DANCEHALL DOCUMENTARY - Message Tr888 from Jamaica

Brand new documentary! Answering questions about what dancehall is, what are the differences between male and female moves, what inspires dancers to create new dance moves, how do they see other dancers around the world etc, this documentary lets the dancehall dancers tell their story. Nice work by Monika Cichocka, bigup yuself and every dancer! Dancehall good to we!




Starring:
Chad GlobalBob Torrington
Sri Lanka Rifical
Andre Cosmic
Shelly-belly Real Page
Energy Frm Bermuda Squad
Blazer Frass
Orville Xpressionz Hall
Latonya Style
Shelly-ann Callum
Keemi-Elite Johnson
Chucky Xklusiv Dancer
Craig Black Eagle
Rappa Staar
Tevin NahlaughSkankaz
Famousdancer Up
Cojo Mob
Chinn Overload Skankaz
Dwayne Gabbidon
Kem-star Sollo
Vaughn Douglas & Fearless Skankaz

SYVAH DANCE TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

Every now and then in the world of dancehall, there's a dance that becomes an instant hit. In my opinion it requires a good song, a dance move that is catchy and a good video. In the case of Syvah all of the elements above are fulfilled, topped with the personality and talent of Ding Dong himself. Add the phrase "Oh my dayyyz!" and the simple hashtag #SYVAH and there you have it. PULL UP! 

Official video for Ding Dong - Syvah

Latonya Style demonstrating the SYVAH Dance Move by Ding Dong (Ravers Clavers)

Syvah in the snow! YungLegendz in Boston

Voicemail & Ding Dong - Sivva

Ding Dong speaks with Dante Hillmedo about how Syvah came about and what it stands for. 12 minute interview

Meet upcoming dancer: Hanna Braveheart (EST)

Hanna Braveheart is a young talented dancer hailing from Estonia in eastern Europe, now living in Helsinki Finland. I'm very happy to be writing this post introducing her to the world, since today she has published her first official solo dance video.

I got to know Hanna in January 2013 when she was part of the group of dancers we were touring in Kingston Jamaica, introducing them to the roots of dancehall. I instantly liked her vibes and energy, both as a person and as a dancer. Returning from Jamaica she moved to Helsinki (Finland) where dancehall is more available than in the neighbouring Estonia. In June 2013 Hanna won the Dancehall Champion title at a dance contest in Helsinki, and in August 2013 she did her first solo performance at the Dancehall Saturdaze club, also located in Helsinki. 

Hanna Braveheart - Dancehall Champion 2013

Hanna Braveheart - Dancehall Saturdaze August 2013

So, for Hanna Braveheart this might be her first official video, but the way this girl loves and lives dancehall, it is only the beginning. Nuff love and respect my girl, you're a star!

Hanna Braveheart's choreo to Demarco - Skip Around 

Here's her own credits for the video on youtube: 

Hanna Braveheart is a young talented Estonian dancehall dancer, at the moment located in Helsinki, Finland!
Contact: hanna.m.p6lluaas@gmail.com

Music: 
Demarco - Skip Around
No copyright infringement intended! Video for entertainment purposes only!

BIGGUP all the dancers!!
There might be few mistakes in the dance list. If so, I am sorry in advance! If you notice any please let me know so I could correct! Thanks for understanding.
Steps in order:

All Ova (Camron One-Shot)
Movie Star
Road Block (Gabbidon)
Confidence (Stacia Fya)
Wettai (Elite Team)
Dweet Again (Orville Dance Xpressionz)
Cheer Fi Di Girls Dem (Rifical Team)
Stiff (Enough Crew)
Hello (Rifical Team)
Mistake (Kimron Dance Xpressionz)
Ova Come (Black Blingaz)
Praise (Melpo DoubleTrouble Mellz)
Let It Shine (Camron One-Shot)
Kick Away
Difficult (Ed Haadie Dancers)
Mash Up (Latonya Style)
Flip Di Script (Latonya Style)
Swedish Bounce (Enough Crew)
Classified (Latonya Style)
Smoothie (Dhk Lil'Gbb)
Nuff Respek (Latonya Style)
Ghetto Gal Wine (Dance Xpressionz)
KuuKuu (Kimiko Versatile, First Class Dancers)
All Season (French Squad Dancas)
Jiggy Boom (Young Ravers)
Step Weh Yuhself (French Squad Dancas)
Gass (Rodrigue Dibakoro)
Brutal (Camron One-Shot)

Bless up!!

