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Stay connected for updates on 2008 performers!
Archive of Previous Dancefest Performers
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DS Players , San Jose
myspace.com/dsplayers
We are a hip hop dance crew based out of Mission College in Santa Clara, CA. We focus mainly on funk styles, particularly popping and locking. We are also slaves to the almighty Nintendo DS. Harnessing its great power, we cannot help but bask in the glorified perfection that is Mario Kart. We strive for triple gold stars, seamless drifts, and blue shells. Basically, we love dancing and portable gaming consoles. dsplayers@gmail.com
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E.O.M. - Elements of Motion (Formerly Motion Underground),
Boulder, Colorado
www.kjentinc.com
Elements of Motion is a cultured and diverse group of dancers celebrating and inspiring the many elements of hip hop. The Colorado based team tours and performs throughout the United States presenting a theatrical twist in the styles of hip hop, breaking, latin, house and r&b. The team is directed and choreographed by Ken Jimenez. For info and booking, please call 303-709-6970 . |
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F.B.C. - Funk Beyond Control, San Francisco
www.dcproductionspresents.com
FBC dancer’s ages range 7 to 20+; they are known throughout the West Coast for their innovative style and the expertise of even their youngest dancers. Their unique style and dedication to the Bay Area’s distinct HipHop scene makes them one of the most sought after youth troupes around. For more information contact Darnell at 510-282-0579. |
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Chicago FootworKINGz, Chicago, IL
www.footworkingz.com & myspace.com/footworkingztv
The Chicago FootworKINGz (CFWK) is an all-star dance ensemble featuring the best of Chi-Town’s footwork battle champs including BET’s “Wildin Out Wednesdays” winners Creation, Dance Down ‘07 with Chris Brown finalists Heat Squad, and south side’s Havoc. CFWK was founded as a professional dance company in 2007 building a unified force to attract international attention to “footworking,” a Chicago born lower body, freestyle and competitive dance style.
Footworking evolved in the Black community as a response to House music and evolved as the dance partner of Juke music (a sound developed from Chicago’s House music sped up to 160bpm). “This movement has been around for over 20 years and we want it to be exposed all over the world,” says King Charles, co-artistic director of the FootworKINGz.Members of CFWK have been featured in Dude En Em’s “Watch My Feet” music video, MTV’s “My Block Chicago,” VH-1 Hip Hop Honors ‘07 with Missy Elliott, WGCI radio, the Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone Magazine October “2007 Hot Issue” and a soon to be released Verizon Wireless commercial.This will be CFWK’s 1st international dance theater appearance at the San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival. The FootworKINgz will also perform at the World Boxing Championship opening ceremonies in Chicago and have been invited by Brian “Footwork” Green to appear at House Dance Conference in New York, January 2008.
For more info please contact: ladysol@footworkingz.com
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Future Shock Bay Area, Bay Area |
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Lux Aeterna Dance Company, Los Angeles
http://www.luxaeternadance.com/
www.krazykujo.com/
Jacob "Kujo" Lyons has been a progressive voice and an iconoclast in the break-dance community for 15 years, and is one of the world's most sought-after teachers and judges of break-dance competitions. Originally a self-taught street dancer, Kujo began studying modern, ballet, choreography, and biomechanics classes late in his career. The fusion of these elements with break-dancing resulted in the idea to form Lux Aeterna - "eternal light" in Latin.
