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Confessions of a Serial Dancer - by Trina

 
I pull the hood of my jacket over, half covering my sweaty face; I am exhausted. These are the confessions of a serial dancer.
Since I started this blog about 5 or so years ago, I couldn't imagine how big it was going to get. I would post everyday for a year and then it would slow down until eventually I stopped completely about 2 years ago.

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has ever read an article, left a comment, gave me compliments and great feedback. I'm looking at picking up blogging again, this time with the original domain this blog was hosted on, which is hiphop.org.au.

Another huge passion project of mine is Ace Dance Studios. I founded this dance school with a friend after running D2MG City Studio and being kicked out of our building. Times were tough, and they still are, so I'm on that constant hustle.


It's been really good so far dancewise:

- we had a massive bboy event called Destructive Steps 2 to open our studio with; we brought down Bboy Beast, Bboy Mickey and luckily Bboy Blond was here to join their team (they entered and won).

- we held workshops with the legendary Mr Wiggles and Suga Pop at the end of 2010

- our open day with free classes and a battle was a great success

- our new event concept of a Mind Control battle was well received and we're looking at doing this on a larger scale.

Now 2011 will be even bigger.

Trina
mr wiggles, trina, caramell, ace dance studios
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Trina - Waacking/Punking Workshop @ D2MG Studio
Saturday, 21 November, 2pm - 3pm
$13 D2MG members, $15 non-members


Fresh from a 2 week dance training holiday in New York's dance studios and underground nightclubs, Trina is bringing sexy back with the fierce, sassy styles of Waacking and Punking with a hint of Vogueing. Leave your inhibitions behind! Register now >>

Trina


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D2MG Christmas Party Sat 20th Dec 2008!

December 11th 2008 12:50
Celebrate the holiday season with us as we bring back the block party and the soul train! D2MG has invited a range of dance schools around Sydney to be a part of our event, including DarrioStreet, Dancekool, Dance Central and Caramell, with DJ Libre on the decks along with many other special guest DJ, MCs and beatboxers to make up one big jam session. Help keep us alive with a $5 donation or more, and feel free to BYO. See you there!

www.d2mg.com

D2MG Christmas Party 2008
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Sexy Stylin' dance courses by Trina

November 12th 2008 10:45
So after all the feedback from some girls that we meet at bboy events, and from some of the bboys themselves wanting their girls to take some dance classes, here's something you guys might be interested in. I am starting Sexy Stylin' courses, a concept I came up with that includes a fusion of styles with a common sexy feel to it. The beginners course started just yesterday but there are still some spots left in the course and next Tuesday is the deadline as it is a 5 week course that may perform at our end of year Christmas Party. Hope to see some more faces there!

Sexy Stylin' by Trina
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Here's your chance to join Australia's #1 ranked Melbourne-based Hip Hop dance crew, Beatphonik. Winning the 2008 Australian Hip Hop Championships earlier this year, the crew is holding auditions for male dancers only, this coming weekend in Melbourne, so you can have a chance to be part of an amazing group of talented dancers.

Become a part of the Australian Hip Hop Championship Crew of 2008 - BEATPHONIK!

Auditions are being held THIS SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER for male dancers only.

We are based in Melbourne, Australia and are only accepting applications from male dancers who live in Melbourne or are planning to re-locate within the area.

Time: 3pm Sunday 16 November. Call backs 8pm Wednesday 19 November

Venue: Unitd Styles Dance Studio, Cnr Chapel St & Brighton Rd, St Kilda East.

Your chance to join Australia's current Hip Hop Champions as Beatphonik are currently holding 2009 auditions for Male Dancers only. We are based in Melbourne, Australia and are only accepting applications from dancers who live in Melbourne or are planning to re-locate within the area.

Please allow 2 days for the Audition process.

DAY 1: First round of auditions
DAY 2: Call backs
DAY 3: Final call backs

Auditions dates & times:
Registration at 3pm on Sunday 16th of November & call backs at 8pm, Wednesday 19th of November

Venue: Unitd Styles Dance Studio, Cnr Chapel St & Brighton Rd, St Kilda East.

To register: WWW.BEATPHONIK.COM
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Movie Preview - CENTRE STAGE: TURN IT UP

Turn it up movie poster


Return to the Centre Stage phenomenon with new passions and partners as Sony Pictures Releasing brings the amped-up, high-energy Centre Stage: Turn It Up to cinemas on October 30!

All self-taught dancer Kate Parker has ever wanted to do was perform with the American Academy of Ballet. But when she doesn’t make it after auditioning, she learns that it takes more than precision and perfection to succeed in the dance world. With a turn in a cutting-edge hip-hop club and the help of a good-looking former hockey player, she may just find the passion she needs to make her dreams come true. Peter Gallagher (TV’s “The O.C.”) and a cast of hot up-and-coming stars including newcomers Rachele Smith and Kenny Wormald rock to a new beat in this unmissable sensation!

Starring Rachele Brooke Smith, Kenny Wormald, Peter Gallagher, Ethan Stiefel and directed by Australian filmmaker, Steven Jacobson

Only at the Movies! October 30 For more infomation, visit the official website.