Buss Di Dance w/ Latonya Styles

15min video: Jamaican dancer & choreographer Latonya Styles, who is also CEO of DanceJA Movement sat down exclusively with Irish and Chin to talk about her recent Dancehall workshop tour to Russia and Europe.

Latonya is the 'Don Muma' of dancehall dancers. She is intelligent, talented, outspoken, real and beautiful.. Nuff love and RESPECT! -Riina Asamoa

Pretty Wine by Latonya Style

Illustration of "Pretty Wine" by Robin Clare in Australia

Illustration of "Pretty Wine" done by Robin Clare in Australia. It is featured in his very interesting and educational magazine 'Rice & Peas' along with an exclusive interview with Latonya Style.

Khago -Pretty Wine (Official video)



How to Pretty Wine by Latonya Style



"Pretty Wine" - WORLDWIDE SUBMISSIONS



Link to purchase a copy of Rice & Peas magazine (shipped from Australia): http://www.etsy.com/listing/150131523/jamaican-zine-rice-peas-vol-3-the-dance?ref=shop_home_feat

Dancehall's Dancers Go Hungry

Passa Passa (photo: Ingrid Firmhofer)

Death of community dances levels income platform

Since the downturn in the number of popular street dances like Passa Passa in Tivoli Gardens and Dutty Fridayz in Fletcher's Land, several popular Jamaican dancers have disappeared from the entertainment radar.

The dancers claim the parties assisted with their ascension to stardom and provided financial stability for their families; without them, they have become redundant.

Passa Passa began in 2006 and sparked dances of similar nature like Dutty Fridayz, and increased the popularity of events like Hot Mondays and Early Mondays and the like. In fact, several rural parishes in Jamaica began hosting their own events.

Supported by mostly unemployed youths based in Kingston's inner cities, and promoted through raunchy DVDs, Passa Passa gradually became an international product, with episodes hosted in Cayman Islands, French Guyana, and Trinidad as well as Passa Passa Meets Dutty hosted in New York among others.

Each staging of the events promoted those who were its most frequent patrons, the dancers, who became, for a moment, celebrities.

Passa Passa and Dutty Fridayz DVDs were popular commodities for dancehall enthusiasts living overseas, as well as locals who simply wanted to learn exclusive dancehall dance moves from the original creators in an authentic dancehall environment. The parties were bold in every sense of the world. The fashion was loud, the music was loud and many of the dance moves were explicitly loud.

Passa Passa, in its original state, failed to survive the after effects of a May 10 incursion into Tivoli. Subsequent curfews and a refusal by police to allow for other events, in effect, killed the phenomenon. With the death of the popular street dances, dancers felt the pinch.

According to street dancer Bone Crusher, who made a name for himself during the Passa Passa/Dutty Fridayz series, his career has been rocky without the main platforms of exposure.

HARD TIMES

According to the dancer, coupled with an 'event crippling' Noise Abatement Act, dancers are forced to take their craft to club events. However, this platform is not effective enough to draw attention to their dance moves.

"Without Passa Passa and Dutty Fridayz it hard fi survive. Dancing mek from the street and without the street we are nothing. We used to get shows from overseas but dem nah book dancer again because dem don't know what we have to offer. Club parties are about modelling, a man in a corner with him Hennessey and if you try to dance dem seh 'oi dancer bwoy mine yu touch mi', everyday mi cry fi Passa Passa," he said.

His claim was supported by fellow dancer Over Mars. Credited as the creator of the 'Now You See Me, Now You Don't' dance move, Over Mars believes the media hype created by Passa Passa and Dutty Fridayz is unrivalled by contemporary parties.

According to the dancer, the CDs associated with the street parties presented dancers much in the same way reality stars find their way into the homes of people all over the world.

