OPTIMIST DANNCERS,FROM SBUJWA TO HIP HOP

1. Who are you?
- We are Optimist Dancers

2. When did your journey begin?
- Our journey began in 2009 while we were dancing "isibujwa" but now we are in to hip hop dance.

3. What motivates you daily?
- Our motivation and our objectives are likely because I think we are destined to dance and we've kept our passion and we love dance We are being inspired by Christ

4. Who is your inspiration?
- our inspiration is Chris Brown and mad chadd

5. When and where is your next performance?
- At kwamashu in bhekuzulu hall, on the twenty first of November

6. Do you see a future in Durban Dance Industry?
- Yes we do see future in Durban dance industry, it just that our artists here in Durban doesn't seem to work together.

7. What are challenges or obstacles do you come across as a crew/performer(s),especially when performing around durban?
- Sometimes it hard to dance and entertain people who are just going to clap their hands for you and that all, they done, your talent is still not recognized

8. Why does it seems like we have less number of dancers then before in Durban?
- It because of our ego and pride, we don't collaborate, and the biggest events are not being held in Durban which makes other Dancers loses faith and tear apart, our talent is hard to get recognized when living in Durban

9. What makes Durban Dance Industry Good/Bad from other cities in SA?
-I think it bad because here in Durban dance competitions are scarce and we are not working together

10. How can we make sure that Dance/performing Art still exist and well presentable in the city of Durban?
- By combining and guys let's share dance competitions Post's and give each others information and chances to show their talents

11. Is there anything you would like to share with us or with your supporters
- We would like to send you our dance videos

 

 

WARRIOR KNIGHTS, I CALL EM HALLOWEEN KINGS

1. Who are you?
-We Are Warrior Knights (Now Only Males In The Crew)...

2. When did your journey begin?
-This Crew Was Put Together By Bongumusa Nkosi (known as Daddy Flexy) Years Ago...

3. What motivates you daily?
-What Motivates Us Is Growth And Progress. All We Want Is To Grow And Make It Big In Life...

4. Who is your inspiration?
-Our Inspiration Is Everything Happening Around Us And What Aspire To Be...

5. When and where is your next performance?
  -For Next Performances Just Visit http://fb.me/WarriorKnightsDanceCrew And http://twitter.com/WKDance For Updates...

6. Do you see a future in Durban Dance Industry?
-Yes We Do See Future In Durban Dance Industry, All That Needs To Be Done Is Work, Learn, Work, Collaborate And More Work...

7. What are challenges or obstacles do you come across as a crew/performer(s),especially when performing around durban?
-We Have No Challenges, We Just Love Performing So Much...

8. Why does it seems like we have less number of dancers then before in Durban?
-It May Seem Like We Have Less Number Of Dancers Like Before But It Not, Most Have Joined Dance Studios To Grow In Dance And Also Doing Theatre Work...


9. What makes Durban Dance Industry Good/Bad from other cities in SA?
-We Just Don't Get Much Exposure That's All, Coz Even When There Is Events In Durban They Go And Hire Dancer From Other Cities Instead Of Us Here... I Think We Need To Put In More Work....

10. How can we make sure that Dance/performing Art still exist and well presentable in the city of Durban?
-We Gotta Work Twice As Hard And Collaborate More....

11. Is there anything you would like to share with us or with your supporters
-What We'd Like To Share With Everyone Is That They Must Love And Respect The Art...

 

 

031 FLOOR ASSASSINS,B.BOY KRAZY KAYZO

1. Who are you? -I am Bboy Krazy Kayzo of the 031 Floor Assassins, Durban based Breakdancing crew.

2. When did your journey begin? -My journey began at the age of 12. I learn't the basics of Bboying while at primary school – we started a group and kept practicing together. From then on we worked on our skills while meeting new dancers along the way. Once we got our hands on a “Battle of the Year 2000” DVD we had new inspiration and motivation to work harder and preserve. We entered what ever competitions we could to test our skills, and of course to meet new dancers and have fun along the way. Its been a journey of 13/14 years now and I have never looked back.

3. What motivates you daily? -To achieve and be the best version of myself. I’m some what of a perfectionist, so before I get to a final stage of a new move or combo, I would have at least tried 100 different versions and variations of it. Over the years I’ve also gained a number of dance moves – which all required a certain amount of attention and practice to maintain. So every practice session I have there is always something to perfect and work on. Sometimes I enjoy just freestyling and jumping between moves and sets thus creating new transitions and ideas!

