DANCE EVENTS 102

Besides all this I find time to get together a team of highly motivated young guys to start a Radio station: OctaveRadio. It’s a viral show at first so, I just got there first release and am loving it.

After absorbing what Bboy Harry had to say on “DANCE EVENTS 101” I headed to a group from a well known church that is PCEA Kahawa Farmers and no it’s not a FARMERS ONLY church.

Frank gvinsi is a choreographer and a dancer. He choreographs for Ignitaz; a team of dedicated youths who besides dance being their passion, spreading the gospel is the chief reason for their existence. He is a cool guy who’s friendly and really resourceful as I learnt during the interview:

SOME FORMER AND CURRENT IGNITAZ DANCERS

BESIDES BEING A CHOREOGRAPHER, YOU ARE A DANCER, HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE THAT COMES WITH IT: Being a choreographer is no easy task, you have to be able to listen to other peoples opinion and be open minded. You will face setbacks yes! and some people will make things hard butyou got  to have a heart to continue, you got to know what your purpose is, why you dance in the first place. In short, be ready for anything, that’s just how I make things happen.

WOW LAID BACK AND EASY. I LOVE THE ANGLE BECAUSE PEOPLE IN THE CREW ALWAYS HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS AND VISION. THE IDEA IS TO MERGE AND MAKE THEM BIG FOR THE WHOLE CREW. SO WHAT COMPETIONS HAVE BEEN TO: True it’s all about incorporating each and every idea that will help in bringing the crew and dance to another level. Competitions include Spa fest, Three Minute dance competition, and our very own homegrown competition in church yaani kuchomana(battling) *hi hi hi* iyo hainaga jina(has not been titled yet).

HA HA HA HA I GET WHAT YOU SAYING NA NAKUJA KUCHOMANA (READ KUCHOMWA) LINI? WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULTIES YOU FACE WHEN PREPARING FOR A COMPE: *Hi hi*…come scrap your pride from the floor. Difficulties, not everyone can catch up really fast when it comes to absorbing routines because different people are good at different dance genres and it is even worse when your time is limited. That is the greatest challenge. Personally I don’t favors any genre I like to be all rounded, contemporary dancing, pulling all stops. That is what it means to be a real dancer.

THAT’S VERY POWERFUL AND I WILL GET BACK AT YOU ON THE PRIDE ONE ONCE YOU TELL ME WHAT BIG SETBACK YOU GET IN DANCE COMPETITIONS OR DANCE SHOWS: hehehe…..heeee #1.dumb judges who are either biased on one genre of dance or they simply know nothing about dance, just because they are famous, they are appointed as judges. Organizers fail to realize that it isn’t about the show but the dancers, their element and talent. #2. People don’t really respect dancers, they see them as a bunch of entertainers, older guys see dance as a waste of time. As a gospel dancer, Yes God comes first, ministry is a must but most organizers take us for granted as if we don’t have needs or worse still; we don’t have bills to pay.

AM THINKING THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET FOR A DANCER IS A STAGE/FLOOR TO DISPLAY WHAT THEY GOT.WHAT DO YOU THINK: Hem, at some point it is but then again a TRUE DANCER can dance anywhere anytime  You got to learn to adjust to any surface; soft rough small big...imaginary *hi hi hi*

HA HA HA ATE KEE (WHAT) KU SIX STEP KWA HEWA (DOING THE SIX STEP IN THE AIR), NOMA SANA (DOPE). IF YOU HAD A MIC AND A BUNCH OF EVENT ORGANIZERS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM: Dancers should be respected, appreciated, talent should be nurtured, credit be given where its due…Dance is an art, they should take time to know what it’s all about. Learn to understand.

I CAN’T HELP BUT NOTE THAT BESIDES IT BEING A TOUGH BONE TO BREAK, DANCERS KEEP PRACTICING AND DOING YOUR SUPER BEST BECAUSE WE ARE THE NEW SUPER STARS….SKY.