"Some people buy CDs from Passa Passa one straight to 10 and they capture the names and book us for events. Even less fortunate people like mentally challenged Madusa used to get clothes from overseas," he said.

Over Mars says in an attempt to learn Jamaican dance moves, Europeans have resorted to hosting workshops in Europe, however, because there is no Passa Passa and Dutty Fridayz DVD, people are not sure which faces to match with the new moves.

"They are selling our moves now because they can't see us anymore; the new crop of dancers are not even known by the public," he said.

Without the platform to expose their work, several dancers have resorted to other means of survival.

ALTERNATIVE INCOME

Street dancers Ding Dong, Chi Ching Ching and Over Mars have released songs like Summer Swing, Too Many Men and Now You See Me, Now You Don't respectively.

Female dancer Keiva has opened a clothing store, pointing out that dancing alone can no longer pay the bills, while fellow female dancer Latonya Style has opened a dance/aerobics school in Half-Way Tree.

However, several distressed dancers are still hoping that authorities will look their way and grant the elusive permission to host Dutty Fridayz and Passa Passa again.

"Wi want back Passa Passa the same venue, even if it haffi over a little bit earlier, but a wi work place dat," Bone Crusher told The Sunday Gleaner.

If Passa Passa and Dutty Fridayz were to make a return in their authentic forms, perhaps they would have had to be exempted from the Noise Abatement Act, because both events are known to go way past the legal turn off time which is currently 2 p.m.

Passa Passa was last hosted on August 1, 2012, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Some dancers who were popular during the reign of both events include Black Blingaz, Shelly Belly, Dyma, Hyla, Mad Michelle, Timeless Dancers, Sample 6, Cadillac Dancers, Jermaine Squad, Marvin, Ding Dong, Stacey, Bone Crusher, Queen Latesha, Decka, Craigy Dread, Ice, Sadeke, Boysie Roses, John Hype, and Cosmic Dancers.

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer
Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130428/ent/ent4.html

BOGLE INSPIRES A GENERATION: A LOOK AT JAMAICA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL DANCERS

48 years ago, one of Dancehall’s patriarchs was born as Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy began his journey towards becoming Jamaica’s most decorated dancer.

Though controversy surrounded his life, Bogle graced the world with his slick moves, undeterred ego as well as an ability to wow a crowd at every turn with his feet. The works of Bogle as well as the original Dancehall Queen, Carlene (who deserves a very honorable mention for this list) works are instrumental in creating a clear avenue for Dancehall to travel through as their knack for entertaining audiences sparked a movement that has gradually grown since they rose to stardom in the early 90s.

With several dance crews including Shady Squad, Ravers Clavers, Dance Xpressionz and Sample Six infiltrating sessions and events worldwide, Bogle also paved the way for many individual talents to continue carrying out his work, even after his untimely death in 2005.

The most prominent product of dancing in Jamaica, Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy will forever be hailed as an icon an a patriarch within Dancehall circles.

Video: Bogle and John Hype dance in New York:

Taking that fact into consideration here are nine other individual dancers who’ve shaped the foundation of Dancehall music and who are deserving of credit for sparking interest within the genre in their own ways.


10. Kim Versatile: Known for her appearances in videos such as Hot Like We (Ce’Cile) and Gallis (Mr. Vegas), Kimiko ‘Kim Versatile’ Miller hasn’t looked back since earning a runner-up spot on the popular Dancing Dynamites show in 2007. Hailing as an Edna Manley College and Ardenne High School alumnus, Kim Versatile has been leading the new wave of dancers in recent years and living up to her moniker through a borage of intriguing costumes as well as her undeniable flexibility.

A popular choreographer in her own right, Kim Versatile boasts a very accomplished resume’, working with several other Dancehall/Reggae superstars such as Vybz Kartel, Voicemail, Cherine Anderson, Beres Hammond and rap superstar, Sean Kingston to name a few. With so many accomplishments at such a young age, Kim Versatile’s potential continues to skyrocket.


