KELLY PETERS, The Master of Musicality “God gave me a gift, to HEAR Music and to SEE Movement.” Camera crews, fashion designers and dancers are raving about the masterful art of this hip hop icon. With a résumé that spans from The Fugees to Carly Simon, from FOX to ESPN II, Kelly Peters IS choreographic history in the making. One of the dance world’s BEST kept secrets: With over 22 years of Hip-Hop experience, Kelly Peters is THE experienced choreographer, master teacher and NYC-based professional igniting the fire within performance groups and recording artists nationwide. Learn everything from locking to popping, breaking to graffiti, fashion to form.
Hiring an Entrepreneur has its benefits: Having launched the FIRST Hip-Hop dance academy in New England, Kelly is amping up his clients’ performances from coast to coast—literally—with dancers from all over the world purchasing his MAKE IT HAPPEN Hip-Hop DVD. Kelly is also active within the NYC community, particularly with the Adolescent Youth Center at Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he resides as the Director of a Hip-Hop dance company with teens ages 15-18. Recording Artists’ Explode Under Kelly’s Instruction. Kelly Peters hits the stage with R & B group, Ahmir, Hip-Hop group C Note, Naughty By Nature, FOX’s Good Day NY, Carnival NY and LA and more. Take advantage of his versatile, dynamic career from film and TV to International and Domestic performance groups. TRL and ESPN II. TRL guests were in for a treat this year as Kelly Peters hosted one of MTV’s most popular shows. Kelly choreographed and taught a dance to prom goers and TV viewers called, “The Obama.” Kelly was also an exclusive guest host on ESPN II, Fall 2007, where he critiqued end zone celebrations. From Chad Johnson to Tyrell Owens, Kelly brought his talents to the field, chatting it up with NFL All-Stars and cheerleaders regarding football dances and choreography. You can also scout Kelly Peters as the host of IN the SCENE, an exclusive online dance podcast featuring choreographers and dancers at Scene Interactive.
Class Description: The first half of the class focuses on Technique in Hip-Hop movement. The second half of the class is cutting edge choreography based on musicality. This class enhances the ability to hear and use the music more effectively in your freestyle and choreography.
Bruce Blanchard, A Hip Hop icon in Belgium, is a choreographer / dancer/ personal coach & artistic director, internationally known for his creativity and personal style. Bruce Blanchard founded 'B.O.S.S.TEAM' with the goal of creating a team of dancers with exceptional artistic qualities, non-comparable with other teams. His goal was to focus not only on dance, but also on its creation, scene setting, organization and directing. He worked in advertising, fashion, television and live tours. Today, Bruce is an international artist who works with several well-known directors & artists ang gives classes and workshops all over the world". Well-known in the international Hip-Hop arena, his victories in several important battles (*JUSTE DEBOUT, FUNKIN'STYLES*) helped to build his reputation and to be asked as a member of a jury for various hip hop battles in Europe and elsewhere. Next to his choreography and dance work his skills as a personal coach on the field of fitness and weight loss for artists and people in general are highly demanded. Bruce's UNIQUE STYLE of FUSION with HIP HOP, POPPING, KRUMPING, CONTEMPORARY, and BALLET give him an edge of MANY in the dance world because of his TRUE FEEDOM of EXPRESSION. Bruce's style will be sought after for years to come.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: BRUCE uses fitness techniques to condition you for the different combinations of movement that are a part of Bruce's repertoire. HIP HOP GROOVES, "HITTING TECHNIQUES (POPPING & WAVING), MODERN/CONTEMPORARY, KRUMPING, and BALLET and other variations to help give you ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE on dance and what DIRECTIONS you can go, learning "FUSE THEORY". This AWE inspiring man of GREAT SPIRIT, LOVE and COMPASSION for his dance and LIFE will inspire you for sure!!!
(CXC)= STREETSTYLE CONTEMPORARY - is artistic directors and co.founders Carmela Torchia and Chris Shaik Mathis (aka Lil Shake) ' s lifelong appreciation for the artistic and aesthetic appeal of the multicultural, that forms the solid base of (CxC)=Streetstyle Contemporary's singular approach to reinventing dance.
