So You Wanna Dance

Smoked in Ohio 2 Breakdance Competition Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Alright, so here are some clips from the competition. WOW!

Smoked in Ohio 2-OSU Breakdance Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 26 May 2008 10:55:00 +0000

Wow...holy smokes! There are some talented sons of bitches and bitches out there. I helped out el presidente Dean Parnham Jr. of OSU's Breakdance club the the breakdance event of the year at OSU this weekend and JESUS, wow.

I will be posting some photage of the the battles I captured.

Videos coming soon.

Damn...that's all i got to say...damn...

Anyone Can Dance, Don't Give Me That "I Can't Dance Bullshit"

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:16:00 +0000

Okay, so my personal belief, honest belief, ANYONE CAN DANCE. I know I've posted a bunch of technical stuff and some videos featuring the "professionals," but after God left a positive comment on one of my posts (http://thesuprememaster.blogspot.com), it made me remember that I want to make it clear that dancing should be fun. (which is what God said he wants his children to do). There is no critical eye that's judging you when you dance. And if someone is, who gives a shit? They're just uptight individuals who are too cowardly to let themselves live. Who gives a crap if you don't have rhythm or the technical moves? You're movin' and grovin' and having a good time. And good times, are contagious. Smiles are contagious. Your energy is contagious.

When I go dancing, I love to see people get down with their bad selves. I'm not talking about grinding...that's not really dancing...that's sex on the dance floor with clothes on...or club stalking for that matter...ok...how creepy. But I'm talking about that random dude or girl who's dancing all over the place, having a good time, and doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. Yea, sometimes they look "funny," but that energy, that free spirit full of fun and life is so fun to watch. Watching other people get into dancing no matter their skill gets me pumped and wanting to dance too. Dance can really be a way for people to get together and loosen up.

I remember once I went to my friend's band show. I didn't know any of his friends except one, and he and I just stood there for half of the show. Then I decided, well, let's start making things fun/interesting. He said he didn't know how to dance. I told him that was bullshit and just to have fun. We danced for the rest of the show and it was so much fun. We did the cheesiest stuff. We did the fishing move when you reel someone in, a simple goofy bouncing step, we raised the roof, it was ridiculous and it was fun. It was great too because he had this giant Jew fro and it bounced along with his moves. Good times.

So if you don't normally dance, give it a try, just have fun. Plus, God says so. http://thesuprememaster.blogspot.com

"Rize" Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:24:00 +0000

This is a great documentary on Krumping. According to Wikepedia, "Krumping is an urban African American street dance form that developed on the streets of South Central Los Angeles, around 2001 - 2002[citation needed]. It is characterized by free, expressive, and highly energetic moves and is a major part of the hip hop dance culture, alongside other techniques, such as: breakdance, locking, popping and freestyling." The movie follows some of the best krumpers around, addressing the history of krumping, krumping as a dance movement, and the personal inspirations behind these dancers. Check out the Trailer.

Stylez's Last Performance of the Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Stylez performed their last performance for the year this weekend at OSU's Relay for Life Event. The crowd loved us and we kicked ass! Check out the videos below. It's great because you can finally see who we are now...hahaha. What's in store for the rest of the quarter is Stylez First-Ever Elections and Stylez First Annual End of the Year Banquet. We're holding our Elections at tonight's practice and then on Wednesday, we're treating everyone to dinner at Brio. We've also got surprises for everyone, like awards and of course speeches. There will probably be tears too since we're going to be saying goodbye to a couple of seniors and foreign exchange students. Anyway, I'll keep you updated on our Elections and Banquet. You'll be seeing pictures from them I'm sure.

For now, please enjoy our final performance for the school year:

A Bit of Stylez History

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:58:00 +0000

Stylez is going to perform at American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at The Ohio State University at Fred Beekman Park tomorrow. We're going to perform our Midwest Mix Up Round 1 and our SoulTime Round 1 dance routines.

We're holding our elections on Monday and our First Annual End of the Year Stylez Banquet at Brio on Wednesday. These are very important events for us. We've never had elections before or a banquet. You see, Stylez started two years ago and the leadership wasn't very good. The president was very controlling and dominating. He didn't start of that way, but he grew into a very domineering dance captain. The team almost feel apart at the end of its first year.

