integrated with angular, linear and rigid arm, leg, and body movements. Popularized by Madonna's song and video of the same name (see Vogue), the unique inner-city dance subculture was brought to international mainstream attention.
Read more on Vogue at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogue_(dance)
Vogue ("Performance") or "voguing" is a highly stylized modern dance characterized by photo model-like poses integrated with angular, linear and rigid arm, leg, and body movements. Popularized by Madonna's song and video of the same name (see Vogue), the unique inner-city dance subculture was brought to international mainstream attention.
Read more on Vogue at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogue_(dance)
Words of Wisdom: Keep an Open Mind
So, I don't know if you've noticed, but in addition to posting instructional videos, I've also been posting videos of different types of dance which I find interesting, amazing, and/or beautiful. For instance, I posted a video clip of Flamenco, a Spanish dance.
I think it is very important to keep an open mind and be well educated and exposed to various forms of dance. It will influence your growth as a dancer as well as give you a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures in the world. Dance is an art form for people to express themselves. I find it extremely interesting and beautiful to see how different people and cultures do this. There are not only differences in movement, but the articulation of the movements and the costuming are all very important to the dancer. The poise or facial expressions of the different type of dances are also interesting to observe. I hope that when you watch these diverse videos, you gain an appreciation for all types of dance. It is amazing to see what the human body is capable of doing and expressing.
I think it is very important to keep an open mind and be well educated and exposed to various forms of dance. It will influence your growth as a dancer as well as give you a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures in the world. Dance is an art form for people to express themselves. I find it extremely interesting and beautiful to see how different people and cultures do this. There are not only differences in movement, but the articulation of the movements and the costuming are all very important to the dancer. The poise or facial expressions of the different type of dances are also interesting to observe. I hope that when you watch these diverse videos, you gain an appreciation for all types of dance. It is amazing to see what the human body is capable of doing and expressing.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
SoulTime Talent Show and the 2nd Round Mess Up
Stylez Dance Group made it to the 2nd round at the SoulTime Dance Competition last night. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish all 3 rounds and place, but we did our best and our dances looked great.
However, I feel that our entry into the 3rd round (or lack there of) was affected by a mess up on behalf of the SoulTime Committee. After Round 1, the committee announced everyone who made it. We were one of those groups, but we were on the balcony of the theatre watching. Well, actually, all the participants in the show were watching from the balcony. That was where we were permitted to sit. When we got down to the changing room, a committee member rushed out and said "Stylez Dance Group, where have you been?! You're up first! You're up right now, they've already called your name!"
We rushed onto the stage, flustered. The theatre was less than half full. Audience members thought that there was an intermission.
We waited for the host to announce our name again. But he didn't. The DJ started our music, and we started our dance routine. But no one was watching. People didn't even know we were dancing. The JUDGES of the talent show even looked confused. I have a feeling that the lack of audience participation during our 2nd round effected our score. But I feel like that is due to a lack of audience members in their seats. *sigh* We were all extremely upset after our dance. We worked so had for the past 2.5 weeks to put together new dances for Round 2 and not many people were able to see it.
We thought it was strange that no one reannounced us. But we started dancing when the DJ put on our music. I guess we should have told him to stop and wait for an announcement. But the committee member that rushed us downstairs told us to get on stage.
Anyway, here are the videos of our performances. Enjoy.
Round 1:
Round 2:
However, I feel that our entry into the 3rd round (or lack there of) was affected by a mess up on behalf of the SoulTime Committee. After Round 1, the committee announced everyone who made it. We were one of those groups, but we were on the balcony of the theatre watching. Well, actually, all the participants in the show were watching from the balcony. That was where we were permitted to sit. When we got down to the changing room, a committee member rushed out and said "Stylez Dance Group, where have you been?! You're up first! You're up right now, they've already called your name!"
We rushed onto the stage, flustered. The theatre was less than half full. Audience members thought that there was an intermission.
We waited for the host to announce our name again. But he didn't. The DJ started our music, and we started our dance routine. But no one was watching. People didn't even know we were dancing. The JUDGES of the talent show even looked confused. I have a feeling that the lack of audience participation during our 2nd round effected our score. But I feel like that is due to a lack of audience members in their seats. *sigh* We were all extremely upset after our dance. We worked so had for the past 2.5 weeks to put together new dances for Round 2 and not many people were able to see it.