9. Keiva The Diva: Perhaps the first female dancer to gain mainstream recognition within Dancehall circles was Keiva ‘The Diva’ Hibbert; popping on several television screens when she appeared in Elephant Man’s classic video for Log On. Keiva became a fixture in Elephant Man’s videos and, despite boasting a very slim figure, her range in motion made her a must-see dancer in the early 2000s, culminating in winning the title of Dancehall Queen in 2003

Keiva has seemingly shied away from the spotlight ever since word broke in 2009 that she was pregnant. However, motherhood hasn’t stopped Keiva from performing and has even tested recording waters.


8. Ice – Though branded as a troublemaker throughout his career, no one could question Ice as a vaunted dancer.

Ice created several dance moves while a member of the Black Roses Crew, where Bogle also featured. Despite a somewhat marked reputation, Ice became famous for inventing the Gully Creepa dance in 2008, a move that Usain Bolt also popularized during his exploits in Beijing.

As a result, big things seemed in store for Ice’s career. However, like Bogle and Black Roses founder, Willie Haggart before him, Ice was gunned down as he hung out on Boxing Day at a bar in Kingston, preventing him from reaching his full potential as an elite dancer.


7. Ovamarz – Marlon ‘Ovamarz’ Henry remains one of Jamaica’s most heralded dancers, but frankly deserves more recognition on the international stage given the quality of his work.

Ovamarz became a highlight reel type of dancer from the moment he introduced himself to the world as a member of Ding Dong’s Ravers Clavers group. From there, he popularized several dances included the Nuh Behavia, Raging Bull and the Nuh Linga, which word-record holding sprinter, Usain Bolt popularized during the 2008 Olympics. Though he and Ding Dong later parted ways, Ovamarz has held his own as both a dancer and musician, crafting more recent dances such as the Formation and Now You See Me, Now You Don’t while also releasing a theme song for this year Jamaican Olympic team, dubbed Best Pon 2 Foot.


6. Latonya Style – With her appealing curves and equally appeasing dance moves, Latonya Style has become one of Jamaica’s leading choreographers while also turning heads in a number of music videos such as Charly Black’s Bubble, Elephant Man’s Nuh Linga and Take You There by Sean Kingston.

Latonya Style also hails as the founder of First Class Dancers and has been affiliated with several other ventures including DanceJA and RepJA. Latonya Style flexibility and versatility has made her a fixture on the worldwide stage while inspiring many other female dancers to aspire for greater achievement within the performing arts.


5. Global Bob – If there’s one dancer who can directly credit his stage moniker to Bogle, its Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington as he was dubbed the name Dancer Spongebob by the legendary entertainer.

That moniker came after he crafted the popular Spongebob dance and has since emerged as an international figure, featuring alongside highly-acclaimed artistes such as Shaggy (Street Bullies Medley), Voicemail (Gangalee), Carlene Davis (Ambassadors for Christ) and Tifa (Bottom of the Barrel). Furthermore, Global Bob copped several accolades for his work including the last two Best International Dancer (Male) awards via CariVibez TV while also receiving honors from DanceJA and RETV for his efforts.


Not only does this Ardenne High School alum have a strong physical connection with his fans, his spiritual connection has also been well-documented, helping Global Bob to overcome all adversities and temptations associated with the music industry.


4. Mystic – A dangerous yet enthralling combination of sex appeal and flexibility made Mystic Davis a borderline legend within dancing circles before turning 25 years old.

Several video appearances fill Mystic’s resume including Going On by Gnarls Barkley, Dutty Love (Sean Kingston and Nicki Minaj), Go Go Wine (Vybz Kartel) and, most recently, Summer Is Here (Beenie Man) just to name a few Working with so many of music’s elite has made Mystic a must-see performance artist while also helping her emerge from the shadow of her well-renowned mother and foundation Reggae artiste, Joy White.

Mystic, like many other dancers, has tried her hand behind the microphone as she’s recorded a number of singles including You & I as well as Wine Up while also appearing alongside Leftside for the sultry hit, Want Yuh Body.

