Archie Burnett is the long time Dancing Demon, (or Dancing Dinosaur as he playfully puts it) of almost four decades, lighting the floor on fire.A well respected dancer in the Club scene, Archie Burnett has added his own personal flavor and style to the New York City way of “Gettin’ Down.”
The Original First Father of the "House of NINJA”, and deemed so by its founder and brother THE LATE WILLIE NINJA, who by now is known as "Grandfather", has been Vogueing since the early 80’s. He’s danced all over the world spreading his infectious vibe to the masses and the funky few. A sort of “Party in a Bag” so to speak.
He has taught how to reach the zone to Funky kids in the south of France, New York, Holland, Germany, Japan, Italy and London and soon to come Brazil and has two Independent films that he is featured in. “Check Your Body at the Door” a documentary about Clublife and what motivates the extraordinary dancers who perform in this arena and an informative spot in the “Maestro Documentary.” He has been quoted
In books about this scene called Clublife. “You Better Work” by Kai Finkinsher and “Love Saves the Day” by Tim Lawrence. You can presently find him documented in New York City’s very own prestigious Lincoln Center Library along with WILLIE NINJA and BRAVO.
‘His voice has also been used in the Commercial “Mirror Image a TV ad for the movie “Zoolander”, for Heineken Beer, Sam Adams Light Beer and various radio Call Spots. To coin his favorite phrase “It ain’t over…. Till it’s over!” So to all out there who think you know? BRING IT!! Because with Archie in the house it’s gonna be one TASTY RIDE!
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class will introduce you to Waacking, a style of dance that was birthed in the early 1970’s underground dance scene. Waacking surfaced on the ever ground-breaking "Soul Train," along with Vouging, a dance popularized in the underground gay scene. Stigmatized by its roots, it manages to attract a newly found respect for the art form from its participants and viewers. It is applicable and accessible to all.
Brian Green a.k.a. "Footwork", choreographer, teacher, and dancer, began dancing at eight years old. He studied tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and African for five years from Phil Black, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and the Joffrey Ballet. In 1978, his brother Oscar introduced him to Popping, a dance from California. Wanting to learn more, he entered the NYC underground dance scene. By the end of 1984, Brian understood and was a part of the hip-hop culture. For two years, he found the House and Freestyle culture in Roseland, 4Ds, Paradise Garage, and other clubs in NY. 1986, he ran into Damien and Spanky, who became his full inspiration in the House culture. Their inspiration, Brian's rhythm from tap, and his mother's intricate Hustle, Salsa, and African steps, eventually spawned a unique very fast footwork style that gave Brian his name around the underground hip hop scene of NY and abroad.
Brian has choreographed or danced with artists like Mariah Carey, MYA, Foxy Brown, Missy Eliott, Salt n' Pepa, Busta Rhymes, Barbara Tucker, EVE, Kraze, MAW (Masters at Work), and many more. In the last 10 years, his teaching has focused on the history of dances in the Funk, hip-hop, and House culture, which he has spread through the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa. Currently, Brian’s new company, WORLD SOUL, has focused on showing audiences the passion, history, and techniques that are in various dance styles. He is the 2001 American Choreographer Awards recipient for Best Hip-Hop Choreography in a Music Video for his choreography in the video called "FREE" by the artist called, MYA. BRIAN continues to travel around the world, spreading the message of GOD through the dance, and helping all who cross his path to "begin their own path" of understanding "SELF", and HOW their "GIFTS" can make a difference in "THEIR LIFE
, as well as ALL those around them. "GOD BLESS, AMEN!"
CLASS DESCRIPTION:The classes will focus on the the foundations of the dance styles of House, hip-hop, and popping. This class also focuses on the foundations in other styles of dance that are connected to the lineage/influence of these three very popular dance styles. This class will focus the basic techniques, isolations, and rhythm patterns of these dance styles. The class leaves the student with tools to work on for years to come within their individual freestyle (improvisation) as well as the ability to understand and to express the artform of these three styles in a possible routine or choreography.
James "CRICKET" Colter, is an accomplished underground Hip-hop dancer, performer and instructor out of New York City.(HOUSE, BREAK’n, etc.)
Cricket has performed internationally, on stage, television and film, and is a founding member of “Rennie Harris Puremovement”, a leading force in
hip-hop concert dance.. His explosive dance and performance style earned him a place as one of “Dance Magazines” top 25 to watch in 2006.
