World of Dance Magazine // Issue 1

VO L U M E 1

D BEHIN

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ISSUE 1

ITH W S ENE C S E TH

TO D A O R VMAS THE

WHAT’S THAT SONG? DISCOVERING NEW MUSIC ONLINE

THE MUSICALITY OF PAINTING WITH FELICIA “FELIFRESH” KHONG

DYTTO’S PERSONAL PLAYLIST

A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 WORLDOFDANCE.COM

SINCL AIR RILE Y Photo by: Sinclair Riley

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September 4 - 27, 2015

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Table of contents 7

PERSONAL PLAYLIST: DYTTO

A sneak peek at Dytto’s favorite summer tunes

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & ARTICLE PITCHES CONTACT JACQUELYN DOGGETTE AT

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GROUP CHAT

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THE IT LIST: FALL 2015

JACQUELYN@WORLDOFDANCE.COM

SUBMISSIONS: PHOTO, CONTENT/STORY AND ART SUBMISSIONS ARE WELCOME AND BECOME

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PROPERTY OF WORLD OF DANCE. WORLD OF UNSOLICITED CONTRIBUTED MATERIAL.

WWW.WORLDOFDANCE.COM @WORLDOFDANCE

#WODMOVEMENT SPOTLIGHT

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW

Meet the new judges and all-star crews of ABDC Season 8

24 THE MUSICALITY OF PAINTING

Felicia “feliFRESH” Khong shares her creative journey and unique views on artistry

26 WHAT’S THAT SONG?

A look at new music discovery via dance videos

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EVENT SCHEDULE: LOS ANGELES, AUGUST 15

28 MY CITY, MY STAGE

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EVENT SCHEDULE: WORLD FINALS, AUGUST 16

30 BREAK IT DOWN

11110 ARTESIA BLVD., SUITE B CERRITOS, CA 90703

Checking out the fall fashion trends with fashion blogger and stylist, Demia Tunis

Meet Jaimie Milner, uber-talented photographer and a need-to-know creative

DANCE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR

WORLD OF DANCE TOUR INC.

What’s been buzzing on the social scene

18 ROAD TO THE VMAS:

Upcoming World of Dance tour dates

A photo capture of creative expression in action

WORLD OF DANCE

5

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DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

SKURT REYNOLDS (ZHOMEK REMIX)

2 3 4 5 HEROBUST

IAMDYTTO.COM

“I listen to a lot of trapstep, dubstep, etc., but this song is a perfect mixture of a hip-hop/feel-good vibe, with a twist of what I’m used to.”

TRNDSTTR (LUCIAN REMIX) BLACK COAST

“This song is one of my all-time favorite tracks because I just can never seem to skip it. It’s too soothing and too catchy… and way too fun to dance to!”

PYRAMID SCHEMES

/IAMDYTTO @IAM_DYTTO @IAM_DYTTO

PERSONAL PLAYLIST

BOARCROK & KING TUTT

“This song goes so hard! I have to dance every time I hear this song, and I’m constantly trying to find new sounds that I didn’t hear before.”

MOVEMENTS

(FEAT. YUNG FUSION) PHAM

“I love this song so much even though it’s somewhat of a different style than what I regularly listen to. It’s kind of funky and smooth and makes me want to get down and dance every time I hear it.”

BE TOGETHER (SHIP WRECK REMIX) MAJOR LAZER

/IAMDYTTO

“Not only because I’m obsessed with Major Lazer do I love this song, but it also has a certain vibe to it that always makes me feel good.”

FEAT. DYTTO

BY KRISTIE BERTUCCI

AS A DANCER and host of the popular YouTube program, “The Drop feat.

Dytto” on the World of Dance Network, Dytto brings the latest and hottest dance music to her audience on a weekly basis. But we were curious, what songs does Dytto actually save to her personal playlist? We caught up with the dancer extraordinaire in Los Angeles and this is what she told us.

ABOUT DYTTO

Dytto is a model, dancer and host who has captivated millions with her smooth dance moves and upbeat personality. When she is not sharing new music on “The Drop,” Dytto is strutting her stuff on stages all around the world. Her journey started in South Florida where she first became interested in gymnastics and ultimately realized that she had a passion for dance. Dytto is trained in a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, tap, hip hop, breakdancing, popping and tutting; making her a multitalented dancer that kills it on stage. With hard work, consistency and a determination to better her craft, Dytto is now one of the hottest dancers in the industry and currently resides in Los Angeles where she is living her dreams one day at a time. ¥ CHECK OUT THE TRACKS AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THEM ONLINE AT @WORLDOFDANCE #WODPLAYLIST.