GVINSI I HAD TO DO THIS: TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY

FROM LEFT: SIMON GITHAIGA NGARA, CATHERINE WAMBUI, CAROL NJERI MWANGI AND GVINSI

PICTURES COURTESY OF PCEA KAHAWA FARMERS

DANCE EVENTS 101

If you are an event organizer then this blog is dedicated to you. Am talking to people who are organizing dance competitions and dance shows. Dance is a huge and dynamic industry and as far as many forms of art have attained professional status on how they do and run their affairs, dance has been taking a back seat on this. Don’t take me wrong, I totally acknowledge the fact that since last year there has been a big push to grow dance as an independent industry, to develop structures that ensure growth and kill mediocrity.

Dancers are artists, performers and what they do is perfected by years of training and great discipline. I have talked to choreographers, dancers and dance legends in Kenya to try and understand where the bottom line is drawn on dance competitions: I mean topics of cash prices to be won, cash to be paid, contracts to be won, judges, stage and stage management and treatment of dancers. So I want to put the responses as a note to anybody who is planning on hosting a dance competition that DANCEPEEPS is listening and keenly watching to put to shame anybody who is to swindle or attempt to misguide dancers and dance society as a whole.

So what is required to make a just, fair and entertaining dance Competition:

Bboy harry is a minister and a servant of God. Dance, to be precise is what he uses to reach out to the youth.

Your also an event organizer, tell me about that: ooh, yeah I do organize dance showcases to create, give platform and exposure to both recognized and unrecognized Dance talent.

Awesome awesome awesome and I reckon you are a choreographer and a dancer of “Shrink Dance Crew”: Yezird (yes) Kenya Best Christian Hip-hop Crew…
 

Ha ha ha ha you really passionate about your crew I must admit. What dance competitions have you been to: He he he you have to be passionate by the way, every positive thing you are involved in and that’s why B-boy Harry is been passionate about God, his crew and Career. Shrink has been part of Spa Fest, Malta Guinness Street Dance, sakata Dance Battle among other competition.

Yeah I get what you saying because there comes a time when you “Hit the wall” and what takes you beyond this point is the love you have vested in what you do-Definitive moment. What are the difficulties have you been facing while preparing for competitions: challenges are so many not even in the competition itself. Major challenges in many crews are of financial status, dance facilities, ziko mob (they are many)… Texting ain (isn’t) enough.

Yeah and as past competitions have been, I get that there some competitions that don’t pay up on the cash prices to the winners. What’s your take on this: In order for crews not to break or collapse and to help them stay focused, the competition should adapt the moral of appreciating the participants with certificates and give a ways ata kama hawapeani cash (even if they are not awarding cash prices) there is a lot of ways of appreciating.

Damn that’s true especially because by attending this competition then they are building experience and can also be used to profile dancers and dance crews. Yeah true. Judges is a thorny issue among many dancers. Describe an ideal judge for a dance competition: A judge has to know what is dance, has to be a mentor of dance, has to know genre of dance, keen, discreet, open minded above all has to know how to dance.

So what you finished by saying is that a judge MUST be a great dancer if it if not a perfect one: You can’t hunt what you cant kill. you know what I mean!? He he he.

In total agreement, you recommend a well a well vast dancer who has the skill and technique and in whose practical expertise can be able to judge. Do we have a such in Kenya: Yes we do,I wont mention names but wako, tena kwa wingi! (there many).

Yeah we wouldn’t want to appear biased Right? Cool cool. let’s talk emcees: He he emcees’ is another hard and harsh topic, would prefer not to talk about at the moment.

So just to be clear the air, is a dance Emcee different from any other emcees: Yeah they differ. Difference is dance.

As an event organizer who has had success in organizing consistent event “Dance Unplugged” what are some of the challenges you face in achieving the best of your vision in a dance event: First of all, I thank God for the success because without the challenges you won’t produce fruits at the end. Challenge ni mob (are many) starting from financial limitations, you need a stable job in order to know how you can budget on financing your event, getting sponsors has been a tough hustle too since they are looking for established, up and running events, getting committed team with the same zeal and passion is challenging #JustToMentionButAFew.

That’s deep because passion is key and doing it for a good cause is irreplaceable. What would you love to tell dancers in Kenya: First dedicate your talent to God, let Him be your source of inspiration and He will amplify your passion and owez (always) drive you towards your dreams. Realize that you are unique and in like manner God loves you, so be humble decrease so that He can increase JOHN 3:30.

