The last two weeks have been super hectic one awesome Hip Hop Don’t Stop followed by another!
I love Hip Hop Don’t Stop the energy is so dope and and I love laughing all day! So thank you to everyone for coming it’s you who makes the event such a great experience. There were many highlights for me from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air impromptu pop video with all the instructors to the soul train gang house routine and freestyles which were dope to an awesome House experience with the Don Camplelock clan-where the energy in the room was so electric you could feel it.
Let me me know what your favourite part of the week was, drop a comment in the box below.
I just got back from the Isle of Man, and I have to say the whole experience from beginning to end was an absolute blast. I really enjoy travelling and it’s a privilege to be able to share my authentic Street Dance knowledge with peeps that are really hungry for it.
However the whole day getting there made me smile my butt off… I often think the best and most fulfilling things in life are the little things, the kindness of a stranger, a smile across a room, or simply listening to a song that makes you smile.
My trip started at 5 am when I had to leave the house to catch my flight, and when I get to the check in desk… yep you guessed it the flight was delayed by 4 hrs. Now when stuff like this happens you have a choice – you either shout and scream and throw your toys out of the pram, you get moody, or you think-well lets make the most of the situation, after all life is too short for moods and shouting!
So I went for the last option and thats when all the joy started to happen! My first bit of good fortune was a dude serving coffee at Pret a Manger. I went to the counter to get a coffee and the server was having a conversation with someone that was clearly important to him – he views me and cuts off his conversation to serve me. I say ” it’s cool finish your conversation” he looks at me thankfully and finishes his conversation. He then turns to me and says, “thank you for being so understanding that was my half brother and I haven’t seen him for a year and half!”
I say it’s not a problem after all… family is more important than coffee. He then turns around and gives me my drink for free and say’s the world needs more people like you!
Here is a pic of afore mentioned lovely coffee server man.
So having decided to make the most of my four hour delay I then decide to go and buy a book cos Anuka (wycombe high massive) and my sister both tell me I have to read it, you’ve probably heard about it cos it’s coming out at the cinema soon, anywho from these recommendations I get the book.
So I then proceed to sit and go through all the latest music and latest documentaries I haven’t had time to watch or listen to, and I have to say departure lounge freestyles are my new thing.
At this point I suddenly realised how lucky I was that my flight was delayed, if it wasn’t I wouldn’t have had my interaction with angel coffee man and I wouldn’t have had the time to really enjoy the music and documentaries that have been sitting on my hard drive. I suddenly felt that I had been given a gift to really take time and enjoy the simple things in life a little more.
So the story continues, I then touch down at the Isle of Man and there I see the most lovely image, a couple who were so beautifully in love they must of hugged for ages, but it was lovely to see. I really like airports cos you get to see the emotion of when people miss each other it’s beautiful.
So I then met up with Chantel and her beautiful Baby boy, and we had lunch before I started teaching, I realised how much fun babies are. They are also so appreciative, I hit up little baby Ryan with my crap rap (yes you know what time it is) and he loved it-which makes a change!
I then saw this in the restaurant and it made me smile so I thought I’d take a pic for you to enjoy it too.
So I do my workshops which were so much fun, I laughed a lot! The classes were all fully booked so thank you for everyone that came down to represent and learn real authentic Street Dance I had a great time, everyone was so friendly and I am looking forward to coming back to see how everyone is progressing.
After a tough day at the studio we were driving to my apartment and I saw the most beautiful sunset, so I had to stop and take a picture:
The whole experience was so positive and invigorating and it reminded me that life is made up of so many special positive little moments that lift our spirit and remind us what is important in life. We just need to remember to make time for ourselves to appreciate these things, after all every day is an opportunity to laugh, interact and smile.
You should try it… be the person who smiles, opens the door for others, makes sure they thank people, and gives positivity whenever you can. You will find the more you give it out the more you’ll get it back. Try it this weekend I’ll guarantee you’ll feel better for it.
I would love to hear of any stories you guys may have of simple positive interactions, if you lifted someones spirit or they lifted yours I want to hear about it, drop your story in the comment box below.
I am bursting at the seams with excitement! Hip Hop Don’t Stop is next week, I’ve just been prepping my classes and am so excited about sharing loads of new and exciting fresh knowledge.
