Dance
Get to know the popper
How did you get started in dance?
My start-up in dance came from a theatre background, I was in a drama club and was part of my school annual productions and had never really been to any dance competition at that point, even though my cousin was a bboy and I would watch him practice, I had never watched him compete or been to competitions/battles. It was only once leaving school in 2006 did I first get introduced to the street dance community as well as battling when I auditioned for a production called the temple of hip hop- this was where I got introduced to many of Cape Town’s Street Dance Community and really get into hip hop as a culture and as a dance.
What styles do you practice?
I predominantly practice popping, waacking, locking, hip hop and house. Popping is what I am known for but I always try to work on myself as a dancer/movement artist/creative as much as I do work on my techniques within the various styles I have mentioned.
How much time a week do you spend dancing?
I spend almost everyday dancing in some way. I am a dancer, yes, but I am also a dance teacher and I mentor a few younger dancers too. I would say I am invested in dance 99% of my time.
What’s your favourite song to dance to?
I do not have a favourite song to dance to because I feel different feelings to different music, but I am most fond of funk music because it just has this thing that makes you feel good, and also chilled hip hop vibes like Erykah Badu 'On and On' and Common Sense 'Good Morning' are definitely on my playlist.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your moves?
I believe that inspiration is everywhere. Inspiration comes from our immediate environment, the things we watch, the people we meet, other dancers. I learn various dance techniques and styles from other poppers and dancers but it has long been my experience that inspiration is everywhere and in everything we do.
Who is your favourite dancer?
I have too many favourite dancers to pick just one dancer as my favourite. So many people inspire me for different reasons. Some dancers inspire me with their dance, others inspire me with their methodologies and approach to their training, their discipline or simply their level of creativity. I couldn't simply pick one. I love dancers. Their minds are amazing and their stories even more so. Can I say: “Dancers inspire me”?
What do you enjoy most about dance?
I enjoy many things about dance, but I have to say I have enjoyed travelling the world and meeting some really awesome people and dancers from my own city, country, as well as other parts of the world. I have made new friends and also heard some amazing stories of what dancers have overcome in their lifetimes, and that has really stayed with me.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome as a dancer?
The greatest challenge I have overcome as a dancer I would say is definitely the fact that I do not fit into a mould of what “society” expects a woman to be. I am feminine and masculine. I am a tomboy at heart and I think that’s exactly why I was drawn to dance but specifically the style popping.
Popping was always hugely male-dominated when I was first introduced to it. I enjoyed being a woman amongst men battling for the top spot and even when I lost, I felt it was a win for me on the path to overcoming my insecurities but also bringing the female presence to the scene in Cape Town.
It was only very recently that I started tapping into my feminine energy as a popper, because of influences like Pandora Marie, Marie Poppins, Dassy, Lily Frias (Femme Fatale) who have been pivotal in my confidence building this year.
I had plenty of insecurities within myself which made me lose out on some amazing experiences in life, but after discovering popping and the culture of hip hop over the years, dance has played a huge part in me growing back my confidence as well as just embracing the woman I am and not being afraid of it.
What do you do when you’re not dancing?
I am always doing something dance-related 99% of the time. The other 1% I am with family or just chilling or watching battles or researching for my next project.
Is there anything in dance you still want to learn?
YES! There is still so much I want to learn and explore with dance. I feel like I have only just hit the tip of the “dance” iceberg. I want to continue learning about the business of dance and brushing up on my skill set and exchange with more dancers and meet some of the living pioneers and dance legends of the street dance and hip hop community.
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