We thought it was strange that no one reannounced us. But we started dancing when the DJ put on our music. I guess we should have told him to stop and wait for an announcement. But the committee member that rushed us downstairs told us to get on stage.
Anyway, here are the videos of our performances. Enjoy.
Round 1:
Round 2:
Monday, April 28, 2008
Soul TIme Talent Show this Thursday
It's almost time for Stylez's next show. Soul Time Talent Show is this Thursday. We just finished teaching new choreography last week. For our practices this week, we're going to focus on cleaning up choreography and blocking (meaning where everyone stands) and also thinking of things to do for the mystery round.
For the mystery round (the final round), the judging committee will give us a song to dance to. The options they have decided to choose from are Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss," Akon's "Get Buck," and "Whatisit" by BabyDash.
We're planning on using old choreography from the Midwest Mix Up or from previous quarters for round 3. The problem is that not everyone remembers the old choreography and we also picked up some new members at the end of last quarter who do not know old choreography from fall and the beginning of winter quarter.
This is what we're going to have to focus on this week.
For the mystery round (the final round), the judging committee will give us a song to dance to. The options they have decided to choose from are Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss," Akon's "Get Buck," and "Whatisit" by BabyDash.
We're planning on using old choreography from the Midwest Mix Up or from previous quarters for round 3. The problem is that not everyone remembers the old choreography and we also picked up some new members at the end of last quarter who do not know old choreography from fall and the beginning of winter quarter.
This is what we're going to have to focus on this week.
Thorough History of Ballet and Modern Dance
The video is kinda long, but if you're interested, this is a very good thorough history of Ballet and Modern Dance.
Watch This Video for History of Hip Hop from Documentary "The Freshest Kids"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaGPwTW6OY
Friday, April 25, 2008
Change in Plans About Blog
Hey, sorry for the change in plans, but I've decided instead of giving my own instructional videos, I will be posting videos I have found online which I think are good instructional videos. Right now, I think it is unrealistic for me to provide instructional videos frequently enough for this blog. I am taking about 20 credit hours, I work, and I am also involved in extracurriculars like my dance team. I wouldn't be able to dedicate the appropriate time on filming and editing good dance videos.
Sorry for the disappointment. But I think that you will enjoy the videos I choose to put in my blog.
I will also find videos about the history for certain dances as well as famous dancers in each category.
Here's a very good clip about the History of Hip Hop from the documentary "The Freshest Kids." This video could not be embedded but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaGPwTW6OY
I highly recommend everyone to watch this movie.
Sorry for the disappointment. But I think that you will enjoy the videos I choose to put in my blog.
I will also find videos about the history for certain dances as well as famous dancers in each category.
Here's a very good clip about the History of Hip Hop from the documentary "The Freshest Kids." This video could not be embedded but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaGPwTW6OY
I highly recommend everyone to watch this movie.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sorry for Delay in Posting
Hey So You Wanna Dancers. Sorry for the delay in posting. I went home to Cleveland this weekend to get my firewire cable and external hard drives so I can upload your dance videos online. My firewire was not at home. So I flipped out a majority of the weekend.
It turns out that my firewire and harddrives were here in Columbus...at the foot of my bed under piles of blankets and clothes. :( Shame on me right?
But the good news! I have taped the intro video and your first instructional video. Once I get to the lab, they will be posted.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Some Pics from Midwest Mix Up
Round 1: Looking Tough for "Throw Back"
From Left to Right: Tamara Jolly, Donte Smith, Ashley Jamison, Katie Welland, Erina Hirai, Jinny Na, Henrick Sawczak, Hayley Leventhal, Kendel Woods, Anne Hu (me!), Ashley Carnes, Anastasia Glogowski
Bottom: Moet Setoyama and Latoya Blakey
Round 1: Looking Tough for "Throw Back"
Foreground: Anne Hu (me!) and Ashley Jamison
Background: Kendel Woods, Katie Welland, Latoya Blakey, Jinny Na, former member of Stylez Charita Ray
Round 2: Sexy Executive Committee Picture
From Left to Right: Ashley Jamison, Anne Hu, Latoya Blakey, Hayley Leventhal
Round 3: Looking Classy for "Stylez" round
From Left to Right: Henrick Sawczak, Ashley Carnes, Donte Smith, Anastasia Glogowski, Ashley Jamison, Latoya Blakey, Katie Welland, Kendel Woods, Tamara Jolly, Hayley Leventhal, Moet Setoyama, Anne Hu
Front: Erina Hirai and Jinny Na
What? Another competition?