That’s Powerful and wise. What advice would you give event organizers in order to grow the quality of their dance events: To all organizers especially dance organizers, event follow ups matters a lot even if your event was a flop. Also don’t be afraid to challenge yourself like I did with “Back To Dance”. The biggest risk was organizing an event in the same day as a renowned Award show, I challenged myself and Through God it went down successfully.

I can attest to that and I appreciate for making time to do this interview on such short notice. Final Thoughts: I just want to thank my crew “shrink” , Dj joelz, Collo, Kev, Deco, Fay and not forgetting a special girl Lucy Lee for the tight love and support they have shown and given me, thus my friends, all the dance crews and my precious family. Above all I thank Jesus for everything and everyone. Lastly if you not SWAG please SWAG UP, I mean Saved with amazing grace #SWAG# and leave a stress free and happy life. You welcome maen (men).

Its clear standards have to be raised and I set out to interview a dancer,choreographer and a disciplined student next on DANCE EVENTS 102.

INTELL- OF ABDC SEASON 7 AND BREAKSESSION

I cant think fast and usually not as blank but today........I will be as brief as:
America best dance crew*ABDC* is back with us

TV Guide has announced the list of 10 crews that are going to hit the stage:

FANNY PACK*ABDC SEASON 2*

FANNYPACK DURING ONE OF THERE BEST CHOREOGRAPHY ON ABDC SEASON 2

COLLIZION CREW

ELECTROLYTES

8FLAVAZ

FUNKDATION

IRRATIK

MIX'D ELEMENTS

MOS WANTED CREW

RATED NEXT GENERATION(RNG)

STEPBOYS

The show will premiere on Wednesday April 11 at 10pm ET/PT with judges JC Chasez, Lil Mama 

LIL MAMA AND JC CHASEZ

And yours trully Dominic D-Trix of QUEST CREW.

On other very unrelated news: I just love the graffiti done on  Nairobi CBD of late....Ha Ha Ha its election year Nairobi. #Amjustsaying

Talking of greatness,


B-BOY KAY & The BBOY SQUAD Dance Crew Presents:
BREAKSESSION B-BOY WORKSHOP - Kenya's Ultimate StreetDance Workshop.

After it's Creation back in late 2005 and it's successful public
 launch in 2011, the BREAKSESSION B-BOY BATTLE Phenomenon will have it's First Workshop Edition this March. Its creator and Founder Joe Nene (a.k.a B-boy Kay/ BreakDJ Kay) will be launching Kenya's First Ever Pure B-boy Workshop This March in Kenya's Capital city, Nairobi and for the first time in the Coastal City of Mombasa.

 The B-BOY SQUAD Dance Crew led by Kenya's Pioneer B-boys Kay, Jay-Ro (a.k.a Jairo) and Nemesis will teach Break-dance classes in the genres of B-boy, Popping, Locking, House and Krump Dance. The classes will cover techniques both for dancers at Beginner Level as well as Advanced Level Dancers.

 The BREAKSESSION B-BOY WORKSHOP is the first real attempt made at teaching Kenyan Street-dancers the TECHNICAL aspect of Street-dance which is a key aspect of this dance form that is often overlooked by many dancers. The aim of the BREAKSESSION B-BOY BATTLE Event and Workshop Classes is to elevate both the standards of Showcase
 Performance as well as Competition amongst Professional Street-dancers in the country and who better to teach this skills than the Pioneers themselves - B-boys JayRo, Nemesis & Kay.

DETAILS

 EVENT:BREAKSESSION B-BOY WORKSHOP - NAIROBI

DATE: Saturday 24th March 2012.

VENUE: Y.M.C.A aerobics hall (YMCA is located on State House Road, opposite University of Nairobi student hostels).

TIME: 11.am - 6pm

CHARGES: Kshs.100 Per Person.

FACEBOOK EVENT LINK:

https://www.facebook.com/events/192111974226765/

BREAKSESSION B-BOY WORKSHOP - COAST

DATE: Saturday 31st March 2012

VENUE: Little Theater

TIME: 11.am - 6pm

CHARGES: Kshs.100 Per Person.