Stylez's second year was very rocky as well. The two team captains fought a lot, causing the team to have low morale and lack of energy. People could probably tell from our performances. At Midwest Mix Up last year, we did not make it past Round 1 because we were practically laughed off the stage. Once again the team fell apart at the end of the year. The president decided not to lead the dance group anymore.

Finally this year, we've had excellent leadership. We had four dance captains who worked very well with each other. We went to Monsters of Hip Hop in D.C. and won 2nd place at the Midwest Mix Up. All of these things, we have always wanted to do as well.

So you see, 2007-2008 school year has been the best year for Stylez ever. We've accomplished so much and (I know this is going to sound cheesy but it's true) a real Stylez family. The dancers are all friends with one another. We love to stay after practice and just hang out.

I could not have wished for a better year! :)

Chinese Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:06:00 +0000

Voguing

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:52:00 +0000

From Wikepedia:
Vogue ("Performance") or "voguing" is a highly stylized modern dance characterized by photo model-like poses integrated with angular, linear and rigid arm, leg, and body movements. Popularized by Madonna's song and video of the same name (see Vogue), the unique inner-city dance subculture was brought to international mainstream attention.
Read more on Vogue at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogue_(dance)

Learn to Break Dance: 6-step

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Words of Wisdom: Keep an Open Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:36:00 +0000

So, I don't know if you've noticed, but in addition to posting instructional videos, I've also been posting videos of different types of dance which I find interesting, amazing, and/or beautiful. For instance, I posted a video clip of Flamenco, a Spanish dance.

I think it is very important to keep an open mind and be well educated and exposed to various forms of dance. It will influence your growth as a dancer as well as give you a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures in the world. Dance is an art form for people to express themselves. I find it extremely interesting and beautiful to see how different people and cultures do this. There are not only differences in movement, but the articulation of the movements and the costuming are all very important to the dancer. The poise or facial expressions of the different type of dances are also interesting to observe. I hope that when you watch these diverse videos, you gain an appreciation for all types of dance. It is amazing to see what the human body is capable of doing and expressing.

A Style of Flamenco

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:38:00 +0000

Hip Hop Dance Step: Learn the One-Two Step

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:32:00 +0000

Ballet Lesson: Turning Out, Pointing, and Arm Positions

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Beginner Tap Lesson: Learn How to Shuffle

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Check out this Crazy Gene Kelly Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:18:00 +0000

SoulTime Talent Show and the 2nd Round Mess Up

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Stylez Dance Group made it to the 2nd round at the SoulTime Dance Competition last night. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish all 3 rounds and place, but we did our best and our dances looked great.

However, I feel that our entry into the 3rd round (or lack there of) was affected by a mess up on behalf of the SoulTime Committee. After Round 1, the committee announced everyone who made it. We were one of those groups, but we were on the balcony of the theatre watching. Well, actually, all the participants in the show were watching from the balcony. That was where we were permitted to sit. When we got down to the changing room, a committee member rushed out and said "Stylez Dance Group, where have you been?! You're up first! You're up right now, they've already called your name!"

We rushed onto the stage, flustered. The theatre was less than half full. Audience members thought that there was an intermission.

We waited for the host to announce our name again. But he didn't. The DJ started our music, and we started our dance routine. But no one was watching. People didn't even know we were dancing. The JUDGES of the talent show even looked confused. I have a feeling that the lack of audience participation during our 2nd round effected our score. But I feel like that is due to a lack of audience members in their seats. *sigh* We were all extremely upset after our dance. We worked so had for the past 2.5 weeks to put together new dances for Round 2 and not many people were able to see it.

We thought it was strange that no one reannounced us. But we started dancing when the DJ put on our music. I guess we should have told him to stop and wait for an announcement. But the committee member that rushed us downstairs told us to get on stage.

Anyway, here are the videos of our performances. Enjoy.

Round 1:

Round 2:

Soul TIme Talent Show this Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:45:00 +0000

It's almost time for Stylez's next show. Soul Time Talent Show is this Thursday. We just finished teaching new choreography last week. For our practices this week, we're going to focus on cleaning up choreography and blocking (meaning where everyone stands) and also thinking of things to do for the mystery round.

For the mystery round (the final round), the judging committee will give us a song to dance to. The options they have decided to choose from are Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss," Akon's "Get Buck," and "Whatisit" by BabyDash.