Preview the trailer:

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Alvin De Castro, Director of Beatphonik
Alvin De Castro, Director of Beatphonik
For one day only, Alvin De Castro, Director of Beatphonik (Melbourne), the #1 Hip Hop dance crew in Australia is holding exclusive workshops this Sunday, 19th October at D2MG Hip Hop Academy. Winning the 2008 Australian Hip Hop Championships and planning to return to the World Hip Hop Championships in 2009, Alvin is a force in the Australian Hip Hop dancing scene. Don't miss your chance to learn from one of the best in Australia!

Check out his stuff on youtube.com/alvindecastro, or peep our Youtube account, iheartD2MG to see what he taught our D2MGers Wendy, Lenny, Pauler and Trina during the October 2008 long weekend.

Details
Date: Sunday, 19th October 2008 @ D2MG Hip Hop Academy

Location: Kent House Entry, Level 8, 88 Liverpool St, Sydney

Workshops:

Beginner/Intermediate | 6pm - 7.30pm

Advanced | 7.30pm - 9pm


Cost:
$20 per class (D2MG members), $22 per class (non members)

Limited spaces. Bookings only guaranteed when payment is received in full prior to workshop. To reserve your place, drop into D2MG HHA by Saturday 18th October.


For more info email trina@d2mg.com or visit our website www.d2mg.com

Beatphonik
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My thoughts on Looze Control 2008

September 2nd 2008 10:39
There's always controversy regarding the results of a Hip Hop dance competition in Australia - the most recent being Looze Control, Grand Finals which were held last Saturday 30th August in Sydney. Being one of eight judges, a quarter of the Artistic judges, our critera comprised 60% of the total score, while the other four Technical judges were worth 40%.

The results were:


1st Place - Seapuuog (South East Asian Poppers United Under One Group)
2nd Place - Doppelgangers (A German word meaning "a ghostly counterpart of a living person")
3rd Place - Random Select


Now I've heard and seen so many ignorant comments related to this competition, and I felt like I had to get this off my chest to get over it and move on, and so I don't have to keep repeating and justifying my judging to other people.

Many people believed Doppelgangers should have won and Limited Edition should have scored a place. That's the main controversy, so let me break it down for those still reeling from the results.

The main things that separated DG and SPG were: technique and narrative.

Technique: This falls under both Artistic and Technical criteria. In the Artistic realm, it comes down to the "Old School/New School" section which favours a variety of styles as long as they are ALL done true to form and proper technique is shown. Many groups forget that in order to score for their variety of styles, they have to be able to do them properly at the very least, otherwise it doesn't count.

SEAPUUOG

SEAPUUOG


One of the videos of SPG on Youtube had a comment stating that the person didn't realise Looze Control was a Popping competition and I've heard many similar things. Well they obviously don't realise Popping is a style on its own under the umbrella term of Hip Hop dance. They used other styles like the scarecrow, robot, animation, strobing, boogaloo, waving and snaking. Not only did they use a variety of styles, they did them really well, their technique was strong and consistent throughout all styles and within their group.

SPG also told a narrative that made their show extremely engaging. This narrative incorporated their routines seamlessly and transitions were smooth. It wasn't just, do a few moves then run into next formation, then some more moves then run to another formation. They were all in character throughout the whole time they were on stage, and the showcase evoked different emotions throughout, so it had a great use of dynamics.

They really played on the Wizard of Oz theme; the Scarecrow doing the Scarecrow style, Tin Man doing Robot and Animation, etc I thought that was very clever, although most people didn't get it.

DOPPELGANGERS

Doppelgangers


The opening of the show was a great way to start, and the ending was CRAZY! It would've been better if there were some sort of storyline to take the audience through and keep consistency of the theme. The narrative is like a thread that strings all the routines together - that would've made it a bit more engaging.

There were some routines that were marked down I suppose for the lack of technique. It comes down to being able to do styles properly.

Limited Edition

These guys had a great show too, but there were a couple of mistakes and times they were out of sync, which is hard to do with so many people. I think the biggest drawback was the lack of consistency in the show with the theme and routines - the costumes and the opening scene set a mood for that 1920-40s cabaret style atmosphere but some of the songs and styles didn't really fit that mood, like "dance too much booty in your pants" kinda threw me off. There were a lot of random bits, which made us feel like the show was kinda all over the place.

So that's all I'm gonna say about that, I was just one judge out of 8 and I hope that brought some insight to those who wanted it. People can say whatever they want to make themselves feel better but those are the types who will always lose out because they don't ask why, and learn from what happened, they just shut out reality and continue to make the same mistakes again.

Goodnight.

1st - SEAPUUOG



2nd - Doppelgangers



3rd - Random Select



Limited Edition

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Sydney Street Stylin'

April 14th 2008 14:05
Cibby threw up a nice post yesterday about a short video I sent him that my boyfriend made with 7 bboys, a bgirl and 2 trickers. I want to give this video as much exposure as I can because I really love it and not because i'm biased either - see for yourself. It sends chills down my spine each time I watch it, the music is fitting and adds to a "film noir"-type mood. It highlights the best that Sydney has to offer both in local artistic and physical talent; the classic backdrop is shown in a beautiful, different light to what you'd normally see during the busy city days and the slovenly nightlife.

sydney street stylin bboy breakdancers bgirl trickers flips corkscrew skb sydney australia


For a moment it doesn't feel like Sydney, but an older, distant place in Europe. Far from the usual picturesque postcards of Bondi Beach, koalas or the Sydney Opera House, the dim glow of the view from the street level is reminiscent of the lifestyles of the same street dancers and trickers in the video - our underground community. Some struggle for recognition and respect from the broader community, others becoming nonchalant after trying for so long.

