I know I normally do not do this, but I curious to know. What does dance mean to you? Why do you like dance? What is it about dance that you love? Is it the competition aspect? Or is it the thrill of performing? Please, I would love to hear all of your responses. Leave an answer here, or in my inbox and I will gladly look at each answer and respond back. So I ask you guys again, what does dance mean to you?

1. What does dance mean to you?
A tool used to influence the world for a “greater good.” Greater goods such as: self-expression, communication and education. Through positive self-expression, communication and education we can save the lives of many. 

2. When did you start dancing and what got you to start dancing?
I started dancing when I was a child. My mother was my first dance instructor. Both my parents were performers in a Broadway style production. 

3. What keeps you inspired/motivated to keep dancing?
My: wife, students, family and friends inspire me the most. Of course my passion for living a healthy life, being an educator and other educators motivate me to keeps dancing. 

4. Are there any people that have/are inspired/inspiration to you?
I’m lucky to have married a woman that has the same positive views on life and passion for dance. We remind ourselves to always be humble students and positive role models. 

I would also have to credit Kevin Brewer (Founder of the Jabbawockeez) for being a huge inspiration on me. We shared many one-on-one talks, he directed me though my beginning years of Hip Hop. And because of this, I’ve grown into a strong dancer, and a man that walks with god. 

5. What is one rememorable moment in dance for you?
Being the teacher that inspired a group of 3rd generation homeless kids, to use dance as a positive outlet. 

6. Can you name some achievements in dance that you are proud of?
I’ve used dance to: travel across the world, pay bills, give jobs to others and tell people they are a crucial element in their community. I’ve also achieved many moments of (drug free) ecstasy during contract improvisation with my wife. 

7. Are there any current projects or events that you are working on?
I’m currently a co-owner of: a dance company and casting agency under the name of Kruciaal Element.

With this dance company and casting agency I’m: enriching the lives of others and sending performers (Dancers, Singers, DJs, MCs, Models and Actors) from all over the world to China for 3-6 month paid gigs. (This will be an on going agenda for me.)

8. What do you see yourself doing with dance in the future?
Freeing myself from all debt. Teaching my students how to live a better life. And continue performing on stage with other amazing talent. 

10. Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are getting into dance, the youth and to anyone else in the dance community?

Find out what you are passionate about and share it. 

We all are born with gifts, but it’s only a gift when you share it.

You are so important to our communities. You have to remember, you are a crucial element. Without you here, we’re all affected by your absence in a negative way.

1. Dance means the world to me. It has been my personal savior to become the person I am today.

2. I really didn’t start dancing until sophomore year in college. I always wanted to learn and did a few showcases in high school, but never thought of actually pursuing it in my future.

3. Besides my friends, I truly believe the music is what drives and re lights the fire within. With so many genres of different types of music, there is always a type of song to express your own true style of dancing.

4. Besides gaining all my weight that I lost in the summer, it can be one of the things i can truly say i love.

5. Everyone. No matter how famous or not, old or young, good or not, male or female, heterosexual or homosexual, we are just all dancers…nothing more of just people who love to dance. 

6. Every single moment that I share the stage with my dance team Barkada Modern, is something that I cherish each and everyday of my life.

7. Some achievements that I am proud of is being able to look surpass all the haters and people who try to push you down and being able to get back on the ground. In life, there are always going to be people who tends to judge what they see, but they can never judge what you feel. Being in a dance team who they became my family, is one of the best accomplishments I have ever felt.

8. To being able to look surpass what I truly believe was so far from becoming reality, but just breathe and willing to take risk is what needs to happen. Ourselves are our harshest critic and if we dont start believe in ourselves…others will start to follow. Make it happen, never loose faith, and never do anything but just you. No one can take what you have inside, but it time for you to take what you know and express it the outside. Life has its own time and every chance you get, grab it and own it. Stay humble and hungry and never stay content.

1. dance means.. easy. not that dancing is technically easy but that it was something easy. it’s an easy getaway from my problems.

2. I started dancing my 8th grade year

3. I started dancing because of the jabbawockeez. I’d watched and sessioned with them for a few months because my friends were their friends and I guess they inspired me.

4. Joy is what keeps me dancing today. so many things come out of dancing. whether it be meeting people, gaining experience, competing, or doing whatever.