Those of you that are coming are in for a real treat! I was going through some old vids on you tube and reminiscing about some of the many special moments we’ve had at Hip Hop Don’t Stop, here are a few of my favourites: check em out:
Here is JP freestyling to the A team! just to prove that you if you know your foundation you can dance to anything!
Here is another creative freestyle from Mechanikool, not poppin to your typical beats, it’s good to see artists showing people what you can do with the dance:
I remember people watching this in stunned silence, it was one of those – “you had to be there moments”
enjoy:
I love this vid, nothing crazy just sums up the vibe at Hip Hop Don’t Stop. People dancing everywhere, having fun, jamming and just getting down. Trying to explain Hip Hop Don’t Stop is hard – surrounded by fun loving passionate people just getting down and sharing, it’s like nothing else you’ve experienced, it’s probably why every event just gets better and better. Well check out this canteen freestyle that came out of nowhere:
Alison just told me we only have 4 places left on Hip Hop Don’t Stop.
If you want one it’s probably best to call her on 08448 488825
It’s nearly here and I am very excited to announce the final instructor line up for Hip Hop Don’t Stop the Masterclasses.
We have a very stringent process as to who we select as instructors for Hip Hop Don’t Stop. Which is why the response we have for instructors is so positive we also ask for detailed feedback from you who come, so we make sure we bring back your favourite instructors and this Easter is no exception we have the best of the best, here’s a low down of who we have:
Mechanikool P UK champion 2006 2011:
Teaches: Poppin, boogaloo, waving and animation.
Mechanikool is a huge Hip Hop Don’t Stop favourite. His ability to break down the complex nature of Poppin into an easy to learn format ensures Poppin is accessible for people who have never even Popped before. At the advanced end Mechanikool always comes with something fresh and new to challenge even the best Popper, after all he his UK champion you don’t come more qualified then that.
Things to watch out for: If the mood takes him Mechanikool has been know to drop insane freestyles that make grown men cry, and jaws drop in disbelief – have your cameras ready!
Fred “Realness” Folkes:
Teaches: Lockin, Poppin and Boogaloo
Fred is an official ambassador of the electric Boogaloo style and has spent an incredible amount of time with Poppin Pete, Suga Pop and the rest of the Boogaloo’s. Fred was also one of Greg Camplelocks star students (a star of the original group “the Lockers”) His knowledge of the funkstyles is hard to beat. Despite Fred’s encyclopaedic knowledge he makes all his classes fun, accesible and so so sooooo funky! Fred is my travelling buddy and someone who I love sharing dance and education philosophy with.
Watch out for: Lunch time knowledge bombs! Fred never sleeps and has been known during lunch time to drop knowledge bombs like they are going out of fashion, if you are interested in history of the dance stick to this guy like glue.
Sarah Jane
Teaches: Commercial funk
Sarah jane is a firm favourite at Hip Hop Don’t Stop and her 47 pop video appearances prove shes is at the top of her game, she also co-choreographing for the Olympics! Sarah Jane has done MTV awards shows, and worked with huge artists like Snoop Dog. What she doesnt know about making it as a professional dancer is not worth knowing. Sarah’s Routines are funky as hell and a great chance to just your let your hair down and bust it out.
Watch out for: Her comedy celeb stories about Peter Andre
JP
Teaches: Top Rock, Breakin
JP lives and breathes this culture his love for the game and for Hip Hop Don’t Stop make him loved by all who attend his classes.. Jp is fantastic at breakin down BBOY foundations as well as inspiring people by the way he feels his suuuuper funky top rock combos. For me one of the best top bboy performers in the UK.
Watch out for: phrases like “come in to my office” and freestyling to the A team or backstreet boys (trust me this is worth the event price alone!)
We also have a few SURPRISE teachers for you and I will be there to spread the love and drop some nasty new knowledge on y’all-straight from my time with the legends Mr wiggles, Caleaf and buddha stretch when I was in Switzerland.
Last time I checked there were only 10 places left and the early booking discount runs out at midnight on sunday.
If you’re coming you know you’re in for treat. If you haven’t…..what are you waiting for?
