CLARENCE KENTSocials: @clarencekunta / @goldencoastlineyooooClarence is a world renown dancer from QLD, who has studied in hip-hop, animation, popping and krump, and come out the other end with a totally unique style.He has been a leader and pioneer for QLD street dance, fostering the community and the culture there.He has represented Australia many times in battles throughout the world for the past several years and has been performing with the Jabbawockeez in LA and Macau from 2016-2019. During those years Clarence had lived in LA most of that time and created a name for himself in the street dance scene in Australia and the U.S.You may recognise him as the dancer in Matt Corby’s “If I Never Say A Word”.His crew GoldenCoastline, who have successfully ran some of the best and biggest battles in Brisbane have also been an integral part of the dance community in QLD.Clarence has always been putting in the work towards the dance scene through his teachings, jams and events. In the conversation, we dived into the following:First mentors and influences.His love animation (and why he thinks it’s magical).What it was like training with Slim Boogie.Training specific techniques vs training freestyle.Style and advice on how to develop it.The importance of finding new music.Why it’s hard to define a good battle set.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - “Chilli”

KEANU WARDANASocials: @keanu_wardanaloo / @stalebiskitz / @newtownpoppingKeanu sent me a VERY humble bio for a guy that’s won a jillion battles and has represented Australia internationally. This doesn’t even scratch the surface, but regardless, here is what we have!Keanu started dancing in 2007 at the age of 12, learning from his teacher and brother Poppin Jack. He joined a popping performance group in 2008 called SEAPUUOG, and some time later, joined his brothers crew Stale Biskitz in Sydney, Australia.He specialises in popping, Electric Boogaloo style, and locking, and has been teaching classes in Sydney since 2010.In this conversation, we dived into the following:- Getting introduced to street dance from his brother Jack.- The balance between enjoying your dance, and taking training seriously.- How to get the most out of your dance training.- The tension between thinking and letting go during a freestyle.- How he would teach a class where he couldn’t teach any moves, and could only pass on principles or a set of rules.- The book on kindness that positively impacted his life.- What excites him most when watching someone dance.- His creative influences.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - “Chilli”

LAURA J WHITESocials: @l_j_white / @freedom_sessionsLaura is a self-confessed connector and club-head, who has travelled globally dancing and partying with likeminded souls for the last 20 years. A curator of good vibes on the dancefloor, and a lover of all things music, Laura has worked for some of the biggest clubs and festivals in Sydney.From working as a music reviewer to recently having a featured piece for Resident Advisor’s Dance Floor Epiphanies series, Laura has written about and seen an obscene amount of musical acts spanning a myriad of genres from all over the world.Laura has trained in theatre, improv and movement, both here in Sydney and in New York City. Running with a background including events, journalism, comms, writing and MC-ing, Laura has established herself as a passionate communicator for our scene, fighting for parties, showcasing dancers and bringing free dancefloors to Sydney. In 2019, she joined Keep Sydney Open and was successful in helping repeal the lockout laws that shut our city down.In 2017, Laura created the party “Freedom Sessions” that operates within the community to uplift the street dance scene, giving dancers and DJs a platform to share their passions, and also providing a space to just be free. Laura’s goal is to ultimately be the conduit that helps bring people together from all walks of life to exchange, express, let go and connect on a dancefloor within the framework of good music, especially House Music.In this conversation, we dived into the following:Musical influences from Laura’s family.Growing up as a theatre kid.Our love for writing, and why we find it therapeutic.How Freedom Sessions came to fruition.The role of the host at a party.How to combat the fear of risk-taking.Laura shares a story of favourite failure.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - “Chilli"

