OTI at Boogie Jam

Over the Influence (OTI) is one of the most influential and well-known hip hop groups that have been around Vancity. Each dancer has made a name for himself in his realm of expertise whether it be wacking, voguing, house, boogaloo, popping or bboy. Late Sunday afternoon, the participants of the Boogie Jam workshop at Scotiabank Dance Centre got a surprise performance by OTI. It was a chance for OTI to test new material on an audience after rehearsing their pieces for only four days. They did not disappoint and delivered a visually stunning and moving performance. I was very interested in the theme and message they were trying to convey through their performance.

Photos taken by Yvonne Chew
on September 21, 2008
at the Scotiabank Dance Centre
http://www.overtheinfluence.net

605 Collective at Roundhouse

I loved the performance by 605 Collective at the Roundhouse Performance Theatre presented by New Works on Sunday at 2pm. The show was sold out. Each dancer represented their strengths, creativity and dynamism on stage. They worked really well together. The chemistry in the team was prevalent with a very strong bond. I can see them move with fluidity and passion. The jumps and leaps were amazing. They showcased popping, contemporary and hip hop. Urban contemporary is emerging as a new and popular form. Technique and versatilty is prevalent in each dancer. Most have training in a variety of dance genres from ballet, jazz, tap, theatre, modern and hip hop. 605 Collective is one of the most talented and versatile upcoming groups. I appreciated the Q&A at the end of their performance as well as I got to know a bit of background from the skilled dancers at this performance: Josh Martin, Lisa Gelley, Maiko Miyauchi and Sasha Kozak. The most important thing I got out of the Q&A and watching their performance was that the mental aspect of being a dancer is just as important as the physical because visualization is the key to executing a great performance.

Photos by Yvonne Chew
taken on September 21, 2008
at Roundhouse Performance Theatre
http://www.605collective.com

Stonefoxx at Plush Night Club

I got a ticket to see Stonefoxx perform "Kickoff" at the Plush Night Club. A mix of hard hitting moves hip hop moves ... Stonefoxx delivers a strong powerful performance in their show mixing athletics with raw sex appeal. Girls can play football too.

Photos by Yvonne Chew
taken on September 20, 2008
at Plush Night Club

Hip Hop and Popin Battle

I checked out the Hip Hop and Popin' Battle at Drive Dance Centre. Intimidation was on my mind and expectation as participants battle it out on the floor. The battle was being judged by Popin' Pete and Sho-Tyme, two legends in popin' and hip hop after their workshop yesterday. I entered the room and saw the anticipation of the audience for a showdown. The excitement was hidden and hardly contained be the dancers' game faces as their peers look on as these industry legends watch their moves. A battle can really up one's heartbeat and tests a person's nerves. The heat in the room added to the rawness of the competition. I could feel my shoulders hunch forward, sweat drip from my forehead and my body tense up as I prepare to watch the one on one battle.

Photos by Yvonne Chew
taken on September 14, 2008

Popin' Pete and Sho-Tyme Workshop and Battle
at the Drive Dance Centre
http://www.drivedancecentre.com

Sara Coffin and Laura Hicks in Moving Voices

On Saturday, September 6, I had a great opportunity to photograph Sara Coffin and Laura Hicks during their dress and tech run at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. I was truly amazed at the stamina and effort it takes to put together a production in the day. The amount of organization, technical and lighting experience also comes into play in a dancer's repertoire when producing a show. They were true sports letting me hang out with them at the Heritage Playhouse. Their pieces were moving and showcased their technical experience. I see why it's called Moving Voices as it truly is a record of voices in motion. Whispers of voices, thoughts and emotions intertwined in relationships within oneself and others. Loved seeing both of them dance their duet in Dis Chord as well. They also worked with a group of talented dancers from the Sunshine Coast to create a group piece for the show. Thank you Sara Coffin and Laura Hicks.

Photos by Yvonne Chew
taken on September 6, 2008

Moving Voices
Location: Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons
Sara Coffin: http://www.saracoffin.com
Laura Hicks: http://www.radmoves.blogspot.com