Here are some facts:
Hip Hop Don’t Stop always sells out.
Hip Hop don’t stop has the ability to inspire you an deeper level that you won’t understand until you come.
It will invigiorate your mind body and soul for the coming year.
You will be surrounded by passionate like minded peeps who think the same way you do about positivity and fun.
If you don’t like it you get your money back
There a re few reasons why you need to make sure that the only thing you do this weekend is book your place and save £50. You know you are dying to come, so stop sitting on the fence and get your butt in gear!
There will be 100 focussed passionate dancers having the time of their lives from April 3rd to April 5th. Are you gonna be one of them?
Make sure you don’t miss out you can grab your place by calling Alison on 08448 488825
Or if you have any children between 7 and 11 and would like them to do the Junior Hip Hop Don’t Stop your event is Here
If your already coming tell me what your looking forward to most or if you are a regular Hip Hop Don’t Stop tell me your favourite Hip Hop Don’t Stop memory, I love hearing the stories! Drop me a comment in the box below, Hip Hop Don’t Stop fam hooooooooooooo!!
Have a fab weekend
Big Luv
Andy
P.S.
I forgot to say if you book before Sunday you Save £50. Thats enough to spend on a new pair of trainers for the event! if you do buy trainers and they are fresher then mine don’t stand near me….thanks…..that means you Vasey.
Here is a little vid of what the instructors I just mentioned above have to say about Hip Hop Don’t Stop….
I just had the most mental weekend. We just did Move it at Olympia and it was intense to say the least! Lots going on, chats, laughter, teaching, dancing, performing, interacting, catching up with old friends it was crazy!
I just wanted to thank everyone that came down and supported authentic Street Dance-all my classes were sold out and it was so invigorating to see such a positive response to real deal Street Dance.
Before all of my classes at Move it I ask a simple question which is “How many of you attend a Street Dance or Hip Hop class?” and nearly all the hands go up which is very exciting, and then I ask “how many of you can show me a foundation step of any Street Dance style?”
When I ask this question every one go’s quiet and hands go down. I can only conclude that people are not being taught the names of moves because their teachers don’t know them. I understand this cos when I started out teaching I was self taught as well and kind of taught my own vibe at class and we did a routine which was ok but actually my students weren’t learning the real deal Street Dance style.
As I travelled and found out the real names of moves and the differences between the styles it changed my life. Knowing the names of moves means my students have a proper vocab and understand the dance so much better, plus it’s more fun!
The best part is you have access to people in the UK who have this knowledge, so you don’t have to do what I did and travel around the world to learn it!
So I thought I’d let you know that at our Hip Hop Don’t Stop event you will have the best instructors in europe all in one place with so much knowledge it will make your face melt! You will be able to hang out ask questions, and learn real deal foundations.
We only have a few places left and if you want to be part of the authentic Urban Strides revolution which is spreading far and wide I think you should be there.
You know how passionate I am about Street Dance culture and how I love Hip Hop Don’t Stop so I thought I would let someone else let you know what it means to them, here is a video we took of our instructors and dancers trying to explain the unique and positive nature of the event and what it means to them check it out.
If you want to learn the real street dance shizzle, but you feel nervous about coming to an event where you dont know many people, be rest assured a lot of people meet their new best friends at this event, bringing passionate positive and like minded people together has an incredible effect on the soul.
If you want to have an incredible and positive effect on your soul come and hang with the fam for a week and just see the difference it will make.
If you want to get the truth, it’s out there you just have to make the effort to get it.
You can reserve your place by calling Alison on 08448 488825 or you can click on this link Here
Have a fab weekend
Keep on dancing
Andy
P.S. This year for the first time we also have Junior Hip Hop Don’t Stop for children aged 7-11 so if you know of any children who would want to have this incredible experience take a look here
This week has been mental, we have been at the 02 arena doing the final leg of our tour with four shows.
There has been numerous good times, laughter and jokes. Plus awesome sell out audiences every night. If you came down to watch you thank you so much for the support we hope you enjoyed the show and we really appreciate you representing.
The week was pretty crazy, Monday saw us perform with Beverly Knight , Tuesday was the Guinness World Record and last night Alexandra Burke popped over for a guest appearance.