Enjoy, and show some love

On another note, directly after the end scene in this video, a man was hit by a Lexus at the intersection before the traffic lights turned green. He flipped into the air and landed smack on the pavement, blood gushing out of his head. A rush of pedestrians who witnessed the accident ran to his assistance and to the car that hit him, carrying a bunch of guys wanting to show off after seeing all the filming going on. They were screaming at the people in the car, "DON'T MOVE!!! STAY THERE! WE'RE CALLING THE POLICE!!!" I think the guy who got hit survived, although we're not sure. I hope he is ok, and if he finds this post, please email or comment to let us know you're ok.

Sydney Street Stylin'
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So now that the word is out about my new dance studio, I'm gonna be posting our events and stuff here more regularly just to try and help us out. This Friday we're holding a part 2 of the Back to the 90s workshop we held a few weeks ago, special (i.e. FREE) for UNSW ARC D2MG members (because they're probably broke as balls as most university students are), and normal class prices for everyone else.

It's during the day on Friday since it's university holidays, and I'll be teaching a partner routine to No Diggity. The theme is the 90s, which means all the classes will be taught to music from the 90s, since it was the best decade for R&B/Hip Hop IMHO, and watch out for our next special workshops, starring the Prince of Pop, the legendary Michael Jackson, in late April. I'll be teaching Hip Hop/Funk to "Smooth Criminal" ooo yeah can't wait.

D2MG Hip Hop Dance classes back to the 90s workshops part 2
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Well I've kept it on the low but I thought I should write about it now - my dream of running my own dance studio has come true Since the beginning of this year, I've opened up my very own D2MG Hip Hop Academy, as an extension of a university club I used to run, now with our own base in a handy location right in the middle of Sydney CBD.

Starting out with dance classes and then expanding into DJ courses, MC sessions, graffiti and beatboxing workshops, it's a humble and very ghetto place hidden away like treasure with a gold mine of Hip Hop dancing resources. We're one of the few places that teach real street style dancing, more like America's Best Dance Crew than Australia's SYTYCD (boring!)

We like to focus on the development of students with our intensive performance courses, with a range of casual classes for those who aren't so serious about dancing. Check us out at www.d2mg.com. If you want... you don't have to you know, it doesn't bother us, I mean there are things outside of dance anyway...
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Doppelgangers win looze control 2008 sydney auditions 1
Doppelgangers


The first heats of the Looze Control "Urban" (hate that word) Crew competition held last night at Wenty Leagues Club dragged on but it was worth it to see my bestfriend Lenny's crew take it out in a well deserved win. It was even more special as it was their debut performance as a crew - Doppelgangers (look it up). I was supposed to judge but because of some dramas I stood down and will judge the other heats and finals but for those who care, here are some of my comments on their performance.


[EDIT: Video has been removed until after they compete in Australian Hip Hop Champs]


1. They were really tight, more synchronized than all the other crews who would try to balance this with impressive tricks and funny skits.

2. They were entertaining and had a lot of stage presence, while doing large amounts of choreography, instead of too many skits, formation changes and tricks here and there.

3. I liked:
- Chux's high kick
- Chux sliding onto the floor grabbed by Lenny into perfect formation
- Chux and Lenny's kissing skit; their disgusted faces were hilarious
- Raymond and Roni's partner spin
- The punching line where Raymond gets knocked out by either Ella or Roni (can't tell)
- the Ne-Yo partner routine; all I could see was Chux's "Prince" face and the way he was looking at Jessica, it was sex. It sent shivers down my spine and elsewhere. They are the partners second from the right.
- The cheesy SMILE. So Lenny, so love it.
- Locking to Gym Class Heroes' "Clothes Off". Love it, and Jet flashing his abs.

[EDIT: Video has been removed until after they compete in Australian Hip Hop Champs]


looze control 2008
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360 freestyle crew battle unsw toilet funk 9 winners
The winners - Toilet Funk 9

Thanks to Danis for bugging reminding me to do a second post on the 360 Crew Battles, which is now possible thanks to LittleFoot and others for the footage and Hentaimaster for the pictures which will be uploaded soon on www.d2mg.com. This is not all the footage, just a select few.

As part of my judge's showcase, my students performed a teaser (which is not shown in the following video), and then the teachers at my dance studio, D2MG did a style demonstration (Jessica's Street Jazz is also cut out of this video.) Hence we have:

Shogun: Locking
Rod: House
Eriko: Soul Punking
Danis Kool: King Tut, Animation
(SKB) Luke, Jojo and Don: Bboying
Chux: Krumping

D2MG Style Showcase


Preliminary - Toilet Funk 9 (Winners) vs. Mak10


Semi-finals - Treble, Bass & Soul vs. Watermelon Bandits



FINALS - Toilet Funk 9 vs. Watermelon Bandits
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360 freestyle crew dance battle critical hype roundcircle trina d2mg


I have to say that the 360 Freestyle Battle Competition last Saturday night was the best dance event I've ever been to. Brought by Critical Hype in conjunction with Round Circle Entertainment, these guys did an amazing job with the event, especially for their first time, with room for improvement, but hey that's how it usually goes.

