Striving for the X-factor

Picture Description: Has Rewind got all the pieces of the puzzle to win HHI?

Well, its a sad time for me. Tomorrow, I'll be waving goodbye to my crew as they step through the International gates and board the plane for a 20-something hour flight to Los Angeles. So although I'm sad, its an exciting time for Rewind. The whole of last week has been refining the performance adding bits and pieces here and there to enhance the show and to satisfy the competition criteria ... but is all this tweaking really enough?

There are so many factors that go into winning a competition- There are factors you can control: "Have you shown enough variety in your choreography?" - "Have you got enough formation changes?" - "Is the music time frame too long or short? (with no swearing...)" - "Are the costumes comfortable yet attractive?" ...then there are external factors like: "Who are you competing against?" - "Who's judging you and what is their background?"...

Considering all of that, there is also the x-factor (and I'm not talking about the TV show!). What is the X-Factor? I don't really know - but for me, its just 'something' that makes you say "that show is the one thats gonna win...". If there were two crews who did similar shows- its the x-factor that would separate the one that wins and the one that comes second. I guess I would call it the overall 'Entertainment' factor but somehow i think its more than that...

I think it has something to do with the chemistry of the dance crew coming together and sharing their passion for dance to the world. Friendship, positive teamwork, fun and enjoying what you love doing the most: all of that comes across on stage as well.

Time creeps up so quickly when you do large scale comps like HHI - Questions about whether you have done this or completed that....and you get lost in whats important in the dance show- to simply enjoy the moment.

So to my krew: be confident and show them how we do it in Australia BUT don't lose sight of why we started dancing in the first place- to inspire others and share our passion to the world!...

Questions: Whats your definition of the X-Factor?

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with Monica

Picture Description: Raw, Beatphonik talent- Monica

I first saw Monica as a crew member from the now disbanded, XS-Tekniq. In a short period of time, she has achieved a level style and execution that most dancers train years and years to obtain. This natural talent has lead her dance technique to be the envy of many female hip hop dancers in Melbourne. We're thankful and honored she has accepted to compete along side Rewind and with her involvement and I dont think we could have asked for a stronger line up of female dance talent for the HHI comp...(Watch out HHI...Mwahahahaha!)


Whats your full Name?: Monica Rivo

How long have you been dancing?:
I've been dancing since mid-2004..

Which crews have you performed with?:
I am forever grateful to XS-Tekniq, performing with this crew introduced me into the dance scene. Have also performed with Hey Mamma (collaboration with Vikings girls). Have been fortunate to dance with Rewind previously, alongside our American friends for a Van Son show. I am currently in Detour & Beatphonik with whom I've grown as a dancer in both crews. Love you guys! A huge thank you to all, especially the above, who've aided me through the journey so far. Your encouragement keeps me going.

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?:
The memorable experiences have been throughout rehearsals, events & comps - particularly the 'Chess' show with Beatphonik.

As well as the wave of emotions whether it be the adrenalin generated by the cheers from the crowd, the uplifting feeling when executing choreography or the joy after a performance. It's been awesome to be able to share it all with my family BP. It's also been memorable to have met many great people, formed close friendships, not to mention meeting my beautiful guy James. It's been very rewarding to have inspired others to pursue dancing too!

Something quite unforgettable to me is a memory which begun years ago when I never knew hip hop dance crews existed. I watched in awe of Rewind performing at Mercury Lounge. During the dance I can recall saying to my mates, "Wow... I want to dance with them". From that memory I viewed Rewind a pioneer in the hiphop dance scene. They're a good bunch of friends who I still admire, and now it's an honor to compete against the world with you guys..... yippeeeee!

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?:
Am definitely looking forward to the warm weather & spending QT with Rewind. We'll be hitting the theme parks, taking dance classes, shopping & visiting our American buddies. In terms of competing at HHI, I can't wait to meet & watch the other talents from around the world and performing at such a high-level comp. The nerves & excitement will be flying high no doubt!