4. Who is your inspiration? -Anything and everything. I’m constantly inspired by the world around me, I’m in complete awe of its wonder and its mystery. Every day I have something to smile about . I just sit back, watch, observe and learn. If I had to name some of my inspirational bboys to watch and learn from, they would be – Alcolil, Pluto, Bboy OK, Funt, Thesis, Neguin, Lilou, Roxrite and Flying Buddha

5. When and where is your next performance? -At the moment I don’t have any performances set in stone, but there are some promising ventures coming up as we get closer to the holiday season. A part from that I am teaching workshops once a month at a dance studio in Pietermaritzburg (B-Rock Dance Studio) alongside crew member Bizzo. We all about growing the community and scene – Each one, Teach one.

6. Do you see a future in Durban Dance Industry? -Yes I do, there is a large number of passionate and talented dancers in Durban, so there will definitely be a future for dance here. For me the real question is how long will it take for us to see this future take place. I feel like everyone is just waiting for something to happen or for someone to take over and start hosting events. There are a number of dance events at moment taking place but its more targeted at Dance Studio’s and not for our specified dance genres (Breakdancing, Tutting, Krumping etc), and the only way to change that is for us to start doing something about it. It doesn’t have to be about hosting the biggest or best event, but more about getting the community of dancers together. A future project of mine would be to host regular workshops/sessions for dancers to come and learn from each other while supplying a space for crews and individuals to practice and work on their craft.

7. What are challenges or obstacles do you come across as a crew/performer(s),especially when performing around durban? -I would say the biggest challenge for us would be to all get along and work together. Communication is a big part of how well a crew can get along. This is most important when it comes down to putting a routine together for an event or normal performance. Everyone wants their ideas put forward or they want more solo’s and “stage time”. End of the day it’s not about one individual shining out from the crowd but more a group working to achieve a bigger goal. In terms of traveling, transport to and from events can cause problems – especially if it’s a late night event. When this happens we either have to orginise lifts or sometimes sleep over at one of the crew member’s homes the night before a gig, depending on the time of the event and the distance to the venue. One other factor would be the venue and audience we are performing for. Generally speaking for any kind of performer this is always some form of an obstacle. With us being Bboys there isn’t always a lot of knowledge or understanding for what we do so this can cause confusion. Sometimes the floor or space they have prepared for us to dance isn’t adequate enough or up to our standards. And generally speaking, sometimes there is nothing we can do to change it last minute, so as dancers we need to be much more flexible with our own moves and crew routines – We try send the same message in our performance while adjusting to our surroundings.

8. Why does it seems like we have less number of dancers then before in Durban? -I feel in general the overall support structure for dance isn’t what it use to be. There aren’t as many promoters looking for dancers and the same goes for sponsors. Most head of department’s are based in Johannesburg or Cape Town, which could also be the cause for most of our local dancers have moved to those cities for work. Also studio space is very hard to find here in Durban especially for free or at low cost. We use to practice on the beachfront by the Skatepark outdoors in the hot sun as we had no alternate space to use. So in conclusion a lack of interest (sponsors), a lack of opportunity (events) and a lack of rehearsal space are all causes to why people usually give up dancing or move into the regular 9 – 5 lifestyle. Here in Durban “Dance” isn’t taken seriously or seen as a real job here which also adds to fuel to the fire.

9. What makes Durban Dance Industry Good/Bad from other cities in SA? -I feel the Durban community feels like one big family. Durban isn’t a big place, and what I find with smaller communities is, no matter how far apart we are, we all seem to share a similar goal. We are also not afraid to work together on projects or events. Many times I’ve worked with Cabaret, Contemporary, Krumpers, Beatboxers, Mcees etc even Ballet dancers! When ever we see or each we all get happy and excited , because end of the day we are all dancers living a dancers life – which for some is only a Dream!

10. How can we make sure that Dance/performing Art still exist and well presentable in the city of Durban? -By working and collaborating together. This will help us appreciate each other’s art more and gain some insight into it. It also shows the community that there are local talented dancers and performers. We have a voice and want to be heard. My crew 031 Floor Assassins have hosted numerous dance events and workshops in Durban. But we extend it to dance in general by welcoming other in aid of the growth and awareness dance in Durban.

11. Is there anything you would like to share with us or with your supporters -This game of Life is full of ups and downs, being a Breakdancer I can certainly say I’ve experienced my fair share of downs! Haha If you are serious about dancing, the best thing is to link up with like-minded individuals to help you stay motivated. Work hard preserve and always do your best and remember, its all about the journey not the destination. “The elevator to success is out of order, You’ll have to take the stairs one step at a time” – Joe Girard