5. brandon greathouse is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. he was my dance teacher when i first started out. he saw me at my beginning and 4 years later he’s still here, checking up on me.

6. most re-memorable? definitely the feeling i get right after the prayer and big speech with the team before i perform. it’s unexplainable but it’s touching to where i’m just so pumped.

7. once, natural vibes taught a girl piece. the piece was supposed to have a fierce attitude. after run throughs one of my directors called a friend and i up to do the piece. he said, “i picked these two because they really portrayed the character. they have that sexy, fierce attitude and that’s what you guys need.” i’m not sure why that that is so special to me but it just is because.. idk i stood out

Luis: Dance means being able to be me, the real me. It means expressing myself when i’m sad, happy, frustrated, or excited. It means having FUN! That’s the most important thing to me. It’s a place where I can just forget about everything else and do something I love. It’s passion. It’s confidence. It’s a challenge, but I never get sick of it.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Luis: Honestly, I do not know; but who really does ya know? haha. I’m planning on going to a 4-year college/university and getting an education but I’ll definitely continue dancing after this year and if it works out, then that’d be awesome! If not, it’s always good to have a back up.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Luis: I started dancing three years ago, end of my freshmen year in high school. My friend and I always wanted to dance, and when we heard about 429 from some of our friends from school, we knew we had to go. We began taking beginning classes every week and then took an audition workshop and tried out for Tru-Definition. Next thing we knew, we made the team! And we’ve been at 429 ever since; now we’re on Breakthrough.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Luis: There are a lot of people that inspire me. One of them, I must say, is Kristen Aguinaldo. She was my first director ever (Tru-Def). She is seriously an amazing dancer who can pick up almost any style. Her choreography is also amazing!! She can choreograph super hard pieces, really girly pieces, and even really emotional pieces. She’s crazy! I admire her and look to be more like her every time I dance.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Luis: Honestly, I’m not sure haha. Dance is just something I absolutely love to do. I used to play soccer and basketball and all these other sports, but I never thought dance would be that thing that I could do each and every day. It’s the people at the studio as well. They’re all super welcoming and we’re like a huge family! I’m always excited to see everyone there and just DANCE! It’s the best feeling ever to dance.

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

Luis: We’re doing Showstoppers up in Disneyland in February. We’re also doing our annual studio showcase, Friends&Family after that. For now, we’re just practicing for the competition season to start! Wooooo I can’t wait!

Me: What are some accomplishments you have achieved?

Luis: Well, this past year I was chosen to be one of 8 out of the 30 on our team to compete in the World Hip Hop Dance Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was really cool because we rehearsed over the summer and spent a week in Vegas together with the team competing against teams from all around the world. We got 2nd in the US and 10th in the world. So that was cool!

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Luis: Stay humble and stay hungry. No matter how much you may improve, you’re never done. Also, don’t EVER doubt yourself! If you limit yourself, then you will never reach your goals. You may think that you can never make a name for yourself in dance, or that you could never be one of the greatest, but somebody has to be right? That could be you. Just work hard for it and remember that it’s not about how famous you are, but how much you are able to give back to the dance community that has supported you in your achievements as well. :)

Dre: Dance to me is a way of life. It is what I live and breathe. Dance is my outlet; my get away. Dance is the one thing I know I can always come back to whether things are good or bad.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Dre: I do see myself having a future in dance. I’m still very young and very eager to continue learning and developing, so I hope that my future is very bright!

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Dre: I started dancing at the age of 10. My mom is a dancer so she actually got me into it. My first dance class I ever took was a tap dancing class, after watching tap great, Savion Glover, perform. Haven’t stopped dancing since then.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Dre: I have farrrr to many inspirations/idols to name them all, so I’ll give a short list. The people that inspire me the most are those who take such a pride in their craft that they are always watching, listening, and experimenting with ways to better themselves and perfect their craft as best they can. I have been extremely lucky to dance alongside some amazing dancers who have inspired me. Ex: Joey Cruz, Paul Ross, Kevin Nguyen, Jerould Jorge, and Arnel Vasquez are just a few. Choreographers/Teachers that inspire me include: Lyle Beniga, Tony Czar, Luam, Candace Brown, Tessandra Chavez, Tarua Hall, Mia Michaels, sh*t kingz, and Wade Robson just to name a few.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Dre: I have two (2) primary motivations for dance. 1: the hunger/drive to be the best I can be as a dancer. 2: to learn as much as I can, therefore I am able to teach my classes as much as I can.