Lux Aeterna's raison d'etre is two-fold: first, an attempt to expand on the idea that "to dance ballet is to use oneself to express something beyond oneself." Any style of dance may be utilized to convey the transcendent or sublime, provided the intention and attention to technique are appropriate. Second, as there are no true boundaries in art, there is no reason that break-dancing might not be compatible with ballet, or with with any other style. Movement is movement. For more info krazykujo@gmail.com |
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Mind Over Matter, San Francisco
(Featuring Allan Frias -"Big Poppa" from "So You Think You Can Dance")
www.mindovermattersf.com
Mind Over Matter is a dance group known for their unique interpretations of hip-hop. Originating in 1991, the members of Mind Over Matter were brought together because of their strong passions to dance and showcase their talents. Throughout the years, this top Bay Area dance group has performed in countless benefits, showcases and clubs all across California. Mind Over Matter's unique choreography and polished stage presence are what set them apart from all the others. This strong combination brings forth a surge of excitement and motivation never seen before. Audiences will agree that Mind Over Matter is an unparalleled group of dancers who pride themselves on their creativity, energy and commitment to the music and to each other. Visit www.dancemission.com for a listing of director Allan Frias's classes. |
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Mop Top Music and Movement, Philadelphia
link to come
Believe it or not the Choreographer/Dancer who spent close to a decade creating the moves behind the world famous Mariah Carey, originally wanted to be an Astronaunt. Whether on video or live performances, Mariah soared to fame assisted by the moves of “Emilio Austin, Jr., p.k.a., “Buddha Stretch.” His dance crew, Elite Force provided the edge behind Mariah’s well known videos and live shows. Though being an Astronaunt was his dream, it ended when he first saw the television show Soul Train. His other influences included his cousin Charles, Michael Jackson (the early years), The Lockers and The Electric Boogaloos. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York with three sisters and one younger brother, Stretch was influenced by his dad Emilio Austin, Sr.. His Dad danced as a youth and provided Stretch with discipline, inspiration, support and motivation and remained by his side to guide him throughout his career. This foundation carries Stretch, a father himself, throughout his personal and professional career today.
Stretch heavily impacted the dance world by bridging the gap between what was termed, Ol’ Skool and New Skool. His dance style, known as “Freestyle Hip Hop” draws from all aspects of hip hop culture, music and dance. These moves during the early days of music videos helped to launch the popularity of dance in this medium as well as live shows. Stretch’s first audition was for “The Dance Theater of Harlem”however, he left after seeing dancers in leotards and tights. His first video was with Eric B & Rakim, “Eric B for President.” He met the members of his first dance crew “Mop Top” at a music video audition they booked for Diana Ross, “Working Overtime.” They began to hang out at New York’s night spot, The Tunnel and later formed their crew. He later formed a crewed called “Elite Force” who pre peared in documentaries, music videos, live shows and in countless projects overseas. His first choreography job was for Joeski Love (Pee Wee Dance) and went on to work with the likes of Rosie Perez, Will Smith in the “Men In Black” and “Miami” videos; Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” video (his most memorable experience) and more.He was nominated for two MTV Awards for ‘Best Choreography’ for the Will Smith videos “Men In Black,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”, and “Miami”. Recent credits include choreography for “Virgin recording artist ‘Thalia’ ( on Good Morning America) ,” “Aida,” Tony Award Winner, “Heather Headley,” “Hot ’97 Air Personality, “Angie Martinez and rapper Rah Diggah.” In 1989, Stretch was the first Hip Hop dancer to teach Hip Hop in a mainstream dance studio – New York’s Broadway Dance Center.
Stretch is no stranger to music. An MC and writer himself, he recorded an underground hit called “It Don’t Matter” by Ten Thieves and continues to make music today. His versatility is also displayed by his participation as a dancer and contributing choreographer for the Dance Theater crew “Full Circle and Co-Artistic Director of the Dance Theatre Company “MiddleGround.” His trend setting style keeps him in demand as a choreographer, dancer, teacher and performer. His passion for dance is exhibited every time you experience his work.Stretch believes “music is the universal language; dance is it’s interpreter.”. moptopmusic@aol.com |
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Neoploitan, Oakland
myspace.com/neopolitan211
The raw street flavor of Dahrio Wonder Hutton and the impeccable technique of Robert D. Lupo creates the eclectic style of dance that Neopolitan brings to the dance world. These dancers and choreographers are multi-flavored , layered, and complex, just like the flavor that Neopolitan represents. Hutton and Lupo meld Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, Ballet and African dance in a way that no other has done before. Neopolitan epitomizes the result of that unique and powerful metamorphosis: innovative choreography and dynamic dancing. Contact email: neopolitan211@yahoo.com |
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O.T.I. - Over the Influence (featuring Kinetic Philosopher), Vancouver, Canada
www.overtheinfluence.net
