What The Funk Crew Performing at Takala Land 6/29/13!!!

6/29/13, What The Funk?! Crew will be performing at 

TAKALA LAND DANCE STUDIO 2years Anniversary 2013<Back to the streetz vol.2>

!!! 

There will be other amazing dance crews that will be performing! Just see the pic to find out who will be attending! SAVE THE DATE!!!

This is a REAL POPPING ROUTINE! - Jazzy J Electric Boogaloos (Red Suit)

THE FUNK MASTER, The Electric Boogaloo, Rhythmatic Funk Movement, the one and only Soul Fire,,,,Jazzy J.

My teacher and a dance name god father getting down HAAAARRRRD.

Electric Soul Satisfaction Part 3: Workshop and traveling back

Part 3


Once again, after a long night, we slept until 9 AM.
Surprisingly, my body wasn't sore at all. The training I've been doing must've helped me.

We got ready, had a Pizza as a breakfast near the studio where the workshop was held.

James and Ilya

Jazzy J

Time was closing in. Funny thing is, Jazzy didn't realize that he was doing a Locking workshop, not a popping workshop until the very last minute LOL

But of course, its Jazzy. To him switching his mindset between styles is not a problem at all.

Again, surprisingly, Gwo and Carlo was running late. I guess those guys were having too much fun with the judges this time LOL

We waited for an hour before the class began. Finally Carlo called and James began to organize the workshop.

Within the next 15 min, Carlo arrived with other judges. 
The workshops began about an hour and 15 min late. Our initial plan of going back to NYC was gradually being pushed back.  I was getting nervous because I was worried about going back during rush hour. Plus, we all had plans early in the morning the next day.

Luckily me and ilya had fun talking with Dickson, Bionic, and couple other dancers to ease our stress off.

After Jazzy's workshop, we drove to Gwo's house to pick up Fayzah Fire, who was taking a private class with Jr boogaloo.




Here, seeing how Jr Boogaloo interacted with Jazzy, I've realized how much respect he has on the West coast popping community. I say this because as we were leaving, Jr Boogaloo looked at Jazzy and sincerely said "west coast is waiting for you" with a respectful manner.

Seeing such an amazing dancer that represent the West Coast popping internationally for more than a decade to show such respect to him made me realize how great Jazzy really is.

Of course to me, he is my sensei, mentor, and dance name god father (My real name is SUGURU. He couldn't pronounce nor remember my name at all for few month. Finally, he got tired of trying and just decided to call me SUGALOO because it sounds similar lol) and I have high respect for him.

Jazzy relaxing his foot while I pump some gas lol

 


But I also know his funny and teenage like personality that makes me feel like he is a great funky old friend. However, seeing such interaction between him and Jr Boogaloo reminded me how lucky and fortunate I am to learn under him.








When we began driving back to NYC, it was around 3:30 PM.




Going back to NYC was HELL. Especially for me.
Because I was the one driving back!!! 
I drove back all the way without making any stops because I wanted to go home as quick as possible since we were already way behind out initial plan.

But of course we were going back during rush hour.

I hit 4 traffic.... What a night mare. I ended up driving 5~6 hours. My back was KILLING me.....


Anyhow, that was the end of my first summer trip.
To me, it was a great start. But as a crew, I wish we could've done more.
This is because I know how much my partner has challenged himself to improve this summer. I want him to receive results and accomplish the goals that was training for.


But I'm sure this will happen soon. Because our next trip was a life changing experience :D

Finally, to Carlo Manabat, Gwoping Yang, and James Wu.
I know I've said this many times, but THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS EVENT.
You guys always bring one of the best and/or the most interesting poppers out to the East coast.
I believe your dedication towards the community is doing justice. I thank you so much for taking such action.

I WILL follow your footstep in the future so I too can help support the growth of the East coast community.

Once again, I truly enjoyed the event, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to battle A.K.A Kin. With out you guys hard effort of bringing him over from across the sea, this would've never happened.

