Culture Shock Dance Troupe

http://www.cultureshockdance.org/index.htm

This is one of the organisations I managed to contact and was invited to their performance at the Ford Theatre.

Culture Shock LA is just one of the many dance troupes branching from the original organization in San Diego. Since then the non-profit hip- hop dance troupe has extended its network all over America, Canada and the United Kingdom!

When I cam across their website I had to immediately get in touch with the directors. The troupe aims to outreach to adults and young people from diverse communities and is reflected through their performances (i-connect). Not only do they offer professional performances but they aim to instill self-worth, dignity and respect through the power of music and dance. The troupe uses dance as an opportunity to education young people and outreach to hard to reach communities, who may not have an opportunity to dance because of a number of barriers such as money. In addition, the troupe offers community classes and scholarships and programs for promising dancers.

This is what I admire about Culture Shock, they have many similar values to my own company and the same direction, the only difference is that they have made it. So I spoke to Alison Tanaka - Director of Programs and Development. Who then invited me to their performance which I managed to attend and a community class.

Debbie Reynolds

Some classes I took at Debbie Reynolds.

All different kinds of teachers and very different styles.

Check them out!




One of my favourites!

MDC Classes!

I have attached some of my videos of my classes.

Hope you enjoy them because I LOVED the classes.


Kenya teaches HIP-HOP with her brother Spark- The class is amazing just like a lot of the classes that I have been to so far. But her class has been one of my favorites. Her style is definitely her style but she allows you to bring your own interpretation into the choreography. The dance itself was refreshing because it wasn't like all the other choreography that I was used to. Loved it!
http://www.youtube.com/user/rainbowfysh





Nick Demoura Class- Amazing dancer - first time trying his style out.

He is one of my inspirations

Dance Class Mania!

MDC
Debbie Reynolds

Okay so I've started my dance classes now. I have signed up for a block of 40 classes! (yes I know) Between Debbie Reynolds and Millenium Dance Complex Studios looking forward to them the first one is hip- hop.

Millenium Dance Complex (MDC) is based in Noho, LA's arts district, the environment in which the classes are set in are very proffessional and inspiring. From the moment you enter the building there are inspirational words and pictures around the studio. The classes are packed almost 100 people in one class but FOCUSSED. I have noticed that people from all over the world travel here to LA to attend dance classes, which is a good thing, one thing in common!

http://millenniumdancecomplex.com/


Debbie Reynolds on the other hand has a more laid back vibe. Dancers usually accommodate in the front of the studio and the cafe/lounge, socialize or wait for their next class. Debbie Reynolds is one of Hollywood's renowned stars. Her work stems back to 1948 where she appeared in the movie "June Bride". From my understanding she set up the studio for young professional dancers to rehearse and also have a place to socialize. They have a larger range of classes ranging from Salsa to Krumping, Freestyle and African.

http://www.debbiereynolds.com

My schedule looks something like this....





Will give you an update of my experience once I finish. I will also post some videos too...

Getting Lost than found in LA

Finally arrived in LA and I'm staying at the Oakwood Apartments on Hollywood Hills.

Its beautiful here check out the pictures.

But it's literally on a hill!

Walked about trying to get my bearings, but obviously got lost. But its beautiful so that made up for the long journey home. Plus I met some lovely people. Starting my classes on Monday at Debbie Reynolds and Millennium Dance Complex.

Excitement, Excitement.