Over The Influence is proud to be at the forefront of Vancouver’s hip hop dance scene. Created in 2002, they started dancing at small nightclubs and any venue that would give them a chance to showcase their talents. Five years later, with hard work, persistence and their passion for dance and hip hop, they have become one of the most recognized and respected dance crews Vancouver has ever conceived. OTI consists of Jojo Zolina, Tal Iozef, Stewart Iguidez and Marc Generoso.OTI displays a variety of dance styles in every performance, with fluency in stylized hip hop, break dancing, locking, popping, krumping, house and waving. Individual members excel in other dance styles such as jazz, jazz-rock, dance hall, salsa, contemporary and whacking. Above all else, what separates OTI from other urban dance affiliations is that all the members of this group are amazing in the art freestyling (or dance improvisation). In regards to their performing and creative capabilities, their pieces are always evolving through newfound inspiration and constant drive to make every performance better than the last.They have performed for various artists such as ‘Nelly Furtado’, ‘Black Eyed Peas’, ‘The Roots’, ‘K-Os’, ‘Grandmaster Flash’, and ‘Swollen Members’. Individually and collectively, their talents have taken them beyond Vancouver, sharing their knowledge and skills in China, Germany, Brazil, Bosnia, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Los Angeles. For Over The Influence, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The constant love and support they receive from their fans and students only fuels the growing inspiration and passion for dance, leaving limitless possibilities for the future. info@overtheinfluence.net
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SoulForce, San Francisco
www.myspace.com/soulforcedance
SoulForce Dance Company was created in 2001 by legendary choreographer, teacher and SF Hip Hop DanceFest producer Micaya. Not your average hip hop dance company, SoulForce is a company not afraid to take artistic risks and fuse other dance styles and theatre into their repertoire. Micayas’ choreography and SoulForce dancers have been featured in music videos, touring productions, nightclubs,cabarets, festivals, corporate events, colleges, theatres and commercials. Described as "witty, dramatic and emotionally nuanced" by Dance Magazine, this dynamic group brings together dancers of diverse backgrounds to create inspiring works on stage. For more information about SoulForce, Micaya's classes, and more, please visit her website at www.micaya.com. |
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Diamond / Sparkle, Oakland
newstylemotherlode.com and myspace.com/newstylemotherlode
Diamond/Sparkle Youth Dance Program was established in 2002 by Corey Action and Teela Shine-Ross, Directors of New Style Motherlode (NSM) Entertainment. The purpose and foundation of NSM’s Diamond/Sparkle Program is to provide young, talented artists with the tools and experience needed to pursue a career in any artistic field. The Directors stress the importance of persistence, consistency and training. As directors the dynamic duo envisioned a company that fused hip-hop, jazz, modern, and theatrical themes to present a realm of dance never seen before.
Auditions are twice a year for the program and the group performs throughout the Bay Area and West Coast venues. This years Hip Hop Fest will have the pleasure of witnessing the entire youth program on stage as one unit.
CONTACT INFO: info@newstylemotherlode.com |
 
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The House Dance Project , New York
www.housedancer.com
The House Dance Project is an international organization dedicated to the education and presentation of true House Dance culture. From the lofter's of the late 60's through to the Phat Jam Jackies of today, House Dance has been a junction for all cultures, ages, sexes, and peoples to come together and celebrate life through the dance. THDP performs, teaches, lectures, and participates in all aspects of house, from music production to event participants.
THDP started in 2001 as a reaction to the phenomena of the richness of an understated culture. We look to bring its movements and its heart to all.
byron@thehousedanceproject.com |
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Funkanometry SF, San Francisco (Winner of 2006 Goldie Award)
www.funkanometrysf.com
Funkanometry San Francisco is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, performing arts organization renowned for their cutting-edge choreography, stylistic versatility, and professionalism. Through performances, company classes, and youth mentorship, company members share their talent and passion for dance.
In addition to dancing, Funkanometry SF prides itself on the strong family atmosphere that is present among its members and the entire Funkanometry family with additional branches in Los Angeles and San Diego. In 2005, Funkanometry SF expanded their reach to a younger generation of dancers with their first Funksters Dance Company, which provides training for aspiring dancers under the age of 21. Be sure to join us at Company Class every Sunday at 7pm at City Dance Studio in San Francisco.
See www.funkanometrysf.com for more details.
Contact info/email: Gina Rosales, Executive Director.
Email: info@funkanometrysf.com
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Kenichi Ebina, New York
www.EbinaPerformingArts.com
Kenichi Ebina is a solo self-taught multiple style dance performer started dancing Hip-Hop in 1994 and currently dancing many different styles such as jazz and modern. He has been performing at many events, TV shows and teaching in USA, Europe and Japan. Kenichi also has been performing, directed and choreographed for many projects and dance and theater companies.