Stylez Dance Group just found out that we have another dance competition coming up in 2 weeks (May 1st). Oi. It's time to get workin' again.
The event is called Soul Time. It's a talent show competition for African American Heritage Fest Month. There are 3 rounds. The 1st round is 5 minutes long. The 2nd is 3 minutes. And the 3rd round is 3 minutes but you cannot prepare for it. The 3rd round is called a "mystery round." They panel of judges will randomly select a song for us to dance to.
We're thinking we have a limited amount of time, for the first round we can pick out a few dances from the Midwest Mix Up routines and redo them to different songs. For the 2nd round, we will do new dances. Hayley and I will have to come up with new choreography by Monday. The third round, we will most likely freestyle.
Just when we thought we had a break? I'm a bit frustrated. We auditioned for Soul Time 3 weeks ago, and they didn't tell us whether we made it or not until yesterday, when I had to email them about it. We forgot to email them earlier because all of our energy was focused on the Midwest Mix Up, and Soul Time said they would get back to us anyway.
Don't get me wrong, I love new opportunities to perform. The more performances the better! It's just crunch time all over again! :)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dance Lessons Coming Soon!
With the Midwest Mix Up Dance Competition out of the way, I will be uploading instructional dance videos soon and also a video on the history of Hip Hop and how I hate today's "hip hop music." :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
STYLEZ DANCE GROUP 2ND PLACE IN MIDWEST MIX UP DANCE COMPETITION!
WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
SDG PLACED 2ND OUT OF 9 AT THE MIDWEST MIX UP DANCE COMPETITION!
OMGOODNESS! OMGOODNESS! YES! YES! YES!
I can't believe it! I had no idea that we'd make it this far! Last year, we were a complete disaster. We were kicked out after the 1st round. This year, I was hoping we would just make it into the 2nd round. WE MADE IT TO THE 2ND AND 3RD ROUND AND PLACED 2ND WINNING $250 FOR THE TEAM! PEOPLE LOVED US! IT WAS AMAZING!
All of our hard work finally paid off! After 3 months of preparation, we really nailed this one! I feel so ecstatic! The competition was yesterday and I still have my head in the clouds!
Enough talking. See for yourself!
Our first round dance theme was Throw Back.
Chororeography credits for this round:
"Up Jumps the Boogie" Stepping by Toya Blakey, Tapping by Anne Hu
"Jump Jump" by Toya Blakey
"What About Your Friends" by Ashley Jamison
"Vivrant Thing" by Hayley Levanthal
"I Wish" by Ashley Jamison, Hayley Levanthal, Anne Hu, and Donte Smith
"Put Your Hands" by Anne Hu and Ashley Jamison
"No Diggity" by Ashley Jamison, Hayley Levanthal, and Anne Hu
"Knock You Out" by Toya Blakey, Hayley Levanthal, Anne Hu, and Ashley Jamison
Our second round dance theme was Sexy.
Choreography credits for this round:
"Church" by Kendel Woods, Donte Smith, Henrick Sawczak
"Rock the Boat" by Anastasia Glogowski, Ashley Carnes, Yoojin Na, Erina Hirai
"Poppin'" by Kendel Woods, Henrick Sawczak, Donte Smith
"Oops" by Anne Hu
"Feedback" by Toya Blakey, Hayley Levanthal, Anne Hu, Ashley Jamison
Our third round dance theme was Stylez. This round truly reflects our diversity in dance and personality.
Choreography credits for this round:
"Windowlicker" by Anne Hu
"Paper Planes" by Hayley Levanthal
"Flashing Lights" by Moet Setoyama and SDG collaborative effort
"Piece of Me Remix" by Toya Blakey
"Pom Pom" by Ashley Jamison
Freestyle in order of apperance: Henrick Sawczak, Kendel Woods, Donte Smith, Katie Welland, Hayley Levanthal, Toya Blakey, Tamara Jolly, Erina Hirai, Moet Setoyama, Ashley Jamison, Ashley Carnes, Yoojin Na, Anne Hu, Anastasia Glogowski
Friday, April 11, 2008
Midwest Mix Up Tomorrow! EEEE!
