Question 1: When did you start dancing?
Answer: My grandfather was a man of many talents, from comedy performances, and photography for the local newspaper to ventriloquism. I had just completed my DJ Course at DJ Mixclub in Blairgowrie when my grandfather recorded VH1 Hits of 2001. I found a video by Dirty Vegas – Days Go By on this videotape. After many fights in Tekken 3 on my PS 1, I taught myself Eddie Gordo’s moves. This led me to discover a group of breakdancers training at the local Parkhurst Half Pipe. I would save my Primary School tuck shop money to give to my new teachers and from there I started my adventure to become a breakdancer. I then later in High School joined classes with a friend who told me about Static Bboys teaching at Danzazania in Melville after making my talent known by the whole school on warcry days for Gala events. I then entered my first competition in 2003 as an initiation into my crew called Demolition Squad.
Question 2: When did you start teaching?
Answer: I started teaching in 2011 once I had several competition wins and had performed on many a grand stage. The first classes I taught were at Beatrockers Academy of Dance in Rivonia Square. I then later started teaching at Dancazania, Dance Junxion, and Danceweb. I hosted several workshops too throughout the years in far places like Alberton, Namibia, Pretoria, and more.
Question 3: What classes do you teach?
Answer: I teach breaking classes. I have a progress list of moves that lead to more difficult moves. I have developed a method of breaking down really hard tricks and also the exercises required to accomplish the move and then add it to your combo list that develops into your success when competing or performing on stage.
Question 4: What can you expect from my dance classes?
Answer: In my classes, you will be challenged to try the fundamentals of breaking and also guided through how those moves evolved. Using my progress chart we will be able to see where your strengths are and from it focus on techniques to attain the tricks that may be too difficult. Once we have completed level one we will then start to put together combos that we train so you remember them well for any occasion. We then move on to harder moves and also advance into the variations of the original moves. I advance at the student’s pace and the choice becomes whether classes are for competitive reasons, performance or purely done just for recreation.
Question 5: When and Why did you start at Five6seven8?
Answer: I had been teaching all over by this time and had found a stable workflow for classes. I was creating digital content for a project called Amped Africa and hired Five6seven8 for an audition & rehearsal. I was then approached by Lois, a talented Hip Hop teacher who had been teaching introductory breaking at Five6seven8. He had a few students who showed potential and wanted to find out from me if I could take over. Then in 2019 I started teaching at FIve6seven8 and have loved it ever since.
Question 6: Why do you love to teach dance?
Answer: I love teaching dance as it was something I wish I had growing up. I had a few teachers but by the time I was in high school, I had already surpassed some of the teachers with tricks they were unable to do. Also breaking is such a wonderful dance style that can truly compete against other school sports. I was flying to national and international competitions in High School and I felt it was a pity that breaking wasn’t a recognised sport in which I could attain Protea Colours. This would have helped me further my education. The last reason I have is while growing up there were many negative influences around and breaking stopped me from injuring myself in fights as I wanted to dance tomorrow. I became more conscious of my health and wanted to always stay at my optimal prime.
Question 7: Why do you love to dance?
Answer: I love to dance as I feel it’s the unspoken language of the body. It’s a language anyone in the world can understand. Inspiration was always my greatest interest and I followed what inspired me. I hope that my dancing inspires others as this is truly the greatest reason I do what I do. To inspire.
Question 8: Tell us something about yourself
Answer: I am a Geek, I love games, and Marvel comics, and I do digital content creation for websites and social media clients. I cover dance competitions with a phone and broadcast them live to the dance world. I love advancing the dance industry in other ways than dance.