In 2001, Kenichi founded dance group, BiTriP. BiTriP became the grand champion of “Amateur Night” of the year 2001 at the Apollo Theater. In 2007, Kenichi became the grand champion of dance contest “Showtime at the Apollo” in 2006-2007 season after winning 7 times. Kenichi is the first and only two-time grand champion in the Apollo theater history.
Now, Kenichi is preparing for his first full-evening one-man show which premiers at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Feb. 11, 2008.
Takahiro, New York
www.takahirony.com
The most known solo performer from Tokyo/Japan, TAKAHIRO has had an amazing break into the entertainment world by being awarded as a Ground Champion (9times continually) of dance contest at TV program, “Showtime at the Apollo” in 2006.
Now his name is broadly spread, as always first to come out from those mouths of who meet and greet Japanese people throughout the U.S. In 2007, he choreographed for the opening ceremony of the IAAF World Athletic Championship.
TAKAHIRO’s original style, not only Hip Hop-meets-Pantomime but also using edges of contemporary dance to martial arts gives an impression as if Samurai has flown over to the United States to be a turning point of non-categorical originated world of entertainment.
This heroic deed was the history upper beginning that the world has ever seen.
TAKAHIRO is currently belonging to the Hip Hop dance company “MOVEMENT”. |
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Live In Color Dance Collective , Miami
Founded in 1989, Live In Color Dance Collective (LICDC) is a culturally diverse dance company comprised of remarkably talented, captivating and vivacious individuals. The dance ensemble is a true representation of life as it displays a mixture of Caribbean, African, Latin, and Urban cultures, as well as a diverse range of ages.
Under the direction of Zedric Bembry, LICDC has been able to attain well-deserved recognition dazzling the nation with their unique, crowd-pleasing performances. Through his, fierce, jazzy, cutting-edge, energetic footwork and rhythmic body movements, Zedric has infused a new flavor into the hip-hop industry; a creation he terms “Urban Funk”.
“Urban Funk” encompasses a variety of techniques derived from the roots of the African continent. After combining a touch of jazz, a pinch of ballet, a twist of merengue, a dab of popping and locking, an abundance of street dance and a sprinkle of acrobatics, Zedric’s funkadelic style comes to life. His brisk, keen, dynamic choreography raises audiences to their feet every time. His creativity also encompasses his natural flare for fashion and aesthetics, complementing his productions with extravagant costumes and intricately designed sets.
In homage to the community that had given so much to him, Zedric finds time to show the youth positive alternatives in life. He teaches them to express themselves through the fine arts. Zedric further impresses upon his students that fine arts and hip-hop are not mutually exclusive; they are one in the same. As such, he has worked with both classically trained and “strictly street” dancers in an effort to create a cultural exchange and fruitful dance education environment. Through the unique Urban Funk style, Zedric and LICDC attempt to uplift the community through dance – one step at a time.
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Loose Change, San Francisco
www.loosechangedance.com
Loose Change Dance Company formed in 1999 to explore and fuse different styles of movement ranging from hip hop and modern to lindy hop, tap, martial arts and African. Under the direction of choreographer Eric Fenn, the company has become a San Francisco Bay Area favorite that inspires, provokes and entertains audiences with its fresh and exciting approach. Eric Fenn has been contributing to the Bay Area dance scene for over fifteen years. He was the founding artistic director of the hip hop group, San Francisco Culture Shock and he continues to teach dance locally and in studios throughout the U.S. and Europe. His worked has been called "captivating from beginning to end." After premiering their second full length performance, HUMAN NATURE, at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in February 2007 , LOOSE CHANGE most recently took the show on the road to Salt Lake City.
Eric Fenn, the company’s primary choreographer, has been a fixture in the Bay Area dance scene for the past ten years. He was the founding artistic director of the hip hop group, San Francisco Culture Shock, and he has been a popular teacher of dance locally and in studios throughout the U.S. and Europe. |
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Nobulus (formerly known as Moving Shadows) Vienna, Austria
www.moving-shadows.at
Nobulus is a Breakdance Crew and Urban Dance Theatre Company. Founded 1999 as a straight underground breakdance crew Nobulus evolved to one of the most versatile and best urban dance formations in Austria and on international stages. Nobulus works hard to develop and be open to all forms of movement, the individual style to stage shows and theatre plays attract interest all over the world. In the pieces performed by Moving Shadows the story telling has top priority.