The company's foremost innovation is the logic and precise mathematical fusion of modern/contemporary elements with the raw and sharp streetsyle form, originated by clear and truthful foundation of Graham Technique,Contemporary,Ballet Tecnique and NYC Underground Boogie Style.
(CxC) believes that only having clear knowledge of a style's foundation and reinforcing it, is possible to redifine dance.
It is Carmela and Shaik' s unique career path that has come togheter not only as co.founders and artistic directors, but also as partners in life, that have paved the way for them to create a company that has never been confortable with its art (strictly dance) being placed in a box.
*Chris Shaik Mathis - With an extensive list of dance, choreographic and production credits,Chris “Shaik” Mathis is a much sought after commodity. An energetic and
spontaneous personality, with a disarmingly smooth approach to dance,Shaik’s creative stylizing redefines the parameters of art in motion!
His credits attest to both his choreographed and/or special appearances in countless music videos. Shaik has performed on television, on film in arenas and various stages with renowned recording artists and has toured both as a featured dancer/choreographer throughout venues in the
United States and abroad in places such as: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil;Tokyo, Japan; London, England; Stockholm, Sweden; Germany and other
countries in the continents of Europe and Asia. Throughout his illustrious career he’s also acquired production/costar credits. A
true veteran of the stage, he possesses an inherent ability to captivate and thrill his audience with pure energy and passion. SHAIK
is the embodiment of classic showmanship as he continues to challenge traditional ideas and methods, while creating an unimaginable thrill
ride of perfection through his Urban Dance Fusion (Streetstyle Hip Hop, Freestyle House, Boogie Style).
Presently Shaik is in full partnership with Carmela Torchia (established contemporary/modern dancer), collaborating on many productions, while building a new innovative dance company (CxC)=Streetstyle Contemporary.
*Carmela Torchia - Carmela began dancing as a child in her hometown of Crotone, Italy. When she was fourteen, she was recognized and selected to attend The National Academy of Dance in Rome, where she graduated and perform with. The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance was what brought Carmela New York, with full scolarship. She joined the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble touring nationally and internationally, performing soloist roles. During this time She performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company for their 80thAnniversary and many other events in and outside of New York City. Carmela has performed for Elisa Monte Dance Company, NY/2 Dance Nejla Yatkin,Dance Iquail, Jana Hicks, Mariana Beckerman Dance Company, and the International Danish Association E.K.K.O.
Her dance speaks of diversity ranging from modern/contemporary to experimental,streetstyle and many club styles, trough the involvment with: Full Circle Soul Production,The Legendary House of Ninja, appearing on TV Show Showtime at The Apollo Theather and featured as a principal dancer and assistant choreographer for established recording artist (Cyre').
Presently while dancing for Murray Spalding Mandalas Dance Company and Kinesis Project Dance Theather, Carmela is in full partnership with Shaik (formerly Lil Shake) renowned music,video,tour choreographer, collaborating on many productions while building a new innovative dance company (CxC)=Streetstyle Contemporary.
BAM THE LIQUID ROBOT Born and raised on the lower east side. Bam has been dancing since 8 years old. Growing up with The jackson 5, Shields and Yarnell TV show and Whats Happening. Bam has learned to robot and dance early. Influenced by New York (Crush City Rockers) and West coast Style Popping. Bam has created his own style. Expanding his dance through teachers and mentors like Louie Newave, Kid Dynamo and Jazzy J. Bams Views on Youtube have increased to 8 million views without promotion. Quoted by Darrin Henson. "Stomp the Yard" and "Darrins Dance Grooves" to be New Yorks most underated popper. Bams style is now getting recognition and spreading among the youth throughout the world. He just completed his book "From The Streets To the Balcony seats" and Bam "The liquid Robot" dvd. With performances at Madison Square Garden, USS Intrepid and Directing and choreographing Break "The Urban Funk Spectacular". Bam is recieving world wide critical acclaim through the constant media attention surrounding his work. Bam wishes to share the LOVE of GOD with the world through urban dance culture.