I was asked to judge at this event, a bit skeptical at first because they wanted to factor in crowd-judging in the criteria, and dancers know that would be a big mistake. We were a panel of 5 judges and we made a few unpopular decisions but were supported by the majority of dancers so there wasn't too much controversy.

I guess this post is intended for those who went, or heard about the event; for those who don't know anything about the event, just watch the videos. It shows how amazingly talented the underground street dancers are - don't waste your time on SYTYCD

Shout out to Jerome and El, MC Tuppz and DJs D-Kutz and Xile for their awesome effort.

Couple of comments/feedback:

1. Just to let everyone know there was a miscommunication with my Judge's showcase - it was a style demonstration, where all the teachers from D2MG Hip Hop Academy showed their specialty, after my student showcase from my Intermediate Intensive Performance Course.

2. The reason why Juse Crew lost against Treble, Bass & Soul was that our criteria consisted mainly of musicality and versatility. We felt that Juse Crew did not have much of these, it was entertaining but not what we were looking for in a battle.

3. I do not agree with one of the other judge's comments about Krump Etiquette being applied to the freestyle battles. These battles have time limits, they are BATTLES which means you don't wait for someone to get ready to get in the middle to do their thing, they miss out. It's called COMMANDO and demonstrates presence and battle skills. Besides, battle criteria should have been stated at the beginning of the event, so that's another thing to learn.

4. To the guy from a certain crew who claimed that I was biased because one crew I voted for had teachers at my studio, get your facts straight because I had teachers from my studio in most of the crews, same with the other judges and we all have ties with most of the dancers because it's such a small community so stop bitching and start practicing more.

5. No one likes sore losers. You're all winners until you start talking sh*t about everyone and everything else to avoid thinking about why you lost in the first place.

6. I just gotta comment that there were many times during the night where dancers had the most appropriate part of a song, and really used it to their advantage. We like that. It makes us wet our pants.

7. The final decision was UNANIMOUS, it was such a close battle but the winning team, Toilet Funk 9 showed more versatility within individual dancers as well as within their crew, they had slightly better use of musicality and had a bigger presence as a crew.

Just some advice for crew battles in the future (take it or leave it, agree or disagree):


- DO NOT count in your routines, it's a freestyle battle. Many crews did this after I had told everyone not to. Lose points for not listening.

- Integrating routines in a freestyle battle is ok as long as it is balanced with freestyles (and one person at a time per crew please) and I find that this works well after someone's solo, or if its a large number of people then anytime is fine but just make sure you're synchronised.

- This takes time, but the more you spend time with your crew, the more you know what they're capable of, their moves and their sets so you can read them during battle and play along. The winners, Toilet Funk 9 did this really well, as well as Watermelon Bandits at some stages, but everyone in the crew should be paying attention to the battle, to support their teammate or to diss the other team. Be alert!

Videos and pictures will be posted in the part 2 of this review (when I have time please bare with me!)
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SYTYCD - Top 20 - Week 01

February 17th 2008 10:46
Skipped a few episodes before settling on the first live show with the Top 20, there wasn't really much to talk about because there was so much damn crying, about an hour of each ninety minute episode that it became ridiculous, especially if you watched The Biggest Loser before SYTYCD (although they have more believable sob stories). Obviously they think that the audience like hearing sob stories and seeing drama, but we've seen the American season, we just wanna see more dancing. Let's just remember that there's no such thing as reality tv, so no surprises with at least one of the dancers in each partnership doing their own style.

First up is Rhiannon and JD doing Hip Hop, which is their forte and probably could've been done a bit better if JD took control over the choreography (obviously didn't get along well with with guest choreographer, Manuela). Chris Brown's 'Kiss Kiss' is being smashed by all the Hip Hop classes around Australia at the moment, so not surprised with the song choice. It was so interesting when Jason noticed they weren't completely in unison, hitting either the beginning or the end of the beat. Not many people even realise this is possible, it's either hit the beat or don't. What was up with Natalie's question: "Have you arrived?" I mean aafter performing and still on a high, what would you say to that, "umm yes I just came".

Courtenay aka crybaby is doing lyrical street jazz with Hilton, a crowd favourite, in a Romeo and Juliet inspired routine. I typed through most of it and hope Hilton stays until the top 4 at least and Courtenay leaves after this week. They seemed a bit unstable, doing a couple of lifts. Matt comments that Courtenay is likeable (gag) but fakes her technique well and Bonnie noted that Courtenay cried a lot.

The cute ballerina with the really high pitched voice, Vanessa has teamed up with finance student Henry for Salsa, his forte. It was nice to see that neither of them had opted for fake tan, seeing how much skin they were both showing so hopefully a large part of the audience will remember there's nothing healthy about a tan, and you don't need one to look sexy. [EDIT: so far I haven't seen anyone with an unhealthy tan] Lots of flashy moves and tricks.

Camilla and Seramsah do Musical Theatre. Seramsah is so insecure, so unsure and never satisfied with himself. But that routine was HOT and he's one of my favourites now, even though he majorly stuffed up on the lift. They work really well together, nice partnership.

Jemma and Rhys get the Waltz. Rhys' dad is so cool, what a great supporter. Their routine feels really magical with the gorgeous white dress and sparkly white lights, wow. A nu skool waltz to Celine Dion, so beautiful. Jason and I share this routine as our favourites.

