Saturday 9 May 2009

UAL - University of the Arts Breakdance Society

It was quite the spectacle seeing two toned, athletic men dancing with fervor, passion and excitement. This is exactly the show that Peter Johnson and JP Lewis put on for us all last sunday evening @ Fat Talent LIVE, West London

Starting with some funky moves, they then moved into the more complicated, jaw dropping stunts. They had the crowd in awe with their head spinning, hand stands and incredible rhythm.

They met at breakdancing class, at the university of the arts, and have been dancing together for the past year. Theirs is a more specific strand of break dance called 'locking' which itself derives from the funk of James Brown.

Stylistically, they have many influences, though they both cite Martial Arts as being their main one. Watching old Kung Fu movies gives the boys their inspiration and additionally their background in gymnastics allows them the capability to perform such physically demanding routines.

Peter J even said goodbye to his suit, and quit his finance job in the city to pursue break dance full time. Their ultimate goal is to perform a variety show which would include their routines, spoken word, drumming hip-hop and dance.

By their account, the scene itself is tight knit, with plenty of friendly rivalry between the 'crews'. The best way to break into the Breakdance scene is to befriend one of the crews, get in shape and come with an open mind.

Review: Katie Cowell

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