PRINCESS LOCKEROOO (Samara Cohen) Born and raised in New York City, Princess Lockerooo is a multi-faceted performance artist, with talents ranging from, choreography, directing, costume design & artistic makeup to opera singing & circus arts. With a background and education in musical theater, Princess Lockerooo puts a theatrical twist on urban dance. She has made a name for herself in the NYC & International dance community as a performer, teacher & choreographer. Princess Lockerooo won the 2010 House Dance International Waacking competition. Most recently Lockerooo has been touring the world teaching waacking and performing in countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, London, Rome and Finland. Lockerooo has developed & continues to develop work with Akim funk Buddha such as “Carmen, The Urban Opera. “ Princess Lockerooo performed Carmen in Italy at the International Festival Civitanova Danza. Princess Lockeroo & Akim Funk Buddha have performed their work at Summer Stage, The Blue Note, The Bali Spirit Festival (Indonesia) & The BAM Café (Brooklyn Academy of Music). Princess Lockerooo is head of the NYC chapter of The Imperial House of Waacking (IHOW,) founded by Tyrone Procter (Legendary Soul Train Dancer/Choreographer.) Together they performed with Jody Watley, & IHOW at BBKINGS. Princess Lockerooo has also performed at Carnegie Hall with Hugh Masekela , Lincoln Center & the Apollo Theater. Her T.V. credits include Americas Got Talent & “So you think you can Dance?”
An advocate of children’s Arts Education, Lockerooo is proud founder of and director of Lockernation "The Next Generation," a professional performing Children’s Dance Company. Lockernation has performed with Lockerooo & Akim Funk Buddha at the Summer Stage, HDI & the BAM Café. Lockernation are winners of the “Stars of Tomorrow” Kids competition at the Apollo Theater.
Kim D. Holmes (New York, NY) Founder and Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed, Universal Dance Movement. She is a much sought after teaching artist providing international and state-wide master class level instruction for prestigious dance institutions such as the Alvin Ailey Arts and Education Foundation, Peridance, Broadway Dance Center and her company Universal Dance Movement which is devoted to exploration of movement, stories, and healing through dance emphasizing and reflecting her own diverse dance background. Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Producer, and Director this leading lady never ceases to amaze audiences worldwide as she accepts the challenge of conquering different facets of entertainment to continue to contribute and uphold the legacy of urban dance. Her artistry, talent and skill will forever be focused on the expression of movement to inspire people of all ages to love life and commit to a legacy of living to the fullest. Her philosophy states “There is no room for mediocrity only Greatness!!!!!!!!!!!!” As of October 2010 Ms. Holmes has stepped into another part of the arts acting in (For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf).
ALEX "KID DYNAMO" is a LEGENDARY HIP HOP DANCER, ROLLER-SKATER, LOCKER and CHOREOGRAPHER. KID DYNAMO was born in NEW YORK CITY and raised in MIAMI, FLORIDA and PUERTO RICO. He has been performing since he was a teenager and GRATEFUL to be accepted as THE FIRST PERSON to influence URBAN DANCE STYLES (BREAKING, LOCKING, AND POPPING) in PUERTO RICO. KID DYNAMO has performed with and for renowned artists such as DIANA ROSS, GLORIA ESTEFAN & MIAMI SOUND MACHINE, IRIS CHACON, KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND, KOOL AND THE GANG, and VICKI SUE ROBINSON. He was one of the main choreographers of the NYC INTERNATIONAL TOUR SHOW "BREAK!" The URBAN FUNK Spectacular!! KID DYNAMO has appeared in COCA-COLA, 7-UP and HERSHEY CANDY BAR commercials. Alex "KID DYNAMO" has continued his mission to inspire others through teaching and amazing audiences with his GROOVY O.G. dance styles to this day WORLD WIDE!!
CLASS DESCRIPTION: To understand the fundamentals of LOCKING and FINDING YOUR OWN GROOVE, RHYTHM, and MOVEMENT , using FUNK and HIP HOP MUSIC.
