Daily Inspirations

All eyes in the dance community,

probably have their eyes on the Vibes competition.  Here on the east coast we had a competition that has a reputation of being one of the biggest shows in the competition season- Fusion’s Elements held at Boston University.  I think this had to be one of the most important moments in Jersey’s community; OUR COMMUNITY.  We had two teams from Jersey take 1st and 2nd with teams coming from all over the coast.  To me it didn’t feel like any team won that day.  It just felt like our community won.  Once they announced the winners, all you heard (besides the makeshift stage cracking under the weight of teams jumping for joy) was “JERSEY” being chanted .  These teams are pretty much like family ‘cause I have spent time dancing with both- I’m talking about UFP and Project D.  I like to call it UFPD.. NJ all day.. whatever else refers to the relationship both of our companies have.  RDT too came out hard with stories behind their set.  Ilya repping Jersey on What’s Your Fantasy.  fuckin. dope. popping crew.  Mooks- we did what we always do best.  Even though we don’t place all the time I love performing with them because it always reminds me what’s most important- dancing; and even better, dancing with your brothers, and putting on a show that the audience can just truly enjoy. (Shout out to all the other jersey crews that were not able to attend!)

I mean I know Jersey placing 1st and 2nd happened last elements, but it’s just so meaningful now looking at the context of what’s happening now.  We have a community growing more and more every season.  Many dancers are starting to break down walls and get closer to dancers on other teams.  Many of us are getting hungrier and hungrier and our friends dance stronger, make doper choreo, exploring newer forms of expression.  Damn Jersey.  WE’RE getting pulled up for classes by world renowned choreographers.  Whether it happens at our home or in other cities and states.  Judges are telling US we need to compete in California already.  We take classes from other teams, which is something that Keone said was pretty much unheard of in the West Coast when he taught the Movement Lifestyle workshops in Project D.  We are definitely starting to support each other more and more, and what’s better is that it’s happening naturally.  What’s best is that we are doing it despite all the deep rivalries and conflicts from recent times and way back in the day.  I love the feeling knowing that it’s getting easier and easier for me to see another dancer from another team and feel like I can respect him/her and appreciate what he/she does.  Whereas anywhere from couple of years ago to a couple of months ago I would hear a fellow dancer’s name and feel bitter about it.  If you question if it was you just by reading that sentence it probably is true and for that I do truly apologize.  

We’re getting closer with dancers from other states, across coasts, and across a(/some???) countries. We’re starting to finally get more and more recognition for doing what we love.  I could say more but I have to sleep.  I just wanted to put this out there for my 20 somewhat followers.  If you feel the love, jersey, please share it!

If you want quick access to the videos of the teams I talked about-

What’s Your Fantasy

Raps Dance Troupe (RDT)

Project D (PD)

The Mooks

Ugandan Fried Pork (UFP)