SELA VAISocials: @selavai / @__humxnSela is a Pasifika movement artist who seeks to create safe spaces and empower young artists. Not limited to the dance industry, Sela has been the resident choreography and associate artist of Black Birds theatre company since 2017, run by and creating work from women of colour. This role allows her to lead with and dignify her pacific islander heritage, along with the other opportunity to choreograph the opening of Pacific Runway Fashion Show Carriageworks in 2017 and 2018.Sela’s passion for alternative music has led her to work with national and internationally renowned artists, and was an ensemble dancer for Solange Knowles’ show at the Sydney Opera House in 2018. She has worked intimately with many Australian artists, choreographing for Ngaiire’s public and private shows, as well as performing alongside her at world-renowned event, Ted Talks: Sydney. Other artists she has choreographed for are Thelma Plum, No Mono, Kid Faction, L-Fresh the Lion, Mirrah Reflects, and has danced in Jessica Mauboy’s music video “Sunday”.Sela’s passion for empowering womxn in the dance industry has created a community of confident artists through her programs that she runs in Sydney and internationally. This has led her to win an FBI Smac Award for her show in collaboration with Black Birds called “RECLAIM”. She choreographed the ‘Team Girls’ TVC for Suncorp, championing female empowerment, and also choreographed the Apple and Commbank TVC for ‘Apple Pay’. Commercially, Sela has been involved with choreographing for Disney Channel and Heaps Gay. As a dancer, Sela has been apart of an array of dance shows that display her versatility in dance, She performed in The Dream Dance Company’s works ‘UNTOLD’, ‘PRODIGY’, and ‘GODDESS’; Amrita Hepi’s work ‘A Caltex Spectrum’; and has toured Australia with Dancing For Jane’s production ‘ONE’.As a teacher, Sela has shared her work internationally at camps and intensives in Switzerland (BGST Studio), UK (Pineapple Dance Studio, Studio 68, KOBY), Austria, Estonia, Ukraine (Blitz Dance Studio), Spain (IDS Studio), Ireland (Fly Dance Studio), China (5JM Studio/Urban Animal Studio), New Zealand (More Than Moves) and Singapore (O Studio). Sela has judged numerous competitions including World of Dance Australia (2017), Battlegrounds (2017), and World Domination Championships (2018).In this conversation, we dived into the following:Growing up as a sporty kid.Advice for full-timers wanting to get the most out of their course.The way she views dance having been exposed to many different dance communities internationally.Inner critics and confidence in choreography.How to chase big goals when you feel paralysed.Questions to ask yourself to help convey emotion and share stories in choreography.Her course: HUMXN.Big instagram followings, and how to keep your ego in check.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - “Chilli"

BROOKE “BROOKLYN’ NAPALANSocials: @brooklynrock / @streetbeatzhiphopBrooke “Brooklyn” Napalan is a dancer, choreographer and the owner of Street Beatz Hip Hop dance studio. Beginning her training in Brisbane and moving to Wollongong in 2007. She has dabbled in multiple styles from highland dancing to ballet, but she found her true passion for Hip Hop as an eager 14 yr old busting out grooves at an underage dance party.She has been part of various crews competing and showcasing around Australia, but most of her success has been as an individual dancer. She has travelled across the world learning from famous youtube stars and of course the veterans of the Street Dance scene. She has appeared on TV Shows, Local and National News Channels and danced for artists like Jessica Mauboy and Young M.C.Her focus is on building the Hip Hop freestyle and choreography scene in Australia and giving quality Street Dance education to the younger generation.Some of Brooklyn’s major achievements are:- Choreographer for SONY ‘Feel The Bass’ Campaign - Dancer for Jessica Mauboy - Dancer for Young M.C- Battlegrounds Best Choreographer Award (2019)- Choreographer for Illagroovers & Scramble who were Australian Champions at Hip Hop International competition, going to USA to represent Australia (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019)- "The One 13" - Hip Hop Champion- "Higher Volume 6" - 2 vs 2 Hip Hop Champion- "Higher Volume 7" - Hip Hop Champion- "Hip Hop Showdown 13" Champion - "Hip Hop Showdown 14" Champion- "Groove City Ep 2" Champion- “Hip Hop Showdown 18 Heat 1” Hip Hop Champion- “Musical Adversity, 2018” 2vs2 All Style BattleIn this conversation, we dived into the following:- Growing up as a sports kid.- Travelling to America to take classes.- Falling in love with hip-hop grooves.- Cringing at our first battle experiences.- Building her dance studio “Street Beatz Hip-Hop”.- How to foster a dance community.- Lessons learnt from running a dance studio.- Prioritising dance with competing things in life.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - "Chilli"