Raymond "Spex" Abbiw's career took off and he appeared in music videos with such artists as Mariah Carey, Joe, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and more. Spex also toured internationally in Japan and France. He made his off-broadway debut in the 2002 "Full Circle Productions" production "Soular Power'd" at New York's New Victory theater. He continues as a member of the Full Circle Dance Company touring throughout the U.S. and abroad including the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Class Description: Locking or Campbellocking (as it was originally known) is a dance style that was created by Don "Campbellock" Campbell in the late 1960's and was made popular by The Original Lockers in the early 1970's.This class is designed to show students the basic and fundamental components of the Locking dance style, based on the influence and techniques of The Original Lockers. Come out to learn these fundamentals and have fun with the funk of the music!
** ALYSSA & SPEX" will host a 'Locking/Whacking Fusion Class'** (Friday JUNE 24th) - This special class is specially designed to bring two of the hottest styles from the west coast community of LA , Locking and Whacking together in one unique workshop. Learn how the unique qualities within each style influence and enhance one another , resulting in an unique fusion of both of these worlds....
Founded in 2007,The Ladies of M.A.W.U.is an all-female urban dance company whose mission is to embody strong, positive images of women in the urban dance community, and to create fierce and creative works that will both educate and inspire new audiences. The ladies of MAWU are Ephrat (Bounce), Jimbo, Linda (La Naija), Lisa, Secada and Tine and the group was born out of New York's underground house community. More than just a unique group of house dancers, MAWU's strength lies in the diversity of its members, all of whom represent different backgrounds, ethnicities and performance genres including house, hip hop, freestyle, modern, ballet, African and jazz.
Since their debut at New York's monthly House Dance Conference hosted by Brian "Footwork" Green, MAWU has followed up with special appearances at The Melting Pot NYC, the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami, ¡Globaile!, Dance For Peace, Brooklyn Mecca's Female All-Stars Jam and Dance Showcase, Mr. V’s Welcome Home Album Release at Virgin Megastore, and House Dance International, New York's 1st annual house dance festival. In June of 2008 MAWU organized the first ever Circle Hog Fest—an annual event jam-packed with music, performances and good vibes. Since then, the group has performed at Buddha Stretch’s Step Ya Game Up, the Boogie Down Dance Series at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, the Afrobeat Festival with Wunmi, Fertile Ground and Asiko, and they continue to take this scene by storm one dance floor at a time.
JEFF SELBY (HUSTLE/COUPLE DANCE) has been dancing UNDERGROUND STREET STYLES for almost 25 yrs. but recalling his personal history with dance got him into "HUSTLE" (couple dancing) for 7 yrs . JEFF says.."I used to watch my parents ,aunts and uncles "two step" thats what they use to called it back then..Now I teach it with a little twist adding breaking and house to it..been teaching it for the past 4 yrs..its coming back strong !!! peace :)CLASS DESCRIPTION: The HISTORY and FUNDAMENTALS OF HUSTLE/PARTNER DANCING, DANCING with a partner. (1970's DISCO "social dancing" done to HOUSE)
JENNIFER WEBER of DECADANCE “The pioneering all female hip-hop group…a fearless coalition of b-girls,”
–The New Yorker - Since 2004, Brooklyn-based, theatrical hip-hop crew Decadancetheatre has been redefining the image of women in hip-hop. The crew represents a global vision of hip-hop culture with an international roster of dancers from the US, UK, France, Norway and Japan. DECA has toured all over the US, UK, France and Japan including performing their unique, theatrical hip-hop style at venues such as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, B Supreme Festival of Women in Hip Hop at London’s Southbank Center, LEAP 08 in Liverpool, New York City Center and Bumbershoot in Seattle. In addition, DECA has been featured on the BBC, MTV, CBS, and in The New York Times, The Village Voice, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit and XXL. Deca has received support from the Brooklyn Arts Council and a Time Out New York Bessie Award Nomination.
Class description: Theatrical hip-hop will challenge dancers of all levels to use their own movement vocabularies to create character, define narrative, and communicate a range of emotions. Through improvisation and choreographic based exercises, we push the language of hip-hop in new, and diverse directions. If hip-hop is your voice, what do you want to say?