Two different worlds

I started this article way back in August, the day after i attended the event. As i am finishing this article off the final Industry Night for 2009 is actually happening. I heard that Deja and Justice performed at the event.

This is based from my own experience and from what I have concluded with my limited dealings in this industry as a popper.


Two different worlds

Yesterday (on the 14th of Aug 2009) i attended Sydney's Industry Night at the Forum (Fox Studios), I performed with my studio (Q2Dance in Burwood) at the event. It was my first ever Industry Night and it gave me an idea of how the Mainstream industry works. For those who don't know what Industry Night is, it is basically a night where the Industry people gather and perform/show off their chorography and singing. It happens twice a year, mid and end of year. I think this event is organised by Brent Street Studios.

The venue had a small dedicate seating area that was reserved for people in the industry, and studio owners, they were probably looking for talent. The rest had to stand on the sides to see the stage. The venue had 3 levels so there was plenty of viewing space and a bar for drinks (it is an all age event, but minors are not allowed at the bar).

The night was a dedication to Michael Jackson (RIP), so every routine must have a MJ song. The highlight for me was the live band who played MJ covers. To be honest i had a negative expectation of the event due to other people's experience, but i really enjoyed the night.


"The people"

What I noticed when I was there was that everyone who came to watch (dancers as well) were all dressed up very nicely, semi formal type of attire. I've never seen people dressing up for the dance events that I go to, well probably except for the poppers, actually they use to dress up all formal a few years ago but not any more though. It is quite casual now.

The night was more of a socialising, networking and to some degree a "Look at what our studio can do" type of thing. Besides the dance performances on stage, people doing last minute rehearsals and people getting warmed up, there was no time to really dance, no circles, jams or ciphers. Gene and I were itching for some jamming, but luckily the band played during the intermission so we used that time to jam, i was really feeling the music. Check out the video below to hear the band... funky!

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"The bread winner"

A lot of the SYTYCD top 20 dancers were there at the night and some were performing as well. It did make me wonder, whether the SYTYCD judges favoured certain dancers that they already have connections with or had already established themselves in the industry, therefore giving them an unfair advantage compared to those who don't. Or maybe the show gave them the exposure so they are now mingling with the industry.

Compared to the underground scene, im pretty sure the people who were at the event are actually dancing as a career or studying dance full-time. While in the underground scene it is usually dance on the side while doing something unrelated to dance (as a career path). So this industry/scene is quite competitive, and im certain that they got their own politics they have to deal with. Possibly where the the money is?


"Show them how it's done!"

As i expected, their popping and locking was quite lacking. A lot of people that tried pop actually resembled a certain famous American popper that i know. Their locking looked like 'spaghetti arms' with no actual 'lock'. You can tell a lot of them were inspired by 'America's best dance crew'. At least they look like they were having fun, so props to that.

Caramell Studios performed there as well. Was good to see some familiar faces there.

I was actually surprised at some of the bboys there (which i have never seen before). In terms of 'hip hop' dancing, if you guessed 'LA style' then you are spot on. There was a handful of 'artistic' pieces there that I enjoyed.

So to all people in the 'underground' scene, there is a massive 'market' waiting to be tapped. I suggest getting a group/crew together and chorey something for the next Industry night (mid 2010) and show and educate these people what our dance is all about. Im directing this especially to the Lockers and NY hip hoppers. It could potentially get you more gigs in the industry.


"It's freestyle baby!"

As you would of expect in a industry/scene where chorography is the main focus point, their freestyling/improvisation skills are not on par with most dancers in the underground scene. The band played their last set and since there was no performances for the rest of the night, the host (bboy Red lookalike) opened the stage to people to jam (yay!). Gene and I ran on stage, at first it was only us then other people joined us.

Gene and I left the venue straight after the jam finished, but what we should of done was stay back and start to network with people and maybe get handed cards. So for people who are planning to go to Industry night, don't leave straight away.


"Where to go from here?"

For those underground dancers that want a career in dancing in Australia, keep in mind that the industry havent fully grasp the full culture/essence of our dance (we know this because we are still trying to do so ourselves). Before we can 'make money' from this industry we have to first establish our dance there and then create the demand for it.

Ballet, Tap and Contemporary dances pretty much make up the styles for a lot dancers in this industry. So for an underground dancer that specialises in one style? It will be a challenge in reaching that Broadway dream of yours. But knowing how fierce the competitive is, it might be wise to stick with what you are good at and excel in it.

Forgot the singer's name.

Gene + Singer.

NOTE:
If you want to perform at Industry Night, you have to send an audition video to the organisers and it's FREE to perform. There is a entry price if you want to just come and watch.


Stay tune for my 2009 popping review!
Danis Kool