POE ONESocials: @poeoneismA living repository of Hip Hop culture, PoeOne is one of the most respected B-Boy judges and teachers in the world. He regularly travels the globe speaking, teaching and giving inspiration to countless B-Boys and B-Girls. He has also introduced Breaking technique to contemporary dancers such as members of the Australian Dance Theatre.His teaching method, Each One Teach One, systematically analyses the basics of Breaking via a structured approach to building sound fundamental skills. PoeOne is an expert at breaking down rhythm and movement and enlightening his students about their integral relationship to music. A valued spokesperson for Hip Hop culture, he has participated in countless discussion panels and forums at universities and major breakdance events around the world.Born in Mountain View, California, raised in Puerto Rico and now based in Adelaide, Australia - PoeOne started Breaking (B-Boying, Break-Dancing) at the early age of twelve. Almost four decades later PoeOne is known worldwide as one of the most influential and respected B-Boys of his generation. A pioneer in his own right he has invented many moves that have since become standard within the foundational principles of Breaking and used routinely by the top B-Boys the world over.PoeOne has worked with numerous music artists such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Limp Bizkit, The Black Eye Peas and KRS One to name a few. He has danced in their live stage events and tours as well as music videos.PoeOne is a member of a number of legendary crews, Style Elements, Rock So Fresh, and Groovaloos.He has helped educate and has been a source of inspiration for other influential crews such as Killafornia, Super Crew (Americas Best Dance Crew winners), Jabba Wockees (Americas Best Dance Crew winners), Massive Monkees and many others around the world.PoeOne’s television appearances include being a special guest performers on So you think you Can Dance USA (along with Groovaloos), The Wayne Brady Show, Superstars of Dance (winning fi rst place) and have performed for countless corporate industrials and live events throughout the US including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Nokia, The Music Video Producer Awards and The American ChoreographyAwards. He has also performed on numerous awards shows including The Grammy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, MTV Music Awards and the MVPA Awards amongst others.PoeOne was one of the original creators of the hit show Groovaloo which completed a 27 city tour across the US as well as a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run. He has received many awards for his contributions to Hip Hop culture including B-Boy of the Year Award (from the American Street Dance Championships), Pioneer Legend Award (R-16 Korea), Best Crew Award (American Street Dance Championships) as well as numerous other US and international awards.In this conversation, we dived into the following:Creative influences from his childhood.Legends of Rare Designs crew.Hitchhiking stories.Living a gypsy life in Hip-Hop.The role of play in life and Hip-Hop.How to avoid becoming old and bitter.Stories about Style Elements crew.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - "Chilli"

JASMINE MARAESocials: @jasmine_marae / @ladies.jam Jasmine has been a consistent member and leader within the Australian Hiphop scene since 2013. She is continuously aiming for self betterment and always finding ways to support her community.Whether it's training her students and crews from Street Beatz in Wollongong for showcase competitions such as HHI, coaching within Hip Hop Nation, facilitating street classes, organising battle competitions as part of ARTCRW and curating events such as LADIES JAM.Jasmine continues to learn and grow by surrounding herself with good friends, mentors and people, and whatever else sets her soul on fire.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - "Chilli"