Laura and Anthony doing Contemporary Lyrical. It was a nice, real routine, in that it was something that a lot of people 20y/o in a relationship could relate to, signified by the matching black slip and pajama pants as though they were just any other couple with issues.

Stephanie and Marko will be Jive-ing in some punk gothic outfits. There seems to be a flip in nearly every routine. Matt has to stop pointing because his hand covers his face a lot (although a lot of people I know would prefer that). I agree with Jason in not getting the costumes and music with the style of dance, Bonnie disagrees with him but doesn't say how.

Kate and Khaly doing Jazz, and I agree with Jason again, wondering what the routine was about... it seemed like less of a partnership throughout the whole routine and more about showing each's own strengths but Khaly still has my vote because he's a good friend of mine and I hope he gets a lot of support. I really want to see him progress and do other styles (I wish Don was still in the competition though!)

Demi! My favourite bgirl (the illest bgirl in the country) and Jack are doing Boogaloo. It's interesting that they're calling it Boogaloo and not just Popping, probably because Nacho told them so (he's not a Hip Hop dancer, he's a Popper-Boogaloo style, just to get it straight). For those who have seen Nacho perform many times before can recognise his favourite tracks and moves and they pulled it off with their pimp 'fits. At least people are learning more about funk styles. I hope they do some (proper) locking routines in the future.

One more routine before we switch off the tv, Kassy and Graeme doing lyrical Hip Hop which is Kassy's style choreographed by Yannus... and lyrical Hip Hop is becoming more like contemporary lyrical but danced to R&B.

I wish they brought Cat Deeley, host of the American version down here to host the show.

Goodnight.
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Welcome, 2008. You're mine.

January 16th 2008 06:06
I felt really inspired recently to get back to my neglected blogs and start writing. Although my mind is filled with more business-related rather than creative writing ideas, I'll try, for the people who keep reading and supporting me, anonymously and consistently.

2007 was a great year for many people I know. It laid the foundation and gave some great opportunities that opened doors in the dance world. Many of my friends made it through several rounds of the So You Think You Can Dance Australia auditions, and a few have made it through to the top 30 and one in the top 20.

My boyfriend of is in La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House, an Italian love story set in Paris where he plays "The Most Handsome Man in France" and ends the first half by walking in with a boom box, decked out in a gold tracksuit and doing a (breakdancing) set.

I have successfully opened my own dance studio (last year we went through a trial period) dead smack in the middle of Sydney CBD and achieved my dream of establishing the D2MG Hip Hop Academy. Competition is fierce, and running a studio is difficult whilst working full-time but at the same time it's the realisation of my dreams coming to life that keeps me going. I asked for all this, there's no point in complaining that it's too hard, or give a half-assed attempt at sustaining my dreams.

shaun evaristo
Shaun Evaristo: My dance idol.
Last week, another one of my dreams came true when I managed to secure an exclusive workshop with one of my dance idols, Shaun Evaristo from Gen2/The Company/The Camp. He's almost religiously followed by those in the underground Hip Hop dance scene (what a niche) and no one could believe it when I told them the news. Time's running out because it's in two weeks time on the 29th January, and there'll only be ONE workshop in SYDNEY because of tight schedules. I'll post more details after I get all the promo stuff sorted, so this is just a heads up for now.

What a great start to the year, what an amazing thing it is, to know that you will eventually get what you ask for, if you just believe its possible, believe in yourself and in the people who support you.

I just wanna say hello to all the readers and let you guys know that I'd love to hear from you, just email me trina@hiphop.org.au.
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I'm sure many people who went to one of Justin Timberlake's concerts enjoyed the dancing and maybe even wondered where they can learn to dance like Marty Kudelka (Justin's choreographer) and the rest of the crew. That's where we were fortunate enough to host the Future.Sex.Love.Groove workshops where Marty, Skye, Nick and Eddy taught four hours each of some world class Hip Hop and Street Funk.

marty kudelka project element future sex love groove dance workshop sydney australia
Marty Kudelka
With four classes running simultaneously and not knowing which to choose, I had just missed out on Nick's smooth moves to Musiq Soulchild's "Just Friends". Knowing how intricate and fine detailed the choreography would be, at least my brain was fresh for gorgeous Marty's chilled "For the night' routine, also by Musiq Soulchild.

I have even more respect for him after he sat us down after class to have an open question and answer session, and explained how the style that he's teaching, and that is popular today may be known as "Hip Hop", but the true Hip Hop styles are bboying/bgirling, popping, locking, boogaloo and so forth. It's so refreshing to see a teacher actually give a brief history lesson and get the facts straight to his students straight up.

The very sexy Eddy made us work in his routine to Beyonce's "Baby Boy". It's kinda hard concentrating when you're constantly checking out the teacher. Skye went old school and taught us his favourite style, Locking, which I'm glad to see many of the students enjoyed. It is a fun and funky style after all, one of my favourites also along with wacking which he just touched upon.

I can't wait to see the Project Element DVD with their interviews and snapshots of routines. There's footage up on Youtube from other countries using the same routines but it's so worth being actually taught by these guys and not from a video...

We'll work on holding more workshops like these, and making them more affordable and accessible as the demand is increasing more and more these days, especially with the rise of tv show So You Think You Can Dance. Which reminds me I have yet to post about, after hanging out at the Sydney auditions...