We're planning on using old choreography from the Midwest Mix Up or from previous quarters for round 3. The problem is that not everyone remembers the old choreography and we also picked up some new members at the end of last quarter who do not know old choreography from fall and the beginning of winter quarter.

This is what we're going to have to focus on this week.

Your First Lesson: Ballet Basic Positions

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Thorough History of Ballet and Modern Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:29:00 +0000

The video is kinda long, but if you're interested, this is a very good thorough history of Ballet and Modern Dance.

Watch This Video for History of Hip Hop from Documentary "The Freshest Kids"

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:13:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaGPwTW6OY

Brief History of Tap Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:09:00 +0000

Change in Plans About Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Hey, sorry for the change in plans, but I've decided instead of giving my own instructional videos, I will be posting videos I have found online which I think are good instructional videos. Right now, I think it is unrealistic for me to provide instructional videos frequently enough for this blog. I am taking about 20 credit hours, I work, and I am also involved in extracurriculars like my dance team. I wouldn't be able to dedicate the appropriate time on filming and editing good dance videos.

Sorry for the disappointment. But I think that you will enjoy the videos I choose to put in my blog.

I will also find videos about the history for certain dances as well as famous dancers in each category.

Here's a very good clip about the History of Hip Hop from the documentary "The Freshest Kids." This video could not be embedded but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbaGPwTW6OY
I highly recommend everyone to watch this movie.

Sorry for Delay in Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Hey So You Wanna Dancers. Sorry for the delay in posting. I went home to Cleveland this weekend to get my firewire cable and external hard drives so I can upload your dance videos online. My firewire was not at home. So I flipped out a majority of the weekend.

It turns out that my firewire and harddrives were here in Columbus...at the foot of my bed under piles of blankets and clothes. :( Shame on me right?

But the good news! I have taped the intro video and your first instructional video. Once I get to the lab, they will be posted.

Stay tuned!

Some Pics from Midwest Mix Up

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Round 1: Looking Tough for "Throw Back"

From Left to Right: Tamara Jolly, Donte Smith, Ashley Jamison, Katie Welland, Erina Hirai, Jinny Na, Henrick Sawczak, Hayley Leventhal, Kendel Woods, Anne Hu (me!), Ashley Carnes, Anastasia Glogowski

Bottom: Moet Setoyama and Latoya Blakey

Round 1: Looking Tough for "Throw Back"

Foreground: Anne Hu (me!) and Ashley Jamison

Background: Kendel Woods, Katie Welland, Latoya Blakey, Jinny Na, former member of Stylez Charita Ray

Round 2: Sexy Executive Committee Picture

From Left to Right: Ashley Jamison, Anne Hu, Latoya Blakey, Hayley Leventhal

Round 3: Looking Classy for "Stylez" round

From Left to Right: Henrick Sawczak, Ashley Carnes, Donte Smith, Anastasia Glogowski, Ashley Jamison, Latoya Blakey, Katie Welland, Kendel Woods, Tamara Jolly, Hayley Leventhal, Moet Setoyama, Anne Hu

Front: Erina Hirai and Jinny Na

What? Another competition?

noreply@blogger.com (Gurl) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:11:00 +0000

Stylez Dance Group just found out that we have another dance competition coming up in 2 weeks (May 1st). Oi. It's time to get workin' again.

The event is called Soul Time. It's a talent show competition for African American Heritage Fest Month. There are 3 rounds. The 1st round is 5 minutes long. The 2nd is 3 minutes. And the 3rd round is 3 minutes but you cannot prepare for it. The 3rd round is called a "mystery round." They panel of judges will randomly select a song for us to dance to.

We're thinking we have a limited amount of time, for the first round we can pick out a few dances from the Midwest Mix Up routines and redo them to different songs. For the 2nd round, we will do new dances. Hayley and I will have to come up with new choreography by Monday. The third round, we will most likely freestyle.

Just when we thought we had a break? I'm a bit frustrated. We auditioned for Soul Time 3 weeks ago, and they didn't tell us whether we made it or not until yesterday, when I had to email them about it. We forgot to email them earlier because all of our energy was focused on the Midwest Mix Up, and Soul Time said they would get back to us anyway.

Don't get me wrong, I love new opportunities to perform. The more performances the better! It's just crunch time all over again! :)