LISA CROWESocials: @lisacrowe_ / @culturalrenegades / @sedgwickavesocialLisa has an extensive ‘mixed bag’ training background in dance styles including RAD classical ballet, jazz, music theatre, hip hop, and dancehall. After graduating from the Actors College of Theatre and Television, she discovered the street dance scene and begun training and learning from the best of the best in boogaloo, hip hop, and commercial styles in Sydney. A move to Perth, W.A., saw her further develop her love for dancehall culture. She has travelled to the source of dancehall and hip hop on many occasions, learning from pioneers and developing a greater understanding of the culture underlying the dance styles.Inspired by contemporary interactive theatre and street style culture, Lisa co-devised an immersive dance and spoken word show with her brother Kieran in 2016 called Cultural Renegades, involving professional street dancers from across Australia. The show debuted to sell-out audiences at FRINGE WORLD Perth in 2017 and prior to 2020, the show toured and performed across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.  Other choreography, creative direction, performance, and support act credits include; JD Sports, WA Art Gallery, Red Bull, Ruby Rose, Beenie Man, Ashanti & Ja Rule, Vanilla Ice, So You Think You Can Dance–Asst. Choreographer, Satterley Homes, Inaya Day, Ben Hur: The Stadium Spectacular, Kasha J, Sydney Comedy Festival, Australian Radio Network, Short Sweet and Dance, Fremantle Media, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Woodside and Celebrate WA.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - "Chilli"

KING KSocials: @kieranjam / @litefestbattle / @thejammovement / fica.house / @simplecypher / @heeatsshesleepsKieran is a professional dancer and circus artist who graduated from the National Centre for Circus Arts after co-founding his company Simple Cypher. He began his dance training in 2008 whilst dancing with friends and later trained at Swindon Dance studying a range of street styles of dance. Kieran is one of the founding members of "Jam!" (The Jam Movement) and represents World renowned crew "Fiya House". His training and experience has helped Kieran to become a great freestyle dancer and teacher.In recent years Kieran has focused on Hip Hop and Litefeet whilst teaching, judging and battling around the UK and internationally. Going by his alias 'King K', Kieran is pioneering Litefeet in the UK being the first to go to New York to study and train this style. Kieran is recognised in the world wide Litefeet community after taking second place in the first International Litefeet Championship and has formed ‘Empire’ to help support the European scene. He also curates international dance festivals ‘Litefest’ & ‘The Jam Festival’ among other projects.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artAnimation track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kidsBio track: Buggy Bumpers - "Chilli"

So stoked to be able to share this conversation with you guys.Today, you’ll be listening to an awesome chat that I had with none other than Mathew Mizyed!Socials: @mathewmizyed / @dutistudios / @dutidancecompanyMathew is the Founder and Director of DUTI Studios (2015) and DUTI Dance Company (2010).His dance training started when he was 18yrs old. Eight years later, in 2012, Mathew moved to New York and trained full time at Broadway Dance Centre.In 2014, Mathew was successfully accepted into Dana Foglia’s 3 month mentorship program, where he trained with some of LA’s best in the commercial industry.Mathew has choreographed and worked commercially for brands like Vogue, Clarins, Sunglass Hut and the abc network in the USA .In 2017 Mathew toured internationally to Israel as a dancer, performing in “Valley” choreographed by the incredibleOmer Backley-Astrachan.Being the artistic director of DUTI Dance company, Mathew has choreographed five full length works, including “Interlude” which premiered at the 2013 Sydney Fringe Festival.Mathew is currently creating new work for DUTI Dance Company, in hopes to debut new work in 2022.In this conversation, we dived into the following:- Growing up with music videos.- Taking his first proper dance class six months to prepare for a full-time audition.- Moving to New York.- Full-time dance at Broadway Dance Centre.- Thoughts on joining a dance program at 25yrs+.- Genesis story of D.U.T.I. Studios.- Qualities he looks for in a teacher.- Advice on teaching from a studio owner’s perspective.- Our thoughts on filming in class.- What motivates him to keep moving forward.Logo: @lawrencetandesignsAnimation: @cold_tea_artIntro track: melaniac. - we’re just some motherf***ing kids