 FACEBOOK EVENT LINK:https://www.facebook.com/events/280126058726415/

BREAKSESSION KENYA FANPAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Breaksession-Kenya/137881322995061

BREAKSESSION BBOY WORKSHOP POSTER

TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE GATE.


Told you I was blank and cant wait on sakata and spa fest de. Will be informing you  soon as I contact the organizers. Have a blessed tym readers and keep it DANCEPEEPS.


Remember to leave your count on the comment section below.

G-CLEFF DANCE CREW

CREW NAME: G-Cleff

CREW MOTTO: We chase the dream and not the competition 

WHY G-CLEFF: The name comes from the sign in music and what we love in music and dance  to the tunes.

LOVED THIS CLAD AND ESPECIALLY THE G-CLEFF ON THE WHITE PATCH

CREW MEMBERS: Tobias Ralingo(crew leader) doing CPA, Muhammad Ismert, Dennis Okumu, Abdillahi Mohamed doing engineering and Moses Otieli.

 At Club Lambada, Mtwapa, during KENYA COAST MUSIC AWARDZ 2011!! Names from left standing. Eliza, Dennis Okumu, Stephen, Dan, Tobias Ralingo , Sophia, Lai. Down frm left.Muhammad Eysmert n Moses Otieli. BEST DANCE CREW 2011/2012 in the KENYA MUSIC COAST AWARDS

TRAINING GROUNDS: Mombasa Youth Center in Mombasa Town.

WHEN DID YOU START: Started in 2007and was founded by Mark,who is currently in sweden and Kennedy Olilo. All dancers were from the same highschool (Tudor Day, Mombasa).

ANY CHALLENGES: Finance/Capital is the main challenge we faced and are continuing facing and has limited us on acquiring facilities for training annd new costumes.

DO YOU GUYZ THINK DANCE IS A GREAT THING IN KENYA: It hasnt been taken that serious though its growing big and if the government and other stake holders can emerge and fund it,would be a great resource.

ACOMPLISHMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: We have performed in Malta guiness and Sakata Battle 2!! we were voted The Best Dance Group 2011/12 in the Kenya Music Coast Awards. Also Nzumari Awards Best Dance Crew 2012/2013



AWARD FOR BEING THE NZUMARI AWARDS BEST DANCE CREW 20120/2013

THE BEST DANCE GROUP 2011/12 IN THE KENYA MUSIC COAST AWARDS.


 

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AS A CREW IN A SENTENCE We have taken DANCE in Mombasa to another level because of our creativity and originality.

WHATS THE SECTRET TO ACHIEVING: Serious practice following your passion, being creative in choreo and always pray to God before and after everything.

WHAT SHOULD THE FANS EXPECT FOR 2012: Great and Amaizing stuff are coming. we want to dominate not only coast but also the whole country because we have what it takes!

WHAT CREWS DO YOU LOOK UP TO BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY: yeah yeah.......Wapi Wapi Dance Crew and internationally Super Crew of America's Best Dance Crew season 2.

KENYA'S WAPI WAPI AFTER WINNING THE MALTA GUINESS PAN AFRICAN TITTLE AT ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE ON 5TH AUGUST 2011.

SUPERCREW- AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW SEASON 2 WINNERS

I must tell you this crew is amaizing and it has been powerfull doing there profile. Wanapenda picha sana and i enjoyed it. Nairobi Mombasa is here

FACEBOOK GROUP

IN TELL- BREAK TO DANCE

This is a new column that will be all bout the news on dancers, dance crews, dance personalities and the whats on events.we got it all.
Starting as off:



News just in from our one and only Harrison Muswahili aka B-boy Harry, a lead event organizer

EVENT: Street Bboy Cypher , A B-boy Street Dance Cypher will be goin down with Kenyan B-boys and B-gals Rocking the Streets with Dance and doubles as a shoot for the all black Bboys trailer!

ALL BLACK BBOYS CREW_This is a crew consisting of all kenyan bboy and whose profile will be coming soon

Moving On

SO WHEN AND WHERE WILL STREET BBOY CYPHER BE GOING DOWN:Tomorrow(Sunday 10th March,2012) from 2pm at Nakumatt Lifestyle. 