Mystic’s work has amassed several noteworthy accolades throughout her career including three straight Best Female Dancer wins at the Youth View Awards and a HYPE TV award for the same category. This success culminated in Mystic forming her own OptiMystic dance company as she continues to elevate her skills as a choreographer while teaching several eager students some of her tricks.

Having taught Usain Bolt a few dance moves herself, Mystic maybe deserves her own record for fastest rise to super stardom within her profession.


3. Ding Dong – Most people became familiarized with Ding Dong when he appeared alongside Voicemail and Bogle on the classic dance track, Ready To Party. From there, Ding Dong’s star grew as he founded the aforementioned Ravers Clavers crew while also drawing tags as Bogle’s ‘air apparent’ given his ostentatious style and effortless ingenuity on the dance floor. Amongst his creations are the Chaka Chaka, Badda Dance, Bad Man Forward, Summer Swing and the Sweep as he soon redefined Jamaica’s dancing standard while getting even the most unlikely to move their feet, most notably, Bounty Killer.

Showing his dual threat, Ding Dong also perfected his craft as a musician, crafting the instant summer classic, Holiday, which remains one of Dancehall’s most popular songs to date.


2. John Hype – Perhaps the greatest rival to Bogle’s throne, John Hype quickly ascended towards top-tier status as a dancer during the late 90s and early 2000s.

Hype became Bogle’s most decorated protégé whilst a member of the Black Roses Crew and created classic dance moves such as Signal Di Plane, Higher Level, Pon Di River, Blazey, Crazy Hype and Chaplin which are still performed today across Dancehall sessions and concerts across the world. Hype also became a fixture in several videos for Dancehall stalwarts such as Elephant Man and Beenie Man while regularly appearing at the popular Hot Mondays series.

However, with that fame brought along tension as his growing status soon caused friction between himself and Bogle, essentially signaling a rivalry that bared some similarity to Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. When Bogle was shot and killed in 2005 following the Weddy Weddy Wednesdays stage show in Constant Spring, John Hype’s popularity somewhat dipped as many speculated whether or not the decorated protégé was directly involved in his mentor’s murder. But as time passed, John Hype soon won over his fan base once again, appearing in more videos and stage shows alongside Beenie Man while maintaining his strong performing reputation worldwide.


1. Bogle – Of course, no one tops the master of dancing within not only Dancehall circles, but Jamaican culture.

Bogle helped introduce Beenie Man to the mainstream in the video for World Dance while also getting Dancehall enthusiasts to perform his self-titled move, the Bogle dance during the early 1990s. Additionally, he birthed a litany of popular dances such as the Willie Bounce, Wacky Dip, Weddy Weddy, Jiggy, Sesame Street, Zip It Up, Stuckie and Row Like a Boat.

Bogle coined several phrases still used by the masses today including ‘Fashion over Style,’ ‘Gal ova Gun,’ ‘Oh So Badly’ and ‘Yellow Tape, Crime Scene.’ Unfortunately, that last saying ironically turned out to be his undoing as Bogle was shot and killed in front of a Texaco gas station in Constant Spring.

Bogle’s death shocked and saddened the Jamaican music community and forever changed the complexion of his profession. Several musicians, from Voicemail to Elephant Man, RDX and Ding Dong have publicly paid homage to Bogle’s moves in their songs while keeping his spirit alive.

Without doubt, Bogle was an innovator and a trailblazer and put Dancehall music on the map during its earliest stages. He and Carlene were sure Dancehall’s King and Queen respectively, as far as the dancing fratenity is concerned.

Unquestionably, Bogle is one of Jamaica’s greatest products within entertainment.


Honorable Mention: Carlene: Veteran dancer who set the bar for the younger female dancers and undoubtedly the dancing queen in the 1990‘s & invented the Butterfly dance.


Source: http://www.yardlink254.com/news/news-bogle-inspires-a-generation-a-look-at-jamaicas-most-influential-dancers/#ixzz271cWQIRO

DanceJA Dancers Award After Party (1 hour video)

DanceJA Awards for 2011... After Party at Club Impulse Sun-29-Jan-2012 
An Xpressive Production 
Video by: 2 Gran 
Music By: Fire Ribz