A New Year, A Fresh Start

So after a few months of planning and brainstorming, this new year has finally given me the drive to start pushing out the UUDO(Utah Urban Dance Organization).  There are some big plans for this but we want to get the ball rolling and really start getting people interested in this outlook.  The University of Utah has so many students that have a huge interest in different urban dances but not a lot of outlooks to go towards.  The Salt Lake area also has a large variety of very talented and passionate dancers that do not really have a collaboration point for which they can come together.  This organization is looking to change this and help build the scene here in the Salt Lake area.

I have found Utah dancers in general to be some of the most humble and motivated people when it comes to learning a style of dance.  However, the sources from which to learn is no where near the capacity of other states.  This organization is looking to provide students at the U and people in the Salt Lake are a location and direction for which they can motivate and become better dancers.  The organization is also looking to provide a very positive outlook and hopefully show everyone the talent that this city brings.

Recap of Top 6 Federation

B-Bboy Federation

It is approaching closer and closer to the B-Boy Federation finals where one crew will be crowned champions of B-Boy Federation 2010-2011 and winner of plane tickets to any B-boy competition in the nation.  Last Saturday was the first battle of the top 6 and every crew came hard and prepared.  The battle of the night had to have been Flavanoids and Ground Houndz.  Being in this battle was so intense and entertaining.

Flavanoids crew came prepared and came rocking some new designs with Ensoul.  Thanks to Chris Owens (Flavanoids) for designing the shirts and Thanks to Ensoul for printing the shirts.  Check the design below.

Footage will be posted soon..

Opening up to the world of dance

Recently, my group NoiZ and I have taken it upon ourselves to start training in other styles of dance and really absorb the feeling of the dance.  This month has been an odd set of training but a very worthwhile experience.  

The first set of training is in modern, ballet, and jazz.  This is definitely an off topic when it comes to urban dance.  It is a very different flavor but that doesn't mean that it can't be tasted and enjoyed.  Our training is led by some of group members Mykklyn Stanzione, Keiko Doi, and Monet LaPine.  These dancers have had training in this area and to learn their technique and conditioning really helps train our body in other aspects we would never think with urban dances.

The second set of training is in funk styles, particularly popping.  This style has always intrigued me for a long time and has given me plenty reason to learn and work on.  This style definitely takes a lot of discipline and work to get certain styles of funk.  From the words of Poppin John, "work on one style as hard as you can so you can really get the feel of it."  The training of popping the muscles are really something that can only be achieved with hard work and time.