B-boy harry must be holding one of the finest record in organising the dopest, most consistent dance events: DANCE UNPLUGGED 1 & 2 and 3 is on the way. He also boosts to organizing WHEELS BACK TO SKOOL and BACK 2 DANCE STREET CYPHER!

And now he brings to you......

TELL ME ABOUT THE EVENT: DANCE stands for Drugs Are Not Cool Ever!!!! Dance Against Drugs being Our theme we wanna let you know that Street Dancing is one of the best forms of entertainment today. This is a Street Dance Showcase and a Campaign against Drugs.



HOW DIFFERENT WILL BE THE EVENT: All Crews have Titles and Reputation in the Dance scene and Industry,Its pros we talking bout,guys that are taking Kenyan Dance to levels that a next to greater levels and heights...... Come prepared to be wowed and amazed by stunning performances from the crews.


WHAT CREWS: Witness Shrink Crew,Wapiwapi, Sisko, S.I.C, Dashy, Jimz & Dimz, Titans Allstars, Black Blingers, B-boy Squad among other Dance crews bringing about their best dance moves and combining various types of wonderful and energetic dance steps together to create new form of dance moves in Street Dancing.


WHEN AND WHERE:  Saturday 28th April, 2012 , NAIROBI CINEMA.


CHARGES:  KSHS.200/= Advance and KSHS.400/= @ the gate. Tickets available at Next(koinange street,Nakumatt Lifestyle oposite is Kemu then next to kemu) and also comment on the blog and tell us your location and we will get you the tickets.

THIS IS A MUST ATTEND

FACEBOOK LINK

NJOSEH

OFFICIAL NAMES: Joseph Ndaka

AND THIS IS ME!

STAGE NAME: Njoseh


HOOD: Kahawa West(Nairobi)


CREW: Saintz Crew

SAINTZ CREW REPIN' KUNG FU

STYLE: Hiphop,B-boy,Contemporary,Dancehall...ha ha ha I do a mix in short.


DANCE BACKGROUND:  I jus got serious the other day but it has been in me all along...he he he its inborn.

FASHION AND CLAD: Simple Sneakers,jeans and Teez with a leather Jacket...#simple outfit  


HOBBIEZ: I am a sucker for moviez,swimming,love dancing *ofcos* , rapping and not forgetting the most important Sleeping.*ti hi hi hi*


DANCE ICON: I love crews...really respect Quest crew

QUEST CREW...SWAG TURNED UP

QUEST CREW FREESTYLE AFTER THEY WON ABDC SEASON 3

DEFINE DANCE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:Dance is a way of life,its a tool to reach out to young people and bring them to knowing christ's love and salvation .its also my chill factor and a way of expressing who I be.

#jus saying: Am nineteen years old and am single.....lol

NJOSEH- JESUS CHRIST IS MY SWAG

ON VIDEO

ICE

OFFICIAL NAMES: Grace Wambui.



STAGE NAME ICE.



HOOD: Maziwa.



CREW: Ignitaz.



TRAINING GROUNDS: PCEA Kahawa Farmers Church.



DANCE BACKGROUND: Been dancing since the day i started walking.it is in my blood.....something given to me through my parentsfrom God......sooo grateful.



GRETEST ACHIEVEMENT:  participating in the 3min Dance competition. It was a totally awesome experience and i learnt a great deal.



FASHION AND CLAD: I like a look that looks simple but still is stylish,unique and tasty......makes me feel beautiful and confident.....pencil jeans,fitting tops and flat shoes.



HOBBIEZ: sleeping *ti hi hi hi* Reading,story na mabeshte pia si mbaya......



DANCE ICON: wooooooo Briana Evigan of Step up is a true Icon and does it for me

BRIANA BARBARA-JANE EVIGAN

BRIANA EVIGAN IN ONE OF THE DANCE SCENES IN STEP UP 2:THE STREETS


WHAT IS DANCE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU: Dance is an art and jus like any other art form it is waiting to be exprssed by anyone willing to learn it. Am not the best dancer I could be because with each new day come a different style for me to make time to learn.