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

Dre: Currently not dancing on a team, so I’m not in any upcoming events, though I still try my best to still attend and support all my friends out there in the dance community. 

Me: What are some accomplishments you have achieved?

Dre: Accomplishments:

–age 14 signed with Jana Luker Talent Agency
Age 15 signed with MSA .
Played in an episode of CBS’ CRIMINAL MINDS
Was a contestant on CBS’ Dance Revolution. Got 2nd place with my boy CJ. 
Danced for EKETC’S FORMALity, and MASS APPEAL

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers

Dre: Some people may feel differently, but this is my personal feelings on this issue. Here is the advice I would give to future dancers: “we are living things, and as living things, we are continually growing. Once we stop that growth, we might as well be considered dead.” Don’t lose your hunger for dance and never stop growing, because once you do, you might as well consider your career dead. There is always something out there to learn; always a way to make yourself better.

continue to evolve :)

D-Trix: Dance means everything to me. When I dance I can show everyone who I am by my movements. Dancing makes me so happy, especially when i get to share it with my fans.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

D-Trix: Yes I do. Dance is the future.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

D-Trix: I started to do some dancing when I was 13 and it just stuck to me, so I started to do more competitive dancing with my crews and other things involving dancing.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

D-Trix: My Family, My Crew, My Friends, And most importantly My Fans :)

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

D-Trix: Everything and Anything

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

D-Trix: I am in very many actually.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers

D-Trix: Try hard keep on practising and never give up. Reach for you dreams and dont let anyone bring you down just keep on doing what you like doing the most.

Justin: Dance to me, is an expression of the heart, soul, mind and body combined, presented with the help of music. It is an outlet, a gateway, an escape, from my ‘everyday’ life.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Justin: Honestly, I don’t see myself having a future in dance. For me it helps me get through the things I need to do to get to where I really want to end up in the future, consider it a stepping stone.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Justin: I started dancing in my Sophomore year in high school. I would usually perform in debuts or debutante balls in the “hip-hop” performances. My brother, Jeremy Buenaobra, helped alot along the way. Already dancing with CultureShock LA, he choreographed many of the first routines I have ever learned.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Justin: Yes, I have many people that inspire me, but the ones that have helped me out the most in my dancing career are ones that touched my heart and haven’t stopped since then. Stacey Kuramoto was one of the first. Stacey directed one of the very first teams that I was on, FutureShock LA. Another great inspiration is Jon Aspirin, Co-Founder of PAC Modern of CSULB. But the person that has inspired me the most is my brother. I can’t thank him enough for the inspiration and encouragement he has given me throughout the years.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Justin: Like I said before, dance to me is an outlet, and whenever I feel like I need to express myself, or just simply have fun and get away, those feelings are what motivate me to dance.

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

Justin: World Of Dance San Mateo, World of Dance Hawaii

Me: What are some accomplishments you have achieved?

Justin: I have quite afew accomplishments, including starting 2 events at my high school that still go on to this day; Being the first captain to Lead and Coach the All-Male Dance Team at my high school; But my most prideful accomplishment would have to be getting together my very own dance project with a bunch of my friends called TypeCast Toys. We created afew unique and memorable sets, costumes, and even got the chance to perform at a club in the bay area. Never did I expect something that I helped create become such a big deal, and I will never forget any of it.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers

Justin: Be yourself. You can learn this style, that 8-count, but don’t EVER forget who you are throughout the journey.