Peace and God Bless to you all.

ok, my next summer trip destination was.......

 MY MOTHERLAND, JAPAN!!!



Continues.....

MY FAVORITE BATTLE JAM ON THE EASTCOAST AS OF NOW

One of my favorite event on the East Coast is....

Electro Soul Satisfaction!!!

This event REALLY electrifies your soul until your satisfied XD lol


The event is organized by my friends (Carlo Manabat, Gwoping Yang and James Wu)  in Washington D.C.

I've been to this event since it started and I have never been disappointed, not even once!!!

The event is very organized and they bring great judges and dancers to do workshops, which attracts great dancers around the local area, east coast, and even from abroad.


Now, this upcoming Saturday, (7/28),  Studio G, DCDC, and LifeXHipHop.com presents......

Electro Soul Satisfaction 3, Popping, Locking, All Styles-Over a $1000 in Prizes!

Just look at the flyer ladies and gents.....

From the top.......

BIONIC MAN (Machine Gone Funk/LA)

One of the best and the dopest popper in the U.S right now. 
He is also known for being one of the most versatile dancer in the Street Dance scene. Definitely a figure that is trying and are filling the gap between the underground street dancers and mainstream choreography dancers. Mad props and respect.
He has won, has been qualified and judged numerous international street dance competitions including Battle of the Year, U.K Bboy Championship, R16 and many more.....

I've took his class twice within the past couple years and it helped me to exceed in popping more that I could ever imagine.
He is also very funny and friendly. Definitely a dancer that I recommend people to meet and learn under.

JAZZY J (Electric Boogaloos/NY)

Member of the legendary popping crew, The Electric Boogaloos. 

He has worked with legendary artists including Michael Jackson on a short musical film called "Captain EO".

Jazzy J has been a great influence to the East Coast Popping scene since he moved from California. He is versatile in many different popping styles and technique, allowing many (to name a few, Frank Boogie, Oba, Toshika, Dementia, and many more)  to evolve their dance style. He is one of those dancers that you can't ignore because he is full of energy and funkieness.....

He has been dancing over few decades but never lost his edge, in fact, he is still evolving.

Lastly, he is my teacher, mentor, and a dance name god father.

A.K.A Ra (Korea)

 The first impression that I had seeing him dance was "How many dance style is he great at???"

It was 2009 or 2010 when I first saw A.K.A Ra at an event called "Step Ya Game Up". He entered all of the categories (popping, locking, house, waacking, Hip Hop) and was the only one (I believe) who passed all the preliminaries. I was amazed and inspired by his dance ever since.

If I'm not wrong, he is one of the most influential forerunners of street dance community in South Korea. He is very rigorous, humble but open minded and of course an extraordinary dancer. Furthermore, I respect the fact that he is still constantly competing even though he is one of those figure who has an O.G status.

Go to 3:56. Guy in Denim Jacket.

Dickson (U.K) 

I have never met Dickson before, but I've known his name and dance via Youtube since 2009. I'm very excited to see this guy live this Saturday! 

Dickson is one of the top poppers in U.K, representing his country in numerous battles across Europe. I like his clean popping technique that has some groovy feeling on it. 

A.K.A Kin (F.I.T.H/Korea)

 One of my all time favorite popper right here :) I had a privileged to finally meet him last weekend at an event "Step Ya Game Up". 
His Boogaloo is one of the best in not only in Asia, but in the world (in my humble opinion). His style is deep in feeling and very chill. At first, you might not get his dance because it is slow at times, but if you listen to the music carefully, the expression he makes by using his full body is magnificent. Although he had a slump where people questioned whether he lost his edge in the past few year, he came back strong and now is the champion of the International Street Dance competition,  R16. Once again, Congratulations Mr. Kin!!!

Ok with all that said.......

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS JAM!!! 

Here is the information!!! 