Currently, Cricket is researching and lecturing about hip-hop dance culture, And creating dance works with his production company called
“Crazy-Natives”.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class will focus on "PERSONAL EXPERIENCE-HOUSE MOVEMENT" from a BBOY's perspective. First, starting with a warm-up (HOUSE or HIP HOP) CRICKET will get into fundamentals on HIP HOP/HOUSE dance movement with a break-down. Next, he'll give EVERYONE a "feeling" of what others may "FEEL"when dancing to the music.....by having everyone join in one at a time to "give a step". Explaining the "why's/where's" of "social dance" and "next level thinking", followed by possible choreography. "Floor work" is definitely something to look forward to in this workshop, with CRICKET's keen sense of "The GROUND FLOOR". His fusion of both these worlds have made him info a true "EVOLUTIONIST"!
Damon Frost Los Angeles born rapper producer/dancer/illustrator, Damon "Rubberband“ Frost grew up in Hawaii and Berkley. The Rubberband’s dance career led him to Stockholm in 1986. Subsequently it is a career that has made him respected and recognized figure in the street dance community the world over. He has toured with Jam on the Groove/Rocksteady and Sweden’s most renowned street dance troupe, BouncE. Damon is also the 2004 winner of the famed Juste Debout street dance contest in the ‚popping‘ discipline. He has judged contest the world over including Battle of the Year Germany,U.K. B-Boy Championships,Juste Debout Paris and Sweden, Nordic Moves Finland,Funktastic Sweden,Funkin'Styles Germany,B-Boy Summit U.S. Euro Battle Portugal and the list goes on...His group with partner Aaron Phiri HEARIN'AID was also Grammy Nominated for their album "The Boom Lucy",which they won the prestigious P3GOLD radio award for in ´06. Little is known how he makes his music, but sonically, it is said to resemble his dancing where the laws of elasticity are severely tested. In 2010 Damon won the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at STREETSTAR Sweden.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Damon has a unique way of teaching, using combinations of fitness, song (memory), and fundamental POPPING TECHNIQUES. Once "worked out", he then explains some of the physical "watch outs" that are commonly found in some of the "old popping habits", to stay fit and longevitive in these forms of DANCE. SLOWLY but right under your nose, sharing with you some of the "little thing" secrets in just...."DANCING"..."THE GROOVE...THE FUNK"...experiencing "gettin' FUNKY with it"..."FEELING OUT HOW" to move. With DAMON's "RUBBERBAND" style or "FLOW" with rhythm and his AMAZING concepts, he is by far one of the most intense and innovative "EVOLUTIONISTS" of our time, a class NOT TO MISS!!!
Daniel E. "FUTURE" Kelley III International Dancer/Performer/Instructor/Choreographer was born and raised in the “Boogie Down Bronx”, New York City (October 25,1969), he began his pursuit of street dance in the 80`s with a Hip Hop style known as Electric Boogie at the age of ten in his neighborhood and school gatherings. He trained under pioneers such as Ol’ School Maurice, Fury, Louie New-wave and Lil Shaik. At the age of sixteen he was introduced to the club styles of House after going to clubs in Manhattan. Having mastered the Hip-hop and House styles, he began to showcase his ability to freestyle in the most challenging forum known to the street dancer-“The Circle”. In addition to dance, he trained in Martial arts with Grandmaster Shihan Dai Rai Noh of the Ketsu- Rai Blackwinds Association. This duality helped him to fuse his soulfulness with a unique control of his movements giving him an edge over the dancers who only knew how to improvise to beats. After finishing school he began to work and perform for many different companies. He is well known throughout the dance community for his unique style of dance fusing Hip Hop, House, martial arts, known as "HOUSE WAVING".
In 2007 he became the first House Dance International (World Premier Urban Dance Festival) champion in the Experimental category, and won again in 2008.In late summer/fall of 2007, Mamiko Shimura (CEO) and Future"Ninja" (A.D.) created a company called F.U.S.E.Dance,LLC. Since then Future has moved and now is the FOUNDER of "ELEMENTS OF FUTURE"..E.O.F.nyc,inc.5/2010) It's purpose amongst many, "IS" to help people become "individuals" in the dance world by providing a "FREE SOUL" environment in which to do so, NO EGOS! We also have been able to bring together a collective of well "internationally" known Dancers, Choreographers, Historians,Performers. He is currently a member of “Full Circle Productions”(a NY Hip Hop dance theater company), and the world renowned fashion, dance, and performance group the “House of Ninja”. Since Jan.2008, Future has toured other countries sharing his spiritual dance experiences with a philosophical approach called "ZEN CHI PHILOSOPHY". The TEMPLE of ZEN CHI IS a movement manifested by the practitioner, to attain enlightenment in ALL things..soul, spirit, SELF, dance, LIFE! His travels have brought him to SD CALIFORNIA, JAPAN(3x), CZECH REPUBLIC, ENGLAND, GERMANY, and MONTREAL,CANADA, and continues GOD's mission in DANCE to inspire many to "FREE THEIR MIND BODY & SOULS" and know "they are light"!!