WORLD OF DANCE

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DANCE VIDEOS SLIP

ELLIOT MOSS PHILLIP “PACMAN” CHBEEB & RENEE KESTER This emotional and intricate piece comes from Phillip “PacMan” Chbeeb of I.aM.mE and Renee Kester, a former trainee at the Washington Ballet. Inspired by Elliot Moss’ song, “Slip,” the haunting choreography makes a powerful statement about letting go and moving forward.

TRAP MUSIC PT. 1

WILL “WILLDABEAST” ADAMS High energy and full out, this piece of WilldaBeast choreography features Janelle Ginestra, Sean Lew, Robert Green, Taylor Edgin and a host of other immensely talented dancers. The song is a custom mix of “Higher” by XXTRAKT and it’s hard to watch without jumping up and joining in on the fun.

SONGS

LEAN ON (FEAT. MØ)

MAJOR LAZER & DJ SNAKE This fusion of house and reggaeton showcases EDM, trap and dancehall influences. Topping the streaming charts around the world, “Lean On” is an easy dance favorite with a catchy hook.

SHOULD’VE BEEN US

TORI KELLY Known for her amazing vocal ability, Tori Kelly belts this summer hit with passion.

The heartbreak song is one that fans can relate to and it’s no wonder that it’s one of your most played favorites.

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LIFESTYLE

Group Chat

WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT You’ve been buzzing on the social networks and we’ve been listening! Check out a few of the videos, songs, movies and games that caught your attention this summer.

MOVIES DOPE

This indie project turned box office hit took theaters by storm this summer. Following the story of Malcolm and his friends Diggy and Jaleel, the movie explored the idea of being a geek in Los Angeles and took viewers on a wild adventure through The Bottoms. The incredible cast and dope soundtrack (pun totally intended) made the film a great watch and the thought-provoking message at the end definitely sticks with you.

GAMES BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT

This action-adventure game rolled out in June 2015 and took the gamer world by storm. Set in Gotham City, Arkham Knight pits Batman against Scarecrow in a life or death struggle.

MORTAL KOMBAT X

The tenth game in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat X offers multiple variations of each character. This updated option is a huge gameplay perk in a classic game reboot.

JURASSIC WORLD

Genetically modified dinosaurs? A theme park full of innocent visitors? A couple of really curious kids? What could possibly go wrong? This film is the fourth installment of cult-classic Jurassic Park.

Located on the same, dinosaur-filled island, we watch what happens when some poorly thought out genetic tweaks are made to a predatory killing machine in this action-packed sci-fi thriller.

WORLD OF DANCE

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We know. We’ve prepared thousands of them for their successful careers.

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DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

LEATHER LEGGINGS

BIKER

JACKETS Durable, trendy and they can easily take you from dance class to an outdoor event. If you have to bundle up, why not do it in style?

After all, this badass look isn’t just for cruising the highway anymore.

Ladies and Gents, we get it.

Leggings and “meggings” (men’s leggings) are super comfortable. But let’s be honest, they’re probably not the most fashion-forward piece in your closet. Instead of wearing cotton leggings, mesh comfort and style in a pair of leather leggings.

CAPES

You’ve seen them on vampires and red-hooded preteens, but now it’s time to order your own.

This fashion trend is here to stay for men and women! Plaid is the fabric of the season, but mix it up by finding a pattern that best matches your own unique style.

DENIM It was hot in the 80’s and has made its way back as a mainstream staple once again.

From skirts to pants to jackets and even purses, denim will be making a new name for itself in streetwear this season.

The It List

BY DEMIA TUNIS | BEAUTIFULEPIPHANY.COM

As trendsetters and tastemakers, you take fashion and make your own rules. It’s one more form of creative expression and with fall around the corner, you have a brand new chance to shape an entire season of personal style. The Fall 2015 lookbooks are a mix of classic staples, bold prints and funky knits.

Check them out and let us know how you’ve remixed these trends online @WorldofDance #WODlifestyle.

BACKPACKS

KNIT

SWEATERS Grandpa, lock your closet! The knit look is officially back. Fitted knits for the ladies and oversized pieces for the guys are the name of the game. Bold prints, celebrity faces and funky designs are on the agenda this season.