Write soon!
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buzz monkey national breakdance hip hop competition canberra
Click to enlarge


Saturday 24th November 2007 at 3:00pm - AIS Arena Canberra

The Buzz Monkey National Hip Hop and Breakdance Championships has been put together to celebrate the new urban dance culture hitting Australia by storm. Dance is one of the fastest growning sports with in Australia and the world.

Come and celebrate one of the biggest urban dance competitions on the Australian dance calender with some of the best hip hop and break dancers around Australia competing for the title of Australia's best and a total prize pool of $25,000!

Also guest DJ's appearances by DJ Samurai, DJ Mathmatics and DJ Rush.

With guest appearances and performances by Joel Turner and the Boyz and BStarz (A popular local ACT Hip Hop Group). Also America's top brekadancers Ronnie, Roland and Frankie Flave as international judges and local hip hop judges and many more celebrity appearances and performances through out the night along with the competition itself.

Ticket are avaliable at Ticketek as of Monday 3rd of September. Be in quick before you miss out

VENUE: AIS Arena Canberra, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce ACT
TIME: 3PM

HIP HOP JUDGES DARRIO - DARRIO STREET
FRANCIS - KULTURE BREAK ACT
TRINA - SHADY CREW | Hiphop.org.au | Dancing.net.au | D2MG Hip Hop Society - Chairperson.

BBOY JUDGES:
FRANKIE FLAVE - KILLAFORNIA - LA
ROLAND - KILLAFORNIA - VEGAS / LA
RONIE - FULL FORCE - VEGAS

FULL CREW COMPETITION.
10 VS 10
$6000 PRIZE MONEY

1 ON 1 HIP HOP AND BBOY COMPETITION
1ST $5000 PRIZE MONEY
2ND $2500 PRIZE MONEY
3RD $1000 PRIZE MONEY
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SYTYCD Week 3 - Jessi

September 29th 2007 11:39
Ahh poor Jessi. She was my favourite female besides Sabra and after suffering from dehydration then being voted off... sucks. I was glad that she was given the chance to perform that HOT hot hot Cha-cha routine. Pasha was pretty damn sexy when he first performed with the choreographer's assistant, but when he danced again with Jessi it was all eyes on her. SO hot. Can't believe she got voted off, but maybe it was for her own good, for her own health (of course there's rumours about her being bulimic).

I just Googled Jessi and I was surprised by all thr hate of Ms 'Baby Oil' as they refer to her. Ouch. She did respond via Facebook to all her press:

jessi pasha so you think you can dance bird jazz
Jessi aka 'Baby Oil'
Dear Everyone,

Due to the unbelievable number of posts, I felt it best to directly respond and clear up the different issues raised regarding my dismissal.
First, I am fine! The situation with my health was a temporary case of dehydration. After undergoing extensive testing, I was declared healthy and fit to dance.
Second, I would like to rebut some of the theories that have been raised.
1 I am NOT pregnant... (I don't even have a boyfriend, yet... how can we find out if Pasha reads this?.. wink.gif
2 I do NOT and have never had an eating disorder. I pride myself in eating healthy and natural foods with the occasional IN-and-OUT Burger...
3 I did NOT have a pre-existing medical condition that I left undisclosed to producers.
4 I do NOT now nor have I EVER touched a drug in my life... Come on say it with me.."JUST SAY NO!"

I just want to express my DEEPEST gratitude to each and every person who signed the petition and has taken the time to voice his or her opinion. Your efforts on my behalf have been overwhelming and have been a huge comfort to me during all this. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel and the whole SYTYCD prod. Team. Because I was fighting to keep my composure on the show, I was unable to express my gratitude. I am TRULY honored to have been part of the show and have no regrets about the way it all ended. I thank them whole-heartedly for allowing me to live my dream, if only for a short time.

Who knows..? I believe in miracles. With God's help maybe your petition is a miracle in the making...

Your Baby Oil, Suitcase, funny outfits, wacky dance moves girl... (did I leave anything out?)
JESSI

My favourites from the show were Sabra and Dom's Rumba as I had posted before (I think? I have a really bad memory) that inspired me to learn it, although I'm having trouble finding teachers in Sydney. Also Jessi and Pasha (at the Results show) and Hok & Jaimie's crazy ass Jazz routine.

Sabra & Dominic - Rumba


Hok & Jaimie - Jazz


Jessi & Pasha - Cha-cha
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so you think you can dance australia auditions sydney melbourne brisbane adelaide canberra hobart darwin perth

"SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?"
Calling all Movers and Shakers in Melbourne!


The Search for Australia's Favourite Dancer Is Now On!
'So You Think You Can Dance' Is Looking For People With Incredible Dance Abilities


This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Australians (18-35 yrs) to perform to millions and win a professional dance prize, hard cash and the title- Australia's Favourite Dancer. If you have a passion to perform Urban and Street Styles, Classical Technique, Acrobatic Hip-Hop, Commercial Pop-Routenes, Ballet, Contemporary, Traditional, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Avante Garde, Exotic, Lyrical Storytelling, or your own creative fusions it is time to show us your stuff! We want to see it all. Come down and get involved in the most exciting new television event this year...

