Earning your stripes and badges

It has been a while since i posted up a new article. I've still got a few unfinished articles that i'm still working on. Hopefully I'll get them finished in the future. I'm three months behind lol

Earning your stripes and badges

This months article is basically addressing the issue about earning your stripes in the dance scene. This one has been in the works for a while (wow since October).


"I am the best!"

Who decides if you have earned your stripes and badges? Easy, the scene decides. It's the same as becoming OG (i know in different areas it may mean something else), you shouldn't have to self proclaim that you are, the scene does.

How do you earn your stripes? Simple, you do, you go out there and earn it. In terms of dance, you dance and rep. Just like any job in the real world.

For example
- in Chorey/Mainstream land, it's who you choreographed for, who's workshop you have taken, skill level, which music video have you been in etc.
- in Street dance land, it's how well you do in comps, who you have battled, how hard you rip it in the ciphers, your skill level etc.

As simple as it may sound, there are those out there who feel they are some what excused from this system of practice.

If you are the best, you don't have to go around having a sign on your head telling everyone it because it just shows that you are egotistic. Just let your skills do the talking because it's a humble way of doing things and it has a bigger impact, though adding ego in the mix spices things up and makes it a better viewing. Some may argue that if you are indeed the best and no one is remotely close to your skill level, then why not brag about it.

Take a look at this scenario;

Person A - Crazy skills, but is humble
Person B - Crazy skills, egotistic maniac

Who will most likely be labelled the good guy?
Who will most likely be labelled the bad guy?
Who will the crowd most likely want to win?
Who will the young girls most likely want to cheer for and want to do stuff with?


"It's my opinion!"

You can voice your opinions, but if there is no merit in your words, don't be surprised if people don't listen, they may even call you on it.

Knowing is one thing, but doing is another. I would say that the do-ers have more priority/credit than the knowing people. It is because ANYONE can say and talk like they know how to do something (whether they read it in a book, hear someone say it or even just observing). It is the do-er that get results.

You have to get down and dirty to really know how dirty it can get.

I've observed a lot bboying being in HFz and all, yes i may throw in my two cents here and there, but I know that if I started commenting on bboys, the bboy scene and techniques as if I have actually bboy-ed for many years, I'm sure I'll will get a lot "Who the F**k, is this guy?" comments.

Yes, I know your crew mates and your circle of friends will acknowledge your opinion much more than those are outside these circles. Just know where your boundaries lies. If you are down with everyone then fine.

You are not going to let those SYTYCD judges judge a poppin comp, even though they have a lot of dance experience right?


"Respect is given when it is due, but not when it is forced."

This is a pretty straight forward quote, basically there are no easy props.

If for some reason you disappear from the face of the earth and then come back after 1000 years absence, don't be surprised if people are not giving you as much respect prior to your disappearance. Just earn it back i guess.



Stop cheating and earn your stripes!
Evil Lord Danis Kool