CONVERSE

Whether you know them as “Chucks,” sneakers or tennis shoes, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars have stood the test of time. These “socks with laces” come with bling, graffiti prints and interesting embellishments.

However, the most popular look this fall will be the simple, all white, low-cut classics.

Convenient and trendy, backpacks are back with a vengeance. This elementary school must-have has gotten a high end makeover for street style mavens and will be spotted in bright colors with unique embellishments. Toss your gym bag for one of these snazzy packs this fall!

WORLD OF DANCE

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DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

Jaimie Milner and photographs from the Gifted Project and other series

Jaimie Milner PHOTOGRAPHER

JAIMIEMILNER.COM/GIFTEDPROJECT #WODMOVEMENT SPOTLIGHT

BY JORDANNAH ELIZABETH

JAIMIE MILNER is a bright young photographer who focuses on producing sharp, moving work. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, CA and Brooklyn, NY. Jaimie’s collection of photos, Gifted, is being prepared for a gallery showing and a book. Her passion for creative expression and belief that art can change the world make Jaimie a model of the #WODmovement.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for my legacy of inspiring people of color and invoking change.

What kind of change?

A positive change. I want to reignite pride in people and connect them to who they are.

What inspires you to be creative on a personal level? What motivates you to get up in the morning and make art?

Life itself. There are so many things to see and to explore.

Why did you become a photographer?

I got introduced to photography in high school. It was an elective. Before then, I had never been around a creative community and now most of my friends are musicians.

What are you working on now?

My current project is called Gifted. The purpose of the project is to promote pride in the Black community through positive imagery. ¥

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW LIVES THE IDEA THAT “CREATIVE EXPRESSION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD,” TELL US ABOUT IT ONLINE @WORLDOFDANCE #WODMOVEMENT. IT COULD BECOME THE NEXT #WODMOVEMENT SPOTLIGHT.

WORLD OF DANCE

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#WODLIFESTYLE

2015 APPAREL NOW AVAILABLE AT SHOP.WORLDOFDANCE.COM

ARE YOU NEXT?

Static Noyze Dance Company

WORLD OF DANCE LOS ANGELES 2015

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 YOUTH DIVISION BEGINS 10AM

Innov8

No Games

No Games Forever Fly Me Plus 2 The Underground Elements FL∆SHB∆NG Ashley Nelson Innov8 Tamed Ones mL Kids Riot Squad Kyushudanji Shinsengumi A.L.L. MVP Elite GRaVy Babies Area Kidz Andie Zazueta Aidan “Bah Boy” Prince Kida the Great Jan “Jan Funky” Voinov Daniel Jerome Kumari Suraj Beau Fournier

YOUTH AWARDS Kyushudanji Shinsengumi

STAGE BREAK UPPER DIVISION BEGINS 2PM

FL∆SHB∆NG

Forever Fly

Strong Team Team 3K Collabor8 Dance Company TPB (The Perfect Boys) Golden Creation Wild Ones Elev8 Zulu Maniacs

The Gentlemen Magnanimous Team The Drop Fam Hans Pierre BGC Dance Crew Famous Crew UrbanFX FDT Crew Family Bizness Boogiezone Beyond Phoenix Neutral Zone The Waackers NXG Company Raw & Rugged Hall of Fame Static Noyze Dance Company Shaadow Sefiroth 3dcolor Establish Your Empire iLL Habits The Brat Pack Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz Elektro Botz Ricky Cole + Soul Fresh Christopher “Pharside” Jennings Taylor & Larsen Marlee Hightower Royal Family Nonstop Megan Batoon Poreotics Dytto Academy of Villains

AWARDS PRESENTATION

DANCE

MUSIC

WORLD OF DANCE

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

MANSS

WORLD FINALS 2015 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 COMPETITION BEGINS 11AM Next Level Dance Company Do Not Forget C.O.D.A.