Contestant Requirements
You Must Be 18-35 Years Old On the Date Of Your Audition
Auditions Are Open To All Professional & Amateur Dancers
Contestants Must Be Avalilable Exclusively To The Production For The Following Periods
1 Week Between 13/11/07 & 07/12/07
04/02/08 - 04/05/08
You Must Bring To the Audition The Following
2 commercially available CD's purchased from a physical store, no downloads or remixes allowed. You may have to dance to these.
ID - Drivers License, passport or Birth Certificate

Melbourne
Date: Saturday 27 and 28th Octctober 2007
Venue: Melbourne Olympic Park Function Centre
Swan Street (via Entrance D), Melbourne, VIC 3000
Callbacks: Tuesday 30th October, Venues TBA

If you dance with a partner or in a group make sure you bring your partners. Hot Ballroom and Latin isn't half as sexy as when you fly solo and a choreographed piece for 5 isn't the same on your own.
Week after week the chosen finalists will be challenged by a fusion of hot dance styles such as Tango, Rumbas, krump, Jive, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Samba, Popping and Locking, Blues, Broadway, Paso Doble and Mambo to name just a few.
If you are up for the adventure of a lifetime and you think you have what it takes to become Australia's favourite dancer, you will be judged by three of the most accomplished australian-based dancer/choreographers in the world. They'll be seeing you soon but only if you come.
Dress to impress. There's a $500 cash prize for the weirdest, wildest, most wonderfully presented dancer at EVERY audition centre.
All contestants must bring with them their own piece of music to perform infront of the judges. It MUST be ona commercially purchased CD.

You also must be prepared to perform a routine to one of the following ten commercial tracks:
Candy man - Christina Aguilera
Right now - Pussycat Dolls
We run this - Missy Elliott
Can't stop - Missy Elliott
Feeling good - Michael Buble
In the mood - Glenn Miller
Thanks for the memories - Fallout Boy
Good times - Jimmy Barnes & INXS
I like about you - The Romantics
Chasing cars - Snow Patrol

Good Luck Australia!
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YES folks, the rumours are true, there will be an Australian version of the highly successful reality tv series So You Think You Can Dance. So far I have information for Sydney. It's not easy finding this information on the web, so HERE are the details from a credible industry source:

megan gale to host so you think you can dance australia
Will Megan Gale host So You Think You Can Dance - Australia?
The search for Australia's favourite dancer is now on!
Auditions for So You Think You Can Dance (Australia - Sydney)


When: Saturday 3rd November & Sunday 4th November
Where: Sydney Entertainment Centre
Time: Doors open 9am. Please be early to register.

The audition is open to dancers of all styles -solos, duos or groups.
The age limit is 18-35.

All levels are welcome.

Please prepare a 1.5 minute routine and bring music.

According to Wikipedia, the judges are rumoured to be Janette Howard, Kirsten Dunst and Kenny. HAHAHA someone f*cked around with the info. No, I've heard that it will be hosted by Megan Gale and the judges... well who knows. I'd like to see Ramon Doringo, Director of Dance Classes judging, because he has a big personality in a small Filipino body (represent!) and I'm hoping they stay away from judges that have been on other similar shows in Australia. Who's going to be well-rounded enough to judge Hip Hop? Hmmm...

I'm really excited to see the quality of dancers because Australia has a lot of talented people out there, moreso in other styles (especially Latin and Ballroom) than in Hip Hop.

I'll keep you guys posted on anything else I hear!!!

[EDIT] The complete info:

• You must be between 18 and 35 on the 1st of February, 2008.
• You can be either a profession or amateur dancer.
• You must be an Oz citizen or permanent resident.
• Contestants must be available exclusively to the production for the following periods:
- 1 Week Between 13/11/07 & 07/12/07
- 04/02/08 - 04/05/08
• You need to bring 2 commercially available CDs purchased from a physical store, no downloads or remixes allowed, which you may have to dance to.
• You need to bring a drivers licence, passport of birth certificate.

The auditions are going down at the following locations:

Adelaide
Date: Sunday 7th October, 2007
Venue: Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Grainger Studios,
91 Hindley Street ADELAIDE SA 5000

Brisbane
Date: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October 2007
Venue: RNA Showgrounds, Coffee Club Auditorium
Gregory Terrace BOWEN HILLS QLD 4006

Perth
Date: Sunday 21st October, 2007
Venue: Burswood Theatre
Great Eastern Highway
BURSWOOD WA 6100

Melbourne
Date: Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October, 2007
Venue: Melbourne Olympic Park Function Centre
Swan Street (via Entrance D)
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Sydney
Date: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November 2007
Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre
35 Harbour Street
DARLING HARBOUR NSW 2000

Another rumoured host: Ex Big Brother Bree Amer
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So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 Week 2

September 20th 2007 11:53
Before I start my recap of this week's SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) show, let me just vent about perverted freaks. I was innocently getting my mail from my Post Office box when a man went in with me to get his. So I get my letters and before I close the box I hear him say "just suck me off!"

What the f---? I felt so violated. Then I called my man to tell him about incident, hoping to get some reassurance. And you know what, he jokingly just said the same thing to me! Pft. Men. Then I reminded him that SYTYCD was on tonight, but I forgot that he is actually dancing when people like me are watching other people dance instead (hey, Thursday night is my dancing night off).