Ok! If we don't make it past the first round, I'm going to hurt someone. We have been working far too hard to be shot down a 2nd year in a row. Each of the captains and I made about 4 dances each and the team has made a few dances too. If we don't move on, I WILL take it personally. Is that terrible? It's not that I need to justify how good we are with what the crowd thinks, but I know we rock and if they just keep an open mind, we should rock this shit like no other.
I think thanks to certain artists (such as Janet Jackson) and TV shows (such as America's Best Dance Crew), choreographed dances are getting more popular again.
We'll see how it goes. I'm just saying, we didn't practice for 11 hours a week for nothing I hope.
Our picture finally came in!
The Stylez picture with the faculty of Monsters of Hip Hop finally came in!
Back row: Jamal
Middle row: Marty, Napoleon, Flo Master, Tabitha, Lisette
Front: me, Hayley, Ashley
Toya was out with her family and Donte was passed out in the hotel room from a long day of practice!
YAY STYLEZ!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Stylez Dance Group is preparing for the Midwest Mix Up Competition
Stylez Dance Group, which I help lead, is preparing for a huge dance competition. The Midwest Mix Up Competition is Saturday April 12th, 2008 at 6PM at The Ohio State University in Weigel Hall. It will feature 10-11 hip hop dance teams from the Midwest, competing for cash prizes.
There are three rounds. Each round, the judges eliminate about 3-4 teams. The performances will be judged on creativity of music and dance, formation changes, skills, entertainment value, and costumes.
Stylez has been preparing for this competition since November. The captains have choreographed over 12 dances since then. They and another fellow dancer have also attended the Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention in Washington, D.C. to get inspiration. The dancers on the team have choreographed 2 small dances as well.
We have put in a lot of work into preparing for this competition. Last year, due to poor leadership, the team did not prepare for this competition until a month before. Our performance clearly showed how unprepared we were. If we do not make it past the first round again, I will truly be devastated. The team and I have poured ourselves into creating these dances. We have worked endless hours on our routines, mixes, formations, etc.
I believe we will kick ass. There's no question about that. We are all very talented dancers. I simply concerned that the crowd or judges will not like what we bring. Last year, a lot of the other teams had freestyle battles. Our dance team has more music video-esque elements. We have actual choreography and difficult moves.
*shrug* It's crunch time for Stylez, but we are fully prepared this year. I will post the videos of our dances once the show is taped. Wish us good luck!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Videos of Monsters of Hip Hop
I forgot to mention, Jabbawockeez from America's Best Dance Crew works with Monsters of Hip Hop.
Just to give you an idea of what Monsters of Hip Hop was like when Stylez was in D.C.:
We also learned choreography from Nappytabs. There is no video of them in D.C. but this is their work in Chicago:
So You Wanna Dance
What's up?! So you wanna dance? I'll teach you the right stuff to get you movin' and groovin', poppin' and lockin', flowin' and krumpin' in the clubs. I'll also teach you some traditional forms of dance such as ballet, tap, and jazz.
Can't dance? Bull. Anyone can dance. Honestly, ANYONE CAN dance. It just takes confidence. You can have the worst dance moves, the worst rhythm, who cares? So long as you're having fun, that's all that matters. People will love your energy! Dancing's about having fun.
Just to give you a bit of background, I am a junior at The Ohio State University. I have been dancing since I was 5. I took ballet, tap, and jazz for 14 years and have been doing hip hop for 4 years. I also know the basics of breakdancing.
I am one of 4 dance captains for an OSU hip hop dance team, Stylez Dance Group. We were founded in 2005 and perform about 10 times throughout the school year. We also attended the Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention in D.C. this year where we learned choreography from the sickest dancers around: Flomaster, Jamal, Dave Scott, Nappytabs, Lisette, Marty, etc. 1/2 of those choreographers made the moves you see in the movie Step Up 2!
Check out our Stylez videos, website, and pictures!
So you wanna dance?!
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