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?:
Some tips for aspiring dancers and those who are just starting out.. Dance with passion. If you love it, go for it. Encouragement helps but believe in yourself. Feedback will help you improve. Challenge yourself - attempt & experiment with different styles and practice makes perfect!

All the best,

Mon

Rewind HHI Crew- Jaimez

Picture Description: James (but call him Jaimez- he hates James)

To give you some background, Jamiez originally started his dance career in Sydney. I first saw him perform many, many years ago in a crew called 463. When he moved to Melbourne about a year later Jaimez joined a new Melbourne crew called XLR8 (of which I was also a member). Eventually, in 2000, XLR8 joined with another crew called 'The Renegades' and we decided to rename the new collaboration as 'Rewind'. Fast forward to 2007, Jaimez takes to the world stage in the HHI as an original Rewinder with an extensive performance history and dance experience. He continues to develop and evolve his style - and his talent, dedication to the dance and friendship is a major part of why Rewind is so successful today...


Whats your full Name?: James Bryan Fermalin.

How long have you been dancing?:
A very long time... and continuing to train & work on different styles...

Which crews have you performed with?:
Sydney Crews: XLR8, Oh Shore (aka 463), Recently featured with Beatphonik for Groove '07

REWIND for life!

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?:
Meeting most of my close mates through the opportunities in dancing with other crews from Sydney & Melbourne. Being a part Rewind - my family...and meeting my girlfriend Monica... phwooaah (Your so sweet Jaimez! ~Wez)

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?:
The experience of competing against other countries and meeting the other crews. Plus the fun that we're gonna have, experiencing it all with my crew.. Just wish the rest of us could have made it... next time!!!

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?:
Keep dancing.. do as many classes as you can. Dance because you love it and enjoy it.. not for the fame.


Picture Description: Jamiez and Monica, from BP

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with Acey

Picture Description: Acey

I first got to know Acey (Short for his real name - Acey...A.C.) at a concert show at Dallas Brookes when he was still with Vikings a few years ago. Back then he was heavily into breaking which formed the basis for his dance experience as he branched off more into hip hop choreography with his involvement in Vikings, Detour and now, Rewind. His breaking background has made him into a very flexible and versatile Hip hop dancer- as its given him balls to never be afraid to try anything new, no matter how physically challenging the dance move/routine may be...

Other facts: He has also recently got married- congrats from all of us once again Ace! (Sorry girls, hes off the market...)

Full Name? Angelo Christ Rodriguez (Acey)

How long have you been dancing?
Since 2000.. which would make that 7 years

Which crews have you performed with?:
Vikings..Replay..Detour..Rewind..

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?
Winning Shakedown 2006 with Rewind and Detour. Everyones hard work payed off in the end. It was the greatest!

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?
Meeting new people that share the same passion for dancing...and showing them how we do it down under. "Hows it going?" (Pronounced: Hars-it-gaaaan)

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?
Be happy and enjoy the moment. If you enjoy what you do then don't stop.

Acey


Picture Description: Twin Brothers? Vince and I at Village with the Candy bar attended who looked like Acey. Do you think they look the same?

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with Anna

Picture Description: Anna

Anna, a founding member of the Detour crew has been performing with Rewind for the past year for our shows at Metro, Basslounge and Platform 1, as well as being a driving force in our Shakedown win last year. Anna is quiet spoken by nature but you would never know when she steps on stage, where she displays her hip hop dance expertise with maturity and confidence. Also a talented costume and clothing designer, you would have seen her costume design work at the Shakedown comps (With the Rewind Logo on the back, Detour logo on the pants)...


Whats your full Name?: Anna Kristine Apurado

How long have you been dancing?:
I've been dancing since 2003

Which crews have you performed with?:
Vikings, Rewind, and of course DETOUR baby!!!! and other individual collabs and shows ...