M.A.G. SDC Spirit Dance Company WyldStyl

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

KING OF BUCK

Cause Revolution SHIQUE Kyushudanji Shinsengumi

Hip Funk

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

ALLin DANCE CREW BGC Dance Crew Audacity Crew

GodzillaFunk

MANSS 1Up Crew PRESTIGE Dance Crew

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK BlacKrownz Apprentice Solto

THREE23 DANCE CO. The MajorZz

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK PraiseTEAM

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK The Community The Production

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

KuttNUp Raw & Rugged REC

The Brat Pack

The Collective Static Noyze Dance Company Infinite

1-HOUR STAGE BREAK Desi Hoppers Canvas Disciples Andie Zazueta

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

1Up Crew

Chapkis Dance Family

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

GodzillaFunk

FMD Xtreme

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

15-MINUTE STAGE BREAK

KING OF BUCK

Marlee Hightower

Audacity Crew

We Are Heroes Daniel Jerome Elektro Botz Fik-Shun

C.O.D.A.

Poreotics Dytto & Nonstop Academy of Villains

AWARDS PRESENTATION

Canvas Disciples

WORLDDoOFNotDANCE Forget 17

PHOTO BY MITCHELL HADDAD

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o t d a Ro MAs V e th

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW

BY JACQUELYN DOGGETTE

MTV’S AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW (ABDC) brought dance-world legends into the mainstream pop culture spotlight ever since it first aired in 2008. Audiences who had never experienced the hip hop dance culture or lifestyle had the opportunity to see amazing performances by world-class crews and the show was an immediate hit.

Although ABDC was cancelled after a seven season run, a new world of opportunities was opened up to the dancers and crews of ABDC. Season 1 champions, the JabbaWockeeZ, went on to appear in major television shows and commercials, launched a clothing line and became the first dance crew to headline a Las Vegas show. The dancers and crews of the following seasons added impressive tours, performances and even acting debuts to their resumes after leaving the show. As dance culture became more popular with the public, the audience for dance performances expanded and so did the overall pool of job opportunities for dancers.

After a three-year hiatus, ABDC is back with six all-star dance crews, a brand new host and new judging panel. The competition has been reinvented and the stakes are higher than ever as five previous ABDC champions and one first time crew battle it out for the cash prize and coveted ABDC trophy.

Superstar judging panel, hip hop artist, T-Pain, recording artist, Teyana Taylor, and Broadway performer and YouTube personality, Frankie Grande are being joined

by new host, Jason Dundas, to challenge the season 8 crews to create VMA-themed routines that wow America. The winner of the competition will be crowned on the live finale episode, scheduled to lead in to the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards Pre-Show on Sunday, August 30 at 4pm ET/PT. This mashup of incredible talent means unbelievable performances, long awaited match-ups and some really difficult decisions for the new judges. World of Dance sat down with T-Pain, Teyana Taylor and Frankie Grande to talk performance quality, technique, fan favorites and go-to dance moves.

performance. I’m just really excited because this is all-stars so it’ll be really different for me, Frankie [Grande] and [T]-Pain. These are all-stars so they’re really going to bring it so the process of elimination and even critiquing them will be really hard. They’re champions and damn-near perfect. It’s definitely going to be a difficult season.

FRANKIE: I’ve been a dancer my entire life. I was a hip hop dancer, that was the first [class] I started taking in my early teens. Then I went to college and started ballet, tap, I was in an Afro-Modern dance company and then I went straight to Broadway when I graduated [college]. Dancing is a huge part of my life.

Season 8 of ABDC, very exciting! Brand new judges, returning champions, newcomers and familiar faces.. We know about the three of you as artists and performers, but what should we know about you as ABDC judges?

T-PAIN: I’m fair, but stern. I keep the truth going. I don’t try to sugar coat it, I’m not going to tell you you were dope if you weren’t dope and I’m not going to tell you you were wack because I don’t like your hair or something. It’s about judging dance.

It’s about wanting it and if it seems like you don’t want it as much, you’re going to get the truth.

TEYANA: If you know me as an artist, then you know I’m definitely a perfectionist. I like things to be perfect. My pet peeve is sloppiness. Being a performer is not just about big moves, it’s about the overall

Did you follow ABDC as a fan before being asked to judge?

T-PAIN: Of course, I’m a fan of dance in general. This is an honor for me. To have all the reigning champions and a new crew, I’m glad to be a part of this at all. I’ve been following ABDC for many, many years. It’s blossomed and I’m happy to be a part of having all these all-stars come back and really put on a show for everybody. And I can see it before everybody, so that’s awesome. [laughs] TEYANA: I’ve always been a fan of the show, so to have the opportunity to sit behind the table and see it live is amazing. And to get to see it live, I just have to keep myself calm.