The dance styles B-boying (Breakdance), House, Boogaloo, Locking and HipHop Nustyle, are stylistic devices. With the Choreographer and Dancer Alexander Wengler in the framework of the "Battle of the Year", the short piece "Out of the Shadow" took Nobulus to the forefront of the internationale urban dance scene. The 20 minute version of "Out of the Shadow" was celebrated with standing ovations at Breakin Convention 2007, Sadlers Wells Theatre, London.
"...It would be an understatement the say their act was anything but utterly brilliant. Alex Wengler's masterpiece was unlike anything I have seen in terms of originally and captured the true artform of dance..." RWD Magazine, London, May 2007. Nobulus is working on the feature-length version of this unique Dance Theatre Performance. Contact: office@moving-shadows.at |
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Soul Conspiracy , Hayward
www.myspace.com/soulcon
Soul Conspiracy a.k.a. Soul Con, is an up and coming Dance Company from the East Bay consisting of dancers with a wide variety of dance styles, age ranges, and musical preferences. Founded in early November of 2005, Soul Con has grown into a group of diverse individuals whom all share the same passion, dedication, and love for dance and performing arts. It is their unique hip-hop fusion and professionalism that drives them on continuing to grow in the world of urban dance, thus bringing them this year to the Hip Hop DanceFest stage.
www.soulconspiracy@graffiti.net |
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Soulsector, San Francisco
www.soulsector.org
SoulSector is a family based, all-styles, all-star collaborative whose focus is in house, popping, bboying, rocking, hip hop, and locking. Originating in San Francisco and New York, their talents were developed through the club scene and battle circuit.
SoulSector consists of seven core members: Bionic, one of the biggest popping icons of our generation; Pharside, who is currently popping’s fiercest competitors; Naytron, one of the top innovative and recognized young bboys in the US; Jardy and MikeyDisko, who are hiphop and house protégés of Cricket, a legendary New York house dance monster. Recently added is Donna “Sunny D-Lock” an awesome female locker from LA.
Collectively, SoulSector’s skills have enabled them to perform, battle, judge competitions, and teach across the US, Denmark, France, England, Canada, Holland, Germany, Philippines, Mexico, Malaysia, and Japan in 2004-07 alone. The members have appeared on dance shows such as “Soul Train” and various music videos. Every member of SoulSector has been selected by Redbull to participate in their RedBull Beat Riders program.
SoulSector’s motivation is to study the history and foundation of each hip hop dance form and implement it in the evolution of their individual style, learning directly from the dancers who have founded and revolutionized these genres of urban dance. mikeydisko@yahoo.com |
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U.F.O. Movement, San Francisco
www.myspace/theufomovement
The U.F.O Movement originated in January 2007 by the tag-team duo and family cousins, Taina Larot and Algin Sterling. These two young choreographers have worked on numerous projects the past few years ranging from workshops, classes and up in coming artist work as well as current.
The UFO Movement is a small and unique group of individuals brought together through their addiction for all arts; music, graffiti and expression. Dance, being their first love, allows them to be free and express their individuality. The U.F.O's bring the Modern dance style to Hip-Hop culture; presenting a groove beyond this planet. They are young, fresh and new, introducing the audience into their world. With one goal in mind "to inform the public", together the U.F.O's are not just a dance company, but a movement.
Contact email: theufomovement@yahoo.com |
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Sunset, San Francisco
link to come
Sunset is a hip hop performing group from Sunset Academy of Dance in San Francisco. With the help of their teacher, Darnell Carroll they have competed and won numerous awards in competitions throughout the bay area. Sunset has won several gold place awards and have come in seventh place overall in a competition with fifty other entries. They have received special awards such as "Best Choreography" and "Most Entertaining". They have been competing and performing for three years.
Performing with Sunset is Impact and Jr Posse (7 - 10 year old hip hop performing group.) They are very excited and honored to be performing in this great show! For more information about Sunset, Darnell Carroll's classes and more, contact Lisa Brown, owner of Sunset Academy of Dance (1337 Irving St. San Francisco) at (415) 731-9921. |
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