BAM this year was special for me because I got to do a showcase on stage!! Never have I thought that I'd have an opportunity to do that, but it happened. We did a showcase for hustle with Bboyizm and it was so much fun!! Here's some pictures and footage of it.
I also battled at BAM, but didn't make it past prelims again. This time I wanted to focus on my musicality so didn't really put on an outfit or a certain character, but it didn't turn out how I wanted it to be again, especially after watching my round. There was some improvement, but not enough in my opinion. However, after taking Tyrone's workshop again, I think I know what he is looking for now (not saying that I have to waack the way he wants it to be done, but he has some ideas that I could use for my own improvement) and I also know what I need to work on myself this summer. So got some work to do!!
Day 2, the finals!! I went to a panel discussion that was held before the battling started where the judges discussed some issues or questions people have about dance. They talked about traditions in dance, commercial vs underground dancers, the business side of dance, etc. Their views were interesting to hear and I loved how Storm (bboy judge) said it is a matter of how we use our words because the opposite of commercial is non-commercial and the opposite of underground is upper-ground/above ground, yet people see commercial dancers and underground dancers as opposites. To what I understood from the discussion, we shouldn't see the two like that because a dancer is a dancer, underground dancers may not be able to do what commercial dancers do and vice versa, so instead of putting them into categories, we should all respect each other. At the end of the day, it ALWAYS comes down to respect.
After the panel discussion it was time for some battles and showcases. I'd have to say that the highlights of the night were definitely the hip hop final battle and Foret Noire's waacking showcase.
Just look at them! So gorgeous, all white and glowing, like angels <3 I teared up after their performance, it was absolutely beautiful.
Next up, the final battle for hip hop. It was SO HYPE!! The music was good and the dancing was crazy!! The video does not do it justice at all since you can't feel the energy through the monitor. So I'll say it again IT WAS CRAZY!!! It was like watching the final battle in the Step Up movies but live.
I ended up staying for the after party because everybody was vibing, cyphering and dancing, and I mean actually dancing. This was so much better than going to a club/party at a club where people just jump up and down. (I personally find that extremely boring, just saying.) Next year, I will for sure be staying until the break of dawn so that I can dance my heart out for the whole night.
The whole of day 2 was absolutely amazing, watching the different styles of dancing and so many good dancers dance was inspiring. Also, seeing the judges dance, some who are in their 40s, doing some crazy moves, emphasizes the fact that age does not limit you in your dancing. After going through Bust A Move 2014, I now not only want to improve my waacking but I also want to try out different styles as well. Next year, if I get my training and practice hours in, hopefully I can also try doing either house or locking battles. I seriously can't wait.
Here's a little recap of the night for all you readers out there. :)
P.S. I did not film the hip hop finals and the recap videos.
Bust A Move this weekend was CRAZY!! I was expecting something pretty epic but coming out of the two days, pretty epic is an understatement. These past 2-3 days were probably the best time of my life.
Day 1 of BAM were the prelims which I battled in. Even though I had to wait five hours before it was my time, I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching other dancers battle, some of which were my teachers. Being able to watch all these dancers live makes me feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people.
The kids hip hop battles were absolutely inspiring to watch as well. These kids really do not hold back and give it their all!! Their facial expressions were so crazy... I need to learn to let go just like them and use it when I compete and perform.
Finally it was time for waacking battles. I was faced against Mautassime (aka Mariah) and I was so glad to be able to battle someone that I know.
I didn't make it past prelims but considering this was only my third battle, I am actually really proud of myself and very happy to see that I have improved! Also, Mautassime/Mariah said so many nice and encouraging words to me after our battle. Out of all the things we talked about, this was what stuck, "Don't listen to what others say, if you want to dance then just do it." I may just go with what he said.
Last thing that I want to say about Day 1 is that I am so happy to see so many MSSD members getting down and I feel so proud of them! I'm not sure how it happened really, but they've played a big role in my dancing and I don't think I would be doing this if it wasn't for them. Love you guys <3
Bust A Move/Festival Bust A Move is Canada's biggest dance battle, I believe. They were promoting the event in collaboration with le Metro (subway system in Montreal) and were showcasing to the public what street dancing and battling is. It is so amazing to watch such crazy dancers freestyle to music in different styles: hip hop, house, popping, waacking, locking and bboying. I feel so honored to actually know some of those who were there "battling" today! (You guys were awesome)
Here's some pictures that I took with my phone.(Sorry, don't have a pro camera so it's gonna be a bit blurry)
Kids Hip Hop
House
Locking
Waacking
Popping
My waacking teacher was actually there doing the house battle and we ended up going to my dance class together, but it got cancelled so... basically I got a private group waacking class and wow. I learnt so much from it! How I wish this could happen more often! And now she has convinced me to go battle in BAM. Initially, I was only going to go watch because it is such a big event that I didn't feel ready to do it, but since it is A LOT cheaper to go as a contestant/dancer and I can use the experience as practice, I will be battling on May 2nd. If you're battling or going to watch the event, I will see you there :)