Now I’m a judge, I have to keep it cool. Keep my cool face on.

FRANKIE: I’ve been a fan [of the show] pretty much since the beginning. It’s so

WORLD OF DANCE

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ABDC SEASON 8 CREWS xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx

SUPER CR3W

QUEST CREW

WE ARE HEROES

Comprised of three well-known b-boy crews— Battle Monkees, Full Force and Knucklehead Zoo—Super Cr3w is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. The only hip hop crew to showcase at the White House via a personal invitation from First Lady Michelle Obama, this busy team of b-boys is ready to re-take the ABDC stage and defend their title.

An eclectic group of friends, Quest Crew is known for humor, musicality and innovative choreography. Their unique, high-energy style has been showcased around the world and they are ready to bring their creative point of view back to the ABDC stage.

The first and only female crew to win the ABDC title, We Are Heroes did a whirlwind of appearances and performances, showcasing femininity and fierceness around the world after season 4. After hearing that ABDC was going back on the air, the ladies of We Are Heroes were thrilled to get back together and show the world that they still have what it takes as champions.

SEASON 2 ABDC CHAMPIONS LAS VEGAS, NV

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SEASON 3 ABDC CHAMPIONS LOS ANGELES, CA

SEASON 4 ABDC CHAMPIONS LOS ANGELES, CA

DANCE

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it doesn’t really necessarily matter in which genre you’re dancing. If you wow me you’re going to wow me. I think that kind of levels the playing field between everyone. surreal to me that now I’m a judge on it. I’m a part of it and I’m really excited about it because the talent on this season is amazing.

This is the best of the best and they’re proving it over and over and over again.

PHOTOS BY JAIMIE CARY

When you’re judging, are you looking more for performance quality or technique?

T-PAIN: I’m looking for cleanliness.

Regardless of what your technique is, regardless of what your style is, it’s just gotta be clean. Certain things like

LIFESTYLE

b-boying are hard to choreograph, but any kind of technique can be cleaned up. I’m not looking for perfection, but I am looking for passion.

TEYANA: A little bit of both. But knowing how to ride a beat is so hard. That’s what makes it even doper because we get to see the b-boys and the different styles of dance come together to really create art. I’m very, very excited about that. These teams are damn-near perfect, so I think everything that I’m looking for is there.

FRANKIE: I’m going to assume that your technique is perfect because you’re at this level and at this stage in the competition.

Obviously if there’s bad technique it will jump out at me, but I’m looking for creativity.

I’m looking for art and I’m looking to see who’s going to wow me. ABDC from the beginning brought dance crews to the public knowledge, made it a pop crew thing, so now I want them to bring it to the next level of public awareness. I want people to go “oh my god, I didn’t know dance crews did that.”

That’s what I’m looking for.

There are so many styles this season: b-boying, popping, acro, “brainbanging…” How do you judge them on the same playing field?

T-PAIN: You kind of can’t. If you judge a

I.AM.ME

ELECTROLYTES

KINJAZ

Known for “brain-banging,” a series of intricate connections and large-scale visuals, this innovative crew took the world by storm after winning their season, as a group and as individual dancers. This season, I.aM.mE has recruited a couple of familiar faces from 8 Flavahz and Phunk Phenomenon to wow the world again.

Making their way back from the desert of Arizona, Elektrolytes is back to prove how their high-energy performances and incredible stunts earned them the title of champions last season. After traveling around the world at a breakneck speed, these guys are ready to represent for Southwest.

New to the ABDC stage as a crew, this brotherhood is no stranger to quality, competitive performance. Members from the JabbaWockeez and Kaba Modern have joined forces with other California crew leaders to bring their intricate choreography and creative storytelling, challenging previous winners for the title of America’s Best Dance Crew.

SEASON 6 ABDC CHAMPIONS HOUSTON, TX

SEASON 7 ABDC CHAMPIONS GILBERT, AZ

LOS ANGELES, CA

WORLD OF DANCE

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If you were called out to battle on the ABDC stage, what would your go-to dance move be?

T-PAIN: I have a solid three go-to dances.

I can do them and walk out the building. I don’t know the name of them, I kind of make them up. I made them up myself at home in the mirror. Maybe naked, maybe not. There’s different ways of coming up with dances. I don’t think the naked part’s important, but it helps a lot when you are.