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?:
There's none specific - I've got heaps of memorable experiences, especially with Detour :).
From our first dance at GROOVE Melb 2003 - To winning SHAKEDOWN 2006 in collaborating with REWIND. I'm just thankful God gave me an oppurtunity to dance and perform and meet heaps of MAD ASS friends - and everything else that we got (like winning!!!) is just a bonus.

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?:
AAAaarrrggghh!!! I'm actually really scared.

H.H.I. - i'm interested and excited to just be apart of the atmosphere
and see first hand the CRAZY talents from around the world. Excited to meet
people from other cultures and how dance is a part of their lives.
And to go there and kick ass and show the world that Australia is
not just a loner in the Southern Continent, but we can shake our booty too!!
L.A. - SHOPPING!!!!! woohoo!!!! plus seeing another type of lifestyle?
I dunno what to expect coz everyone says that it's just the same as ours... so, hmm?
Also, Rodeo drive, Universal Studios and doing classes!!!

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?:
If dancing makes you happy and takes you to another world everytime you do it,
then try never to lose sight of that passion coz that's what gets you through life.
That, and dancing with a whole bunch of friends!

Anna

The Signature Move

Picture Description: Do you own this 'move'?

Rewind are always very strict when it comes to adhering dance comp rules and regulations. Reading over the HHI (extended) rules and conditions I noticed one paragraph which i found very interesting:

"Crews originating and utilizing one of a kind “signature” moves in their routines to increase creativity and audience response are cautioned to limit their use and set up time to avoid the risk of not performing a sufficient amount of hip hop dance choreography necessary for a high scoring routine. Crews are encouraged to be fresh and imaginative and to follow their own style and identity when creating a routine. Avoid emulating or being influenced by past World Champions routines, as there is no distinct style of a winning routine. Be yourself and express your crew's diversity with passion, intensity and style."

"Signature moves?", I thought to myself. "Does Rewind have such a move?"...

Rewind certainly has a signature style that is distinct from other crews (Mainly due to our talented choreographer Vince). I've also seen breakers with a signature moves but a dance crew?

The line about not getting influenced by past HHI's brings me to believe that these 'signature' moves are the showy 'blow up' moves- like Trinidad's swimming effect or the Filo All Stars 'tricks' and aerials. In other words, don't rely on pony tricks for the crowd - shows us some style and chorey...

Maybe winning means finding that balance i guess. Its def something Cheekybombs was criticised with at Aus Shakedown 05 (Too much blow ups, not enough chorey). Either way I'll be interested to see how well we go, as our style is a force to be reckoned with. Oh, and we have a few pony tricks up our sleeve as well :)

What do you think makes you stand out? Do you have a signature move? Does your crew have one?

"Rewind Dancers" vs "49 cent Tuna"

Picture Description: I think we need to sue some one at coles...

Whats a brand? According to our trust worthy friend Wikipedia:

"A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it. A brand often includes a logo, fonts, color schemes, symbols, and sound, which may be developed to represent implicit values, ideas, and even personality."

Rewind had its name and logo developed after our first gig. The little backward arrows with the swooshing arrow around it can been seen in much of our shows, on costumes or even props- After 7 years however it has become more than a logo- We hope our name and history has created expectations around what we can and have delivered to the Aussie hip hop dance scene...Let me ask you though, if you saw that sign above at Coles, were thinking "Australia's top dance crew" or "49cent cans for Tuna special..."

Although there was no qualifying comp from Australia to get into Hip hop International, we were invited last year but due to other commitments weren't able to go. Maybe there will be a qualifying comp in OZ soon- we arn't not too sure. I just wanted to clear the air for any other crew that was looking at going this year...

Don't worry- we intend to do the best we can to represent OZ and put us on the map...



Picture Description: Rewind Cash- Thrown to the crowd at our Las Vegas Show- worth more than Monopoly Money...

Do you have a crew? Have you just started one? how do you brand yourself?