(including workshops and After Party!!! :D)

 Time: July 28th (Saturday) 12PM-8PM

Category:

1 v 1 Popping competition
Cash Prize: $500 plus gear
***Battle Guest: AKA Kin***

1 v 1 All Styles 
Cash Prize: 300$ plus gear

1vs1 Locking
Cash Prize: 300$ plus gear

Fee:

Jam – 15$ before 1:30PM and 20$ anytime after 1:30PM – Ladies 10$ ALL DAY, Kids 10 and under are FREE ALL DAY (With an adult admission) & supervision) !!!

Cameras = 5 Bucks, this jam will be well documented by the LXH and Studio G team, so no worries about footage being   
                                                                    available!  
 Location: 

 DCDC
4908 Wishconsin Ave
Washington DC, 20016

 
Workshop:

http://www.facebook.com/events/440179099338623/

Time: 7/29 (Sunday)

Cost:

Workshops – $25 for 1 – $35 for 2 - $50 for all 4

Time: July 29th 12PM to 5PM

Where:

DCDC
4908 Wishconsin Ave
Washington DC, 20016

___________________

After Party!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/events/410773932301873/



Contact:

c@lifexhiphop.com / (240) 944-6826
or
gwoyang@yahoo.com / (240) 401-1481

Hope to see you all there!!!

Peace and God Bless

SUGALOO

Day 10: Japan and USA. Two of the greatest poppers.

This video is A MUST WATCH!!!!

R.I.P Skeeter Rabbit and Wild Cherry.
They are both one of the most influential poppers for Japan and United States and the world..

As far as I know, Wild Cherry was a DJ and a dancer responsible for bringing the Electric Boogaloos (especially Skeeter Rabbit and Popping Pete) to Osaka, Japan in the mid 90's.

Wild Cherry constantly brought them to Japan. Allowing Osaka to be exposed to the original Boogaloo style, which was an extremely valuable opportunity considering the fact that there was no Youtube nor reliable internet  usage like today.

Because of this, Osaka became the mecca of Popping in Japan. Popping became extremely famous and gave birth to world renowned dancers such as Acky, Gucchon, Kei, Tetsu G and so on....

However, I love this showcase because they pop using various popping styles instead of JUST STRAIGHT UP BOOGALOO.
To me, understanding and being able to execute different styles of popping and being able to express and ultimately be able to fuse with the music in the get down is what makes you a true Popping Dancer.

I've look up to Skeeter Rabbit for a long time because he is to me the most perfected popper on the planet.

Its always fun and entertaining to watch Skeeter Rabbit.
His dynamic Boogaloo moves, technical botting and dimes, funky heavy groove, quick and sharp movements from a huge body. These features create perfect balance that presents various popping styles to the max within his get down.

Although my favorite popper in Electric Boogaloo is my teacher, Jazzy J, Skeeter Rabbit has always been my top choice.

I don't know how many times I've though in my mind "what would popping world be like if he was still alive?"

I ask this question because as you can tell from the clip, he is very social, friendly, but a hard critique and serious about popping.

His students like Kid Boogie and Bionic Man told me how big of a positive influence Skeeter Rabbit has brought to their lives. And I constantly hear rumors of how he was serious about the dance and supporting the dance community.

Too many people now-a-days only think about themselves and their success. 


In my humble opinion, we need people like Wild Cherry and Skeeter Rabbit who contribute to the unity of the community by introducing Street Dance style, not for fame and success, but true love towards the dance.

"Let's stay together, I don't bang no more. I'm banging for my people....people all from the Streets. I don't care what color you are"-- Skeeter Rabbit--

Peace and God Bless.

SUGALOO Teaching Class in New Jersey!

Soooo

My crew mate Edmund "E.T" Tan gave me the opportunity to do a workshop in New Jersey this *THURSDAY*

Here is the link

If you are around Elmswood in New Jersey, come stop by!