Here’s the girls with Alexandra at the after party:
Tomorrow we are off to Move it, apologies if you couldn’t get tickets for our classes I know they sold out pretty early, but make sure you come down and say hi at the stand, we are performing at 16.30 Saturday
10.30 Sunday.
If you are in one of my classes this weekend make sure you come and say hi,
I’m very excited to announce our 3 day Easter of joyness-Hip Hop Don’t Stop!
I was having a chat with UK Poppin champ Mekanikool last night and we talked about the classes he is going to be doing at Hip Hop Don’t Stop this year. It made me realise Hip Hop Don’t Stop means a lot to everyone involved I know the dancers and family members clearly get the benefit of all that knowledge under one roof but all of the teachers get so much out of it too.
Because the teachers get such a good vibe from the dancers I think that spurns them on even more to go above and beyond any usual dance event, and it’s that extra mile which makes “Hip Hop Don’t Stop the Masterclasses” so much fun and such an inspirational experience for everyone involved.
This year our line up of teachers is great, and we have a few extras up our sleeve for you! Mekanikool especially will be covering advanced techniques we haven’t covered before and I will be sharing the best inspirations from my recent trip with Mr Wiggles, Crazy Legs, YNOT, Buddha Stretch and Calaef.
Each Hip Hop Don’t Stop evolves and develops, teachers get better, dancers get better it’s a great place to be to have fun and develop.
If you have never been to 3 day Masterclass Hip Hop Don’t Stop here is what you can expect:
- learn foundational movements in all styles
- Be able to develop your own personal style and flava
- Laugh…a lot, we like to have a lot of fun during the week and a positive and fun atmosphere is at the heart of it.
- Learn from Europe’s finest and most knowledgeable instructors
- Be able to hang out ask questions and learn more from the instructors outside of class
- Perform your routines at the end of each day
- Hang out with passionate and like minded people
- Make some great new friends who share the same love for dance you do
- Be supported from the out set and get personal help on how to develop
Check out this video we took from Easter last year to see what you can expect:
The dates are 3rd – 5th April
If you have never been you just need to come and check it out for yourself, we have classes for all abilities from beginner to advanced. I know the difference Hip Hop Don’t Stop can make to you, so I want to make it as easy as possible for you to make the choice to come.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
If after the first morning you don’t think it is the best dance event you have ever been to, let us know and we will give your money back, no question no quibbles, just plain and simple. I believe so passionately that this course will have a massive positive impact on you I am more than happy to offer this guarantee.
So remember you can bring your friends, or if you teach you can bring your fellow teachers, you should also know the majority of people that come to Hip Hop Don’ Stop come on their own so you can rest assured you will make friends.
Last time I checked we had already pre-sold 80 places that means there is only 20 left. If you have never been before, you need to be there to experience it for yourself. If you’ve been before you have probably already booked your place like 80 other people.
We have created the first ever JUNIOR Hip Hop Don’t Stop! 3 days of Urban Strides Street Dance with your favourite instructors. Each day you learn 2 BRAND NEW routines followed by performances at the end of the day. It is the only place you will want to spend your Easter.
Check out this video to see what you can expect.
After 3 exciting and inspirational days your child will have:
- Have met some new friends, had loads of fun and laughed…a lot!
- Learnt 4 months’ worth of moves in just 3 days
- Improved their fitness levels and feel fantastic
- Feel so confident you will see them be happy to freestyle in a circle
- Have a large vocabulary of BRAND NEW dance moves to impress their friends with
- Created 2 BRAND NEW performances in different styles every single day!
Is this course for my child?
Yes! We know that for your child to feel totally relaxed it is essential they work at their
own pace, so we have classes for every ability, whatever level your child is at we have
a class created just for them so they can feel confident they are acheiving.
Our philosophy is to ensure your children feel 100% at home. Real Street Dance culture is
about love, unity and respect and our fun-loving attitude runs through all of our instructors.
Our instructors are chosen not only for their phenomenal dance ability, but also for their
ability to share the dance knowledge and ensure your child has a great laugh whilst
doing it! (after all if it’s no fun why bother!!) Every class is limited to 25 max and has 2
class assistants to make sure your child gets the personal attention they deserve.