GOD BLESS!!
CLASS DESCRIPTION: WAVING/ EXPERI-"MENTAL"-IZM - Philosophy: What is "ZEN-CHI"?..The "Meta-Physics" (Mind state) of a wave and its association with Aquatic life.
This is accompanied by music for "musicality"... HOUSE & HIP HOP... "Your first lesson is to listen," to understand YOU and your connection to "The Music". "Wave Theory", A BREAKDOWN of a wave and various "wave concepts" or "styles" of WAVING, using "MOTION STUDY to understand "WHY" it is, and then discover how IT WORKS FOR YOU!!." This includes understanding HOW to wave "through" the body..."hands, head to toe, toe to hands."Telling a story" with your wave, and its use in ADDING "ELEMENTS OF FREESTYLE"! Making sense of/with your wave and the importance of continuity using "MOTION STUDY",utilizing what "WE" have "SHARED" and "EXPERIMENT" wavestyle movements using HIP HOP and/or HOUSE MUSIC.
Salah “SPIDER SALAH" Benlemqawanssa ”INTERNATIONALDANCER, PERFORMER, INSTRUCTOR,CHOREOGRAPHER was born June 28th, 1979, in a town in North Paris, France called Saint Denis. From his early childhood through 14 years of age, Salah’s dreams and aspirations showed he was already gifted to become a World known performer. In 1995 as Salah was roller-skating in the street one day, fell in love with the movement of a Street Dancer he met who would change his world forever! Dance became his LIFE! experimenting with HIP HOP/FUNK’s “POPPING, LOCKING, AND B-BOY STYLES”. His first dance video was an advertisement for “SuperDiscount”, for music.
Since then, he has done 2 creations traveling internationally 8yrs. with the Internationally known Contemporary Company “Montalvo-Hervieu”. This Company has received 2 awards for BEST SHOW, “Le Jardin Io Io ItoIto Ito” and “Danfe”. He had also been a member of the Legendary Street Dance Crews “The Family” and “Vagabonds”. Salah began to enter and unfortunately lose most of Europe and the World’s organized “Street Dance Competitions”, but became “A Warrior of the People” because of his gifted style. This inspired him to create a Solo Show called “Og Gluby, The Dream”, and has performed in the Biggest HIP HOP events in the world. Like the USA’s show “America’s Got Talent” He then became the #1st Winner of Europe’s “Planet of Incredible Talent”, which helped him to begin an International Teaching career which has now been 9yrs. strong. “The Internet Age” has helped to bring a Worldwide audience to “one screen”, and“YOUTUBE” has helped bring World Fame to Salah for his Incredible POPPING, LOCKING, & B-BOY STYLES!
Traveling to other countries and meeting people from many walks of life has given Salah “LIFE GROWTH” in learning about himself, and others. His “MISSION” is to “SPIRITUALLY” and physically share his gift with the world in hopes of moving people in the “right direction”. “NEVER GIVE UP, YES WE CAN, AND FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY LIFE, IN ENJOYING THE DANCE”! He has become a “motivator” for
young people and older alike for many around the world through his workshops. Salah has gained respect and notoriety from the International “OLD SCHOOL” HIP HOP Community, and has been a BIG infl uence for the NEW GENERATION.
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 with Leonard Markham’s, “DancerFit” fitness program video; video production credits with Warner Bros. ’ recording artist Jonathan Butler; Def Jam/CBS’s recording artist, 3rd Base and Motown recording artist, Diana Ross.
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 [Hip-Hop, House and Jazz]!
CLASS DESCRIPTION Chris "SHAIK" Mathis of the Universal Underground Dance Movement will specialize in the true form of:
STREET JAZZ and FREESTYLE
A BREAKDOWN OF NEW JACK SWING DANCE
(From the NEW JACK SWING MUSIC ERA)
ELEMENTS OF STREET STYLE HIP-HOP
EASTCOAST/WESTCOAST POPPING MASH-UP
A FUSION of ALL STYLES INTO A CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTINE
"FITNESS WARM-UP"