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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.

Fun Random Funk - Confessions of a Serial Dancer

My new projects: Ace Dance Studios and Hiphop.org.au

January 5th 2011 01:13
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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Posted By: Trina - Category: Events - Australia, Fun, Random, Funk, Hiphop
   


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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Movie Preview - CENTRE STAGE: TURN IT UP

October 22nd 2008 03:31
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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Posted By: Trina - Category: Fun, Random, Ballroom, Funk, Hiphop, Latin
   


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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D2MG Presents Back to the 90s Workshop Part II

March 26th 2008 00:00
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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My new dance studio - D2MG Hip Hop Academy

March 25th 2008 01:29
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 Heats 1

March 24th 2008 11:48
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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Review - 360 Freestyle Crew Battle Part 2

March 24th 2008 07:27
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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Review - 360 Freestyle Crew Battle Competition, UNSW, March, 2008

March 12th 2008 02:32
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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So You Think You Can Dance Australian auditions

September 20th 2007 12:20
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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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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