What does a typical day look like?:
Every day is different, different styles, different moves but the structure is the same:
1. Start with a group warm up, lots of fun and interaction
2. Morning Session – work with masterclass instructor on a specific style
3. Afternoon session – work with a different instructor on a different style
4. Showing – They get to show you what they learned at the end of every day
The day will last from 9.30 am till 4 pm
ACT FAST:
We are only offering 50 places for this event and the demand has already been high. Our Senior event always sells out quickly and expect the same here if you have any questions remember to pick up the phone and ask Alison on 08448 488825
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
Remember everything we do here at Urban Strides comes with a money back guarantee so if for whatever reason your child doesn’t love it after the morning session all they need to do is tell us by 1 PM and we will give you a full refund no questions asked.
I want to personally make sure you have nothing to lose.
What: 3 Days of fun filled Street dance delivered by the UK’s most qualified experts.
When: Tuesday April 10th – Thursday April 12th 2012 – 9.30 am – 3.45 pm each day. (parents due at 3pm for showing)
Where: Wycombe High School – Jct 4 on the M40
SPECIAL OFFER:
price: £207 – BOOK BEFORE 1ST APRIL AND RECEIVE THE COURSE FOR ONLY £157
1. Call Alison on 08448 488825 We can accept all major credit and debit cards over the phone
-OR-
Been getting back to my roots this week with Lockin. The style is so funky it makes my heart sing!
Lockin is one of the fundamentals in Street dance that people over look but it’s importance is the missing link in becoming an excellent Street Dancer. The social dances and grooves involved can be found in every style created and developed after Lockin ie: Poppin, Hip Hop and House. This is because it got huge exposure because of a show called “Soul train” which was a huge Saturday night TV show in the USA.
Every Saturday night millions upon millions would watch soulful performance by music artists and dancers alike. The most important part was the freedom of expression and the un-inhibited nature of the dancers.
Dancers all around the world could learn a heap from the dancers on the show because they danced like no one is watching and expressed freely something which is at the core of every excellent dancer irrespective of the style, they are feeling the music.
Three of the biggest points I teach are:
1. Have confidence
2. Bring energy
3. Get down
Soul and Funk music’s influence has been well documented, it inspired disco, hip hop, House and many others, listen to the words spoken at the beginning of the video and enjoy the dancing which comes later.
For me the freedom of expression and soulful connection with the music is the missing link.
Remember dance is 1st then technique
Watch and enjoy
Let me know what you think thoughts, philosophies and insights or just a comment is always welcome where we always celebrate the “soul” in “soul train”
Hope your cool and you have had a good week. I have a confession to make, I do know though that if I’m going to make the confession this is where I’d like to do it. Amongst friends and people who understand and can support me. Here it goes….
I’m addicted to dancing….There I said it.
Having had a week off has been good in some ways…It’s given me more time to think about dancing rather than actually doing it…mmmm it doesn’t really work thinking about it I have to say.
So my poor neighbours are very excited to see me start class again as I don’t have to play the music so loud at home during my impromptu freestyles.
The style I’m teaching this term is Lockin. I love Lockin it holds a very special place in my heart as it was the first style I learnt. It is also extremely important as a Street Dancer to learn because it’s the style that came first and has influenced Poppin heavily, so if you want to be good at other styles like Poppin my advice is be good at Lockin first and you’ll find Poppin easier (which is why we teach Poppin the term after Lockin!)
Anywho I am creating my mixtape as we speak and it’s gonna be a corker! To wet your appetite and get you in the zone for Lockin I have dropped a vid I think you will really like.
This is a battle from the UK BBOY Champs 2006, and it was one of the best battles I have seen for a while to showcase funk and individuality, it’s a great demonstration of the importance of identity. Every dancer in the battle dances very differently watch the vid and let me know which pair you prefer.
So I want to hear what you think, hit me up in the box below let me know what foundations you recognised and what you loved about each crew.
By the way the Japanese crew the GoGo Brothers were taught by their father Tony Gogo who was an original locker (he also taught me, small world!)
Hit me up in the comment box below I’d love to hear what you think of the dancers.