Anyway it's nice to come home to SYTYCD to forget about the suck off remark(s) and while this week's routines weren't as impressive as last week's, it was nice to see the growing partnerships and chemistry between the couples, especially my favourites Sabra and Dominic, Lacey and Kameron, Pasha and Jessi.

jessi pasha so you think you can dance bird jazz
Jessi and Pasha are still sexy in a quirky bird-inspired jazz routine
I have a crush on Jessi and Kameron and I adore Sabra and Dominic. I got a bit teary-eyed when Mia (so gorgeous) was commenting on Dominic, as he looked so grateful and really intimidated by what she was going to say. Jessi was amazing with Pasha in that bird-inspired jazz routine, that was the wildest sh*t I saw that night, so creative, so far from what I'm used to seeing.

LOVED the stepping influence in the Hip Hop routine by Dave Scott for Shauna and Jimmy. I haven't watched Stomp The Yard yet - ok, I was at the premiere, it took too long because there was a whole dance showcase thing that my friends were in, and afterwards I was really hungry so we decided to eat rather than stay and watch the movie for free. I mean, I started out Krumping WAY before Rize and those Missy Elliott videos came out, and have gotten over it after all the hype and commercialisation of it. But that's another post, another rant. So I love stepping and it's one of the few styles that no one really does out here in Australia, which is why I wanna get into it.

I thought the song choices were a bit weird, I expected some traditional music to the Vienna Waltz for example, but they know what kinda audience they've got so they choose music accordingly.

Can't wait for next week.

So... who's your favourite couple?

Until next time!
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So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 Week 1

September 13th 2007 11:56
Lacey & Cameron's exhilirating performance so you think you can dance season 3 contemporary
Lacey & Cameron's exhilirating performance
I called this post Week 1 because I'm counting from the big stage and partner performances. So what if I accidentally Googled 'So You Think You Can Dance' only to find that my favourite had won Season 3, which I'm currently watching in delayed Australian time (of about a month or so).

The performances that really stood out for me were:

Lacey and Kameron's contemporary dance choreographed by Mia Michaels (what a genius). It was unbelievable, it's inspired me to go out and try contemporary dance classes. I love it, it was extremely moving. Definitely my favourite performance of the night.



Sara and Jesus' old school street vagabond theme was the wildest shit I've ever seen. So great to see a b-girl in this comp, and she did so well in this combo. Wade Robson pulled out some crazy shit, though I see his influences applied to N'Sync and Britney showcases...



I love the Norah Jones track that Pasha and Jessi slow waltzed to. Actually it's my favourite, and their routine blew me away. Floating on clouds, putting some nice tricks into a traditional dance.



Until next Thursday!
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So You Think You Can Dance - Season 3

September 2nd 2007 11:24
I didn't realise they started showing the third instalment of popular reality tv show So You Think You Can Dance last Thursday (8.30pm, Channel 10). Seeing as how it's on Thursdays rather than Sundays now, means I can actually watch it for a while until I start teaching at my new dance studio (if you're in Sydney, let me know and I'll direct you!)

I love these reality dancing shows because they show talent rather than just a group of exhibitionists in one house and the whole singing thing has been overdone. I would've loved to have watched the Search for a new PussyCat doll and was delighted when I heard that a fellow Filipina (ok, Afro-Filipina) had won the series, with a Filipina-Americana as runner-up. Don't forget Queen of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger is also part-Filipina.

So that means I have a chance?

search for the next pussycat doll asia melissa reyes filipina
Click to enlarge
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That's right guys, ever since the Dancekoolers got kicked out of their last studio because the whole building was getting demolished, they've been in and out of other dance studios but finally have found their own, right in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. So check out the grand opening, sign up for some classes and get Hip Hoppin' because these guys are the real street styles, real Hip Hop, no glossy jazzed-up versions but the real deal.

Dancekool grand opening hip hop dance studio
Click to enlarge
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Battle State front

Battle State back


Sorry I'm very Sydney-biased when it comes to my posts and events, but there's a lot going on so promoters and anyone who knows about a Hip Hop event, feel free to shoot it to my email but it would be more efficient if posted up yourself! It's free promo so why not take the time.

Anyways this weekend we've got Battle State in Sydney which is a Hip Hop dance and bboy comp. And it's FREE ENTRY!

BATTLE STATE

23rd June Sat 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sydney Exhibition Centre
All Ages Event
FREE ENTRY

BBOY BATTLE & SHOWCASE CONTEST - ALL STYLES
Presented by Wickid Force Breakers/Unitd Styles

2 on 2 Bboy Battle - 1st Prize $750.00
Hip Hop Crew Showcase Competition - 1st Prize $750.00


Where: Sydney Exhibition Centre (apart of The National Careers & Employment Expo)
Time: 11:00am (sharp!) - 1:00pm - Crews need to arraive by 10:30am to sign in/warm up.
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Bottom Menu Section

November 2nd 2005 09:48
Hiphopn.com

My Hip Hop blog
My blog on all things Hip Hop in Australia and the rest of the world.

D2MG Hip Hop Society
D2MG Hip Hop Society based in the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Darrio Street Dance in Sydney
Darriostreet Dance based in Sydney, Australia. Darrio is my dance mentor.

Dancekool
Dancekool, the only REAL Hip Hop and Funk dance school in Sydney. They are also my dance mentors.

Ozbboy
Ozbboy.com - the forums for bboys and bgirls in Australia.

B-boys.com
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Blog Top Text

November 2nd 2005 02:11
For Hip Hop dance classes in Sydney, check out my dance studio Ace Dance Studios

About the Author. Looking for dancers to perform at your event? Contact: Trina.
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