The Rewind HHI Crew - Vince

Video Description: Interview with Vince for HHI

Vince, being Rewinds choreographer gets a special video interview! Check out the clip above for footage of Vince and the crew, taken 7am on the morning Rewind left for LA.

Vince's dance experience spans over more than 10 years now and he has performed for all the major Australian RnB or Hip-hop artists including Jade Macrae, J-Wess, Israel...just to name a few. He teaches at all the top Hip hop dance schools here in Melbourne and is a well respected choreographer throughout the Australian dance scene...and we all know respect is certainly something that is well earned. Video clips; TV appearances; Massive live shows and not to forget, leading Rewind to be the number 1 dance crew in Australia...What next for the superstar choreographer?...Sky's the limit!...

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

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with Susie

Picture Description: Susie

The multi-talented Susana joined the Rewind crew in 2004 bringing a valuable performance history and a deep passion for the Hip-hop dance style. She is one of the most adaptable dancers I know, able to perform any type of chorey thrown at her (although she wont admit it) and a perfectionist by nature, she is always the first to nail a routine (damn her). So just a note: don’t stand next to her in a dance class or she’ll make you look bad…


So, whats your full Name?: Susana Le (aka susie)

How long have you been dancing?:
Since 2001, started by taking classes at Melbourne Uni, The Space and then
Unitd Styles when it first opened. Never looked back since. Thought about
taking it easy this year with gigs - but when the opportunity to dance
internationally with the most passionate dancers I know came up - I thought
to myself “let’s delay my retirement for another year...”

Which crews have you performed with?:
INQ (melb uni group with fellow rewinder STEVE), Dragons, REWIND, our close
friends Detour, Wickid Force and Beatphonik. Also performed with ‘the
Americans’ for Van Son 2004-2005 and Dance2xs for the You Got Served
promotional tour.

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?:
Tough question Wes. I can't describe one MOST memorable experience.
Everytime i dance, whether it be in a class, at rehearsal or on stage, I’m
just so thankful to be given the ability to move and express myself in this
art form. To me, nailing new chory with friends is the best feeling.
Performing in front of a hyped audience is also amazing. Being a part of the
winning team at Shakedown 2006 has been the best achievement to date.

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at
HHI?:
I’m looking forward to a well earnt holiday!! I’m really excited about
travelling with my fellow Rewinders and hitting the rides at Disneyland and
Magic Mountain!!

In terms of the HHI competition, it will be eye opening to see what other
crews around the world have to give.

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?:
I’d say, if you love dancing – just do it. Make time for it. Train harder.
Get influenced by as many styles as possible. Listen to a wide variety of
music and beats. Practise. Be open-minded to criticism, be humble to
encouragement. Take a break – I often feel the urge to dance the most when I
haven’t for a while. It’s like renewing your passion. Absence of dancing
makes my heart grow fonder.

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with Lizbeth

Picture Description: The Blitz Dancer

I consider all individuals in Rewind as 'stand out' dancers. But if anyone stands out from the 'stand outs', its this gal. Her signature style and dancing strength has made her one of Australia's most talented female dancers- and a valued member of the Rewind family. Lizbeth is actually how you spell her name but we just call her Lizzie - and she can give the energizer bunny a run for his money on the dance stage...


Whats your Name?: Lizbeth Calingasan aka Blitz...aka S.O.U.L

How long have you been dancing?:
I've been dancing for 13 years going on 14 years now and won't stop until I need a hip replacement...even then I don't think I'll ever stop moving my feet. You can't stop SOUL.

Which crews have you performed with?:
I've performed with Wickid Force, Detour and currently perform with The Hip Hop Movement Crew as well as dancing with being one of the founding members of Rewind Dance Productions . All of these crews have dancers that are close to my heart and are responsible for shaping me into the dancer I am today :). Shout out to Nikki Ashby aka Essentz (The Movement Hip Hop Crew) ,Demilition Bgirl (The Movement Hip Hop Crew), Lenny aka Enigma, Carlo aka Bboy Jester, Archie (Wickid Force), George (Wickid Force, and Yasushi (Wickid Force, The Movement Hip Hop Crew, Fireworks). Of course a big thankyou to all my Rewind people - you guys move me.

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?:
My most memorable experience with Hip Hop dance would be the day that I found it and how it saved me. The rest of the experiences I've had will always be a roller coaster ride but I will never forget where I came from and the reason I started Hip Hop - to express myself with artistic freedom.

My trip to LA in late 2006 for 3 months alone would have had to have been my greatest Hip Hop learning experience as I learnt styles not commonly found here in Australia and made friends from around the globe. As I went through this experience I couldn't help but wish my crew Rewind was there with me :D.

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?:
I'm looking forward mostly to spending time with my REWIND peeps and of course those others helping us reprazent under the REWIND banner - Anna (Detour), Acey (Detour), and Monica (Beatphonik). I love each and every one of these people and I can't wait to make our mark as Australian Dancers with them in LA. We've all done competitions and now it's time to see where we stand against the world. Of course it's all in love :D.

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?:
Hmmmm...my quote for other dancers would be: 'Live life like there's no tomorrow, Work like you don't need the money, and Dance like no-one is watching you'. Dance because you love it and not for any other selfish reasons. 'Look for fame you'll lose your soul...Seek creativity and you will find it'. OH AND GOODLUCK TO ALL COMPETING...ONE LOVE...