Brandon: Dance is the unspoken language of the soul. It is a pure form of self-expression that allows you to be yourself. For some, it is still solely for dance. I dance because I love to dance, but my goal is teach dance at elementary, middle, and high schools for free. I believe that dance is an art that should not be used for monetary gain. I love that dance is starting to gain recognition, but honestly, I feel like it’s bringing in people that want to dance just to say they know how.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Brandon: I have no doubt in my mind that I will be dancing for as long as my body allows me. Dance is my passion. Dance is my love.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Brandon: Technically I “started” dancing back when I was in 5th grade. My sister was a b-girl and she taught me a bit of ground work. I never practiced it, so I ended up losing my drive. Around 9-10 months ago, my friend had invited me to free dance workshops at SIPA inHistoric Filipino Town, Los Angeles. I was reluctant at first, but I ended up going, and my passion for dance was revived.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Brandon: Honestly, I used to watch SoRealCru on youtube, even before their appearance on ABDC, and I loved their choreos. As I got involved in the dance world personally, however, I began to admire those who taught me. As of now, my main inspiration is Joshua Yu of Culture Shock: Los Angeles. He was my original teacher, and he taught me choreos as well as some popping technique. Other than him, my inspirations are Bryan Den, Markyy Reyes Devera, and Gino “Monz” Asinas. They are my popping, bboying, and krumping mentors, respectively. I also have great respect for Alex Oriña, John Reyes, and Hitcliff Tan, who are the choreographers for my dance team.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Brandon: My motivation for choreography is to learn other people’s style and to understand their interpretation of dance. I don’t want to let my team down, either. As for freestyle, my drive lies within myself. I want to be a well rounded freestyle so there are no limits to my self-expression.

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

Brandon: There is a good chance that I will be performing at Friendship Games at CSU Fullerton, representing Pasadena City College.

Me: What are some accomplishments you have achieved?

Brandon: I’ve accomplished much more than I thought I would. My choreography pick-up has gotten a lot faster. I am on a dance team known as Tekh Moh. I’ve started to work on power moves, and I have half a flare down in less than a month of practice. I’ve learned the basics to krumping. I’ve improved my main style, popping, to a point where I feel comfortable freestyling. MY footwork has gotten better. I’ve performed at Hotspot, a dance event in Alhambra, hosted by Jayvee Dance Studios.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Brandon: Find your style. Don’t be afraid to explore, but find your own personal style. Don’t ever lose your drive because without your drive, you won’t get anywhere. Stay motivated, and don’t let setbacks keep you down. No one starts off good. Just stick to it. :D

Kevin: Dance really means EVERYTHING to me, its what I think about most….and I really think its a gift from the man himself. =)

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Kevin: I do see myself having future in dance, because it is what i want most. BUT I’m not getting there without doin some WORK..nah sayin? lol

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Kevin: I started off dancing as a bboy in middle school, and never stopped after that.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Kevin: I am inspired by LOTS of people, because theres so many styles out there.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Kevin: Friends, family, other dancers, students, possiblities, outcomes. All of the above some BIG reasons that motivates me to keep doin ma thanggg

Me: Are you in any upcoming events?

Kevin: umm, I think my next show is WOD bay areaaaa. =)

Me: What are some accomplishments you have achieved?

Kevin: Ive gotten the chance to teach and perform at places that I never would even thought about. for example….performing with keone and mari…and teaching in Toronto. =)

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Kevin: Tips huh…? I would just have to say…If you constantly keep on thinking of ways to improve yourself. Then you WILL improve.

Christian: Dance is my written poetry. It is my breath of fresh air. As corny as it sounds. It’s my motivation to just keep going and to have fun while doing so. Dance is my open portal for many different things that have come my way.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Christian: I definitely see a future in dance for myself. Whether it be dancing in/with the community or working behind the scenes. No matter what, the aspect of dancing will remain with me till I can’t go on anymore.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Christian: I started dancing since I could stand. I would always take part in small musicals as a child within my elementary school and never fully was able to take classes until my senior year in high school. In fact the closest I got to dancing was being on my high school cheer team for my 4 years in high school. After that, many doors opened up for me such as Scholarship opportunities with Millennium Dance Complex, Back-up dancing for up and coming artist, TV shows/commercials, Collegiate Hip-Hop Competitive Dancing, Benefits, and many more. 

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Christian: Everyone and anyone inspire me. I feed off of everyones strive to just dance and have fun. But if I were to choose, I would have to say my younger sister is really who inspires me the most. The fact that she follows in my footsteps and has become an amazing dancer from walking in my shoes. She inspires me to keep going and enjoy what I love doing.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Christian: The performance value. The chance to entertain and put a smile on someones face. I never saw it as to being the best or having to win anything. Not even for bragging rights. I’m in it for the art of dance.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Christian: To anyone who even has a jolt in their body to dance, I say to just do it! It teaches you a lot about your community and mostly about yourself. Dance can help in so many different factors. It keeps a good head on your shoulders. Let dance be your freedom of speech. 

Olivia: Dance means so much to me. I honestly don’t think that I would be the same person with out it. It has helped me get through so much and given me so many incredible opportunities.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Olivia: I do see myself having a future in dance. It is my passion and I will always continue whether it be in the music industry, teaching, or part of a team. My ideal career with dance would be directing a junior team.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Olivia: I started during 2003 with a small dance studio called The Dance Factory which then turned into Formality Dance Academy and now is called Studio 429.

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Olivia: There are so many people in the dance world that inspire me. Of course big names such as Ellen Kim, Lyle Beniga, KJ Gonzalez inspire me but the people that inspire me the most is my studio. My own teammates, directors, Choreo Cookies, Breakthrough, Tru Definition, Primary Source, and Studio 429 Production Team all push me so much and keep me going.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Olivia: My team and studio motivate me everyday to improve myself and be the best team member I can possibly be.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Olivia: To all future dancers my only advice would be to never get discouraged and always try your best. Also to all dancers, don’t ever forget to take beginning classes, you can never learn to many basics.

Gio: The meaning of dance to me is tapping into another side of my heart. Dance is my passion, my cure of the cruel realities that is thrown as obstacles to make me stronger, my paradise, and its my life. It is a stress reliever like no other, since this is such an importance in my life, it is something that will be embedded into my heart, my soul, forever. Not only have i started to become a better dancer from the start, I have excelled to becoming a better person and pushing myself to increase my dancing skills and my positive characteristics. I have had very difficult and complicated family problems that no normal child has to go through. Ever since I started dance as in interested individual, it became a hobby, then I found it as a passion. This very passion helped me express myself through artistic movement called, Dance. This feeling with this art is hard to express through words, that is how much it means to me. I am in love with this art, and this love for it, will never go away.

Me: Do you see yourself having a future in dance?

Gio: I do see myself dancing in the future, I will try to dance as long as I can. I do not know how successful I will be, but I really do want to travel around the world as a world renown choreographer, maybe get in to the dancing industry, hopefully become a director for a junior team and a adult team, and possibly become an owner of a dance studio. It’s just another goal that i have to achieve by having a mindset that each step is something I have to reach to meet the main goal in its entirety.

Me: How and when did you start dancing?

Gio: I started dancing at studio 429 by taking classes. My first class was basic hip hop with Darryl Belarmino. I started dancing in the summer of ‘08 and loved it ever since. I always thought dancing was weird and i could never do it, but deep inside i did think it was extremely interesting haha. I knew about Studio 429 and finally convinced myself to go with 2 other friends. My other friends stopped after the first class but I kept going!

Me: Are there any people that inspire you?

Gio: There are MANY people that inspire me. The first people that inspire me the most are God, my Mom, and EVERYONE from studio 429. Everyone from studio 429 inspires me, each person from each time has made such an impact to me: Primary Source, Tru-Definition, Breakthrough,Production Team, and Choreo Cookies. Jeff Morales (CC co-director/dancer), Kristen Aguinaldo (TD director,Production director,CC member) Emmett Agapay(CC co-director/member, BT director, Production Director), Tracy Seiler(BT Director, CC member), Sy Bartolome (PS director, CC member), Bianca Vallar (CC member, PS Director) and Vinh Nguyen (SGBM director/dancer, BT co-director) are one of the main people that inspire. Other’s are Keone Madrid, Mari Martin, Lyle Beniga, Shaun Evaristo, etc. are just some others that inspire me. this is just a SMALL list haha.

Me: What motivates you to dance everyday?

Gio: God, my family, friends, Studio 429 Family, my girlfriend, and my love for dance.

Me: What tips or words of wisdom would you give to future dancers?

Gio: Some advice I would give to other future dancers are to keep dancing, no matter where you are in the world that limits your dancing expansion, what people say, etc. JUST KEEP DANCING! If you like dancing then just keep going for it! Remember to stay humble, even its a hobby or your passion. Tips to become a better dancer, is to have a good humble attitude, and to take beginning classes. Dancers usually forget that you need a foundation in order to grow. That foundation is the base of your dancing career. You need to know how to do technique in order to do perfect any move. Beginning will help you better then any other class.