TEYANA: If anything, I’m such a fan that I would actually want to learn the choreography. I would want that to be my challenge, to be able to do an episode where I dance with them [the crews]. I think

that’s even harder, because giving me the option to do whatever I want to do I could just freestyle and do a little bit of everything, but I think the real challenge is to be able to learn the choreography and do it along with them and blend in with them just as well as they work with one another.

FRANKIE: Yes! I’d have to give you a sensible L-kick. That’s my sensible audition trick. If they go “hey, does anyone do tricks” I’m like, “yeah, L-kick, back handspring.

What!” So that’s probably what I’d do. I’d do an L-kick into a back handspring. A little body roll maybe. A shimmy.

What do you think the qualities of the winning crew are going to be?

T-PAIN: It’s the wow factor, the passion they have. You’ll see it, who wants it the most.

You’ll be able to feel it, you’ll be able to tell.

It’s not something you can teach or foresee, but you’ll definitely know it when it happens.

TEYANA: Being that it’s all-stars, they all have the qualities. This is almost like the NBA Finals or the Super Bowl. Somebody has to win and somebody’s going to get hurt. There’s nothing that I’m really looking for because these are champions. You can’t really sit and tell them what they’re doing wrong when you’re a fan of everyone. They all work so hard and they all have these stories, these emotional stories. There’s so much more behind dance, it saves people’s lives in tremendous ways. They have all the qualities, they just have to bring it at this point and really get creative.

FRANKIE: Very high entertainment value and very high technical abilities. I think danger-level will be very high. These people are taking their own lives into their hands with some of these stunts that they’re doing on the show. When they execute these moves, I’m like “wow you were a centimeter away from fracturing your body.” Danger, entertainment and technique. ¥

ABOUT THE SHOW “ABDC” is shot on location in Los Angeles, where dance crews perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Every performancethemed episode gives insight into the crews’ emotion, spirit and inspiration as

they step up to the challenge and showoff their ground-breaking choreography.

Judges will eliminate crews each week, and viewers around the country will vote during the LIVE finale episode to choose the nation’s best dance crew.

AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW: ROAD TO THE VMAS PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 AT 11PM ET/PT

PHOTOS BY MITCHELL HADDAD

fish by its ability to climb a tree, that would be weird. [laughs] You just go off of the cleanliness and passion and strength of the entire vision. You go off of the vision that the crew is trying to portray and that’s really what I’m looking for. I’m going to make sure I get that vision. If I don’t get it then you really didn’t do your job.

TEYANA: It’s almost like comparing a pop artist to an R&B artist. That’s what we have categories for. But that’s what makes this even better because now it’s about everybody kind of stepping outside of that box, still standing up for what they represent, but bringing something new to the table. They’re all going for the same thing. We’ll see.

FRANKIE: For me it’s more about the visceral response. Like how I’m going to respond to what you do and it doesn’t really necessarily matter in which genre you’re dancing. If you wow me you’re going to wow me. I think that kind of levels the playing field between everyone. You’re right, it’s very different but it’s kind of the same. They’re all out to impress, to shock, to awe, to inspire.

So whoever does that the best wins. It doesn’t matter what style it is.

GET TO KNOW:

JASON DUNDAS AUSTRALIAN-BORN Jason Dundas is the new host of America’s Best Dance Crew.

He originally got his start representing MTV as the local face of TRL Live. Jason went on to become the host of one of Australia’s most successful travel and lifestyle shows, Getaway, serving as co-producer on several episodes of the show.

Most recently, Jason was the host of MTV’s extreme dance competition, Beyond Dance, and is currently a Special Correspondent for Entertainment Tonight.

Jason also runs his own production company, Dundas Media, and continues his longterm partnership with Australian retail giant, David Jones, as its Menswear Brand Ambassador.

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LIFESTYLE

The Musicality of Painting

FELIFRESH.COM /FELIFRESH @FELIFRESH @FELIFRESH

FEAT. FELICIA “FELIFRESH” KHONG

BY ALINA OROZCO

|

PHOTOS FROM HIRES

“MUSIC IS MY RIGHT HAND AND ART IS MY LEFT,” says Felicia Khong, imagining an impossible world where only one artistic outlet is possible.

The live visual artist, also known as feliFRESH is based in Los Angeles, California, but you may also know her as one-fourth of an R&B quartet, the JAZMIN sisters. The musical group, formed by Felicia and her three real-life sisters, has gained a loyal fan base with their soulful harmonies, reminiscent of 90’s R&B throwback jams. Appearances on MTV’s Top Pop Group and NBC’s America’s Got Talent only expanded their following.

“My art became a visual representation of our journey. I started painting for musicians and producers in gratitude of their inspiration and presence in our lives during the early stages of our career.

Wanting to express how powerful music can be, I used my art as a way to convey how it made me feel.”

Despite pursuing music since an early age, Felicia’s passion for art was present all along, whether it was doodling in class to cure boredom or winning art contests in middle school and high school.

“I often correlate the two [music and art] and use a similar thought process when creating. They inspire each other. The way some songs make you feel a certain way or think of a particular time in your life shows how music can move your state of mind. For me, listening to music when I paint evokes inspiration and emotions that I feel can’t be achieved in any other way,” says Felicia.

A daughter of a preacher and a piano teacher, Felicia was raised to appreciate Motown, oldies and jazz. Then LA’s subculture seeped in, making the world of hip-hop and graffiti a natural extension of her artistic style, in both music and art.

Today, Felicia can be found painting live, at crowded events with music blasting through the speakers. “The pressure and excitement of painting live is something I try to translate into whatever piece I’m working on. Going with my instincts and vibing off the audience is what makes each piece unique,” shares Felicia.

The two art forms are so intertwined for the artist that boomboxes and saxophones often become subject matter and, since live performances require a certain degree of improvisation, melodies and beats often

dictate the outcome of the finished pieces.

Glancing over Felicia’s varied works, one could almost guess which genre of music was playing when the art was created.

It’s a testament to how much power and inspiration can be drawn from music.

“Music brings emotions that have different hues. Jazz is full of color and life with improvisation as a key element, oldies have melodies and rhythms that are timeless and hip hop has a vibe that is still such a strong movement in our culture,” says Felicia.

“When making any type of art, you have to tap into an emotion to tell your story.

When that happens, it makes your work truly genuine and able to speak to others.”

Whether one is allowing music to take center stage in a painting demonstration, creating a mixed media piece based on a dance performance or designing an outfit inspired by a photograph, creative expression is heavily influenced by emotion and a variety of artforms. Being carried away by the artistic process is a journey and as Felicia can testify, can be one of the most fulfilling, exciting adventures that a person can have. ¥

WORLD OF DANCE

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DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

What’s that song?

BY JORDANNAH ELIZABETH

A GREAT DANCE VIDEO can have a powerful effect on the careers of both independent and major music artists across the world. From endorsements to a brand new fanbase, the benefits of a viral dance video have music artists excited to get choreographers and talented freestylers attached to their projects online.

In a recent article, Billboard.com talked

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about the success of “Watch Me,” a charttopping single by Atlanta-based recording artist, Silento. “Watch Me” incorporated several popular dances including the Whip, Nae Nae and Stanky Leg and used the official video to showcase the dance videos of amateur and professional dancers alike.

The call-and-response style lyrics, similar to the lyrics of songs like “Cupid Shuffle” by

Cupid or “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper, encourage audience participation and fun as a group.

The really interesting thing about Silento is that he didn’t have a major record label to back him when he released “Watch Me.” His success was directly connected to encouraging people to dance to his songs and make their own videos to it.

Fik-Shun’s epic ‘Chain Hang Low’ performance at WOD Las Vegas

Nonstop in ‘Pumped Up Kicks’

Not only did Silento’s official video go viral by including the submissions, but a lot of the submissions went viral on their own.

This spread the song around the world and from there, it made its way onto radio stations and into clubs. Because of the success of the song, Silento landed a deal with Capitol Records in May of 2015.

Silento is not the only example of viral

dance video/music discovery magic.

Marquese “Nonstop” Scott of Dragon House consistently posted dance videos to his YouTube channel and hit the right blend of artistry and music discovery with his “Pumped Up Kicks | Dubstep” freestyle. Originally posted in 2011, Nonstop reposted the video in 2013 to his World of Dance Network featured channel, WHZGUD2. The video, featuring music by Foster the People and remixed by Butch Clancy, made history as the first video to ever break 100 million views on YouTube.

Du-Shaunt “Fik-shun” Stegall can also testify to the power of YouTube dance videos combined with a solid song.

Although Fik-shun rose to mainstream fame through network television, his “Chain Hang Low (Crizzly & AFK Remix)”

by Crizzly freestyle at World of Dance Las Vegas outnumbered views of his network

performances by over 10 million views.

Not only did Fik-shun reach new audiences as a dancer, but “Chain Hang Low” experienced a spike in downloads, further solidifying the power that dancers have in the music industry through video networks like YouTube.

Choreographed pop songs have always been popular with fans. Nowadays current technology allows dancers to make quality videos with virtually no budget.

These videos have the potential to carry new music to audiences outside of the recording artist’s reach. Dance pioneers like Nonstop, Fik-shun and Silento have effectively harnessed the power of their audiences to share music with people around the world. Independent dancers and music artists now have the power to launch new music to the top of the charts in a scenario where everybody wins. ¥

WORLD OF DANCE

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CANADA 2/22/15 MONTREAL QUALIFIER

THE RIALTO THEATER

6/13/15 VANCOUVER QUALIFIER

CROATIAN CULTURAL CENTER

10/3/15 TORONTO

QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATER

BROTHERHOOD 1ST PLACE UPPER DIVISION WOD VANCOUVER QUALIFIER 2015

SOREAL

1ST PLACE ADULT DIVISION WOD DALLAS 2015

MASSACHUSETTS, USA 11/21/15 BOSTON

BAYBACK EVENT CENTER

WASHINGTON, USA 10/10/15 SEATTLE

HIGHLINE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

NEW JERSEY, USA 5/23/15 FREEHOLD

IPLAY AMERICA

HAWAII, USA 1/23/16 HONOLULU

NEVADA, USA 12/15/15 LAS VEGAS

CASHMAN THEATER

BLAISDELL BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL

CALIFORNIA, USA 2/10/15 AWARDS SHOW

AVALON HOLLYWOOD

4/25/15 BAY AREA

SOLANO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

8/15/15 LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER

8/16/15 LA WORLD FINALS LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER

11/7/15 SAN DIEGO

CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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ILLINOIS, USA 11/14/15 CHICAGO

COPERNICUS THEATER

SOUTHERN USA 5/9/15 DALLAS, TX

SOUTH SIDE BALLROOM

5/30/15 ORLANDO, FL

OSCEOLA PERFORMING ARTS

8/29/15 ATLANTA, GA

RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

9/19/15 HOUSTON, TX WAREHOUSE LIVE

DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

My city, my stage BRINGING THE WORLD’S LARGEST DANCE CULTURE MOVEMENT TO CITIES AROUND THE WORLD

AKASHI BREAKERS

1ST PLACE UPPER DIVISION

MANSS

1ST PLACE UPPER DIVISION

WOD JAPAN QUALIFIER 2015

WOD FRANCE QUALIFIER 2015

JAPAN 7/11/15 JAPAN QUALIFIER

EUROPE 4/5/15 FRANCE QUALIFIER LA SALLE DU SUMMUM DE GRENOBLE

4/12/15 BELGIUM QUALIFIER MUZIEKCENTRUM TRIX

4/19/15 GERMANY QUALIFIER HUXLEYS

4/26/15 ITALY QUALIFIER TENDASTRISCE

11/15/15 SPAIN QUALIFIER

AUDITORIO DE ZARAGOZA

11/22/15 LONDON QUALIFIER CORONET LONDON

11/29/15 NETHERLANDS

PHILIPPINES 5/18/15 PHILIPPINES QUALIFIER AFP THEATER

EFFNAAR

NEW ZEALAND 5/23/15 NEW ZEALAND QUALIFIER IPLAY AMERICA

DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE VISIT WORLDOFDANCE.COM/TOUR FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

WORLD OF DANCE

29

DANCE

MUSIC

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

Break it down

TO DANCE IS TO BE OUT OF YOURSELF.

LARGER, MORE BEAUTIFUL, MORE POWERFUL. THIS IS POWER, IT IS GLORY ON EARTH AND IT IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING. AGNES DE MILLE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR PHOTO OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN WOD MAGAZINE, POST IT ONLINE AND INCLUDE “@WORLDOFDANCE #WODLIFESTYLE” IN THE DESCRIPTION. IT JUST MAY BE FEATURED IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE!

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PHOTO BY JORDAN “DJ SHAKEE” ABRANTES @DJSHAKEE

DANCER IS TAMARA “TAM” RAPP @TAM_RAPP247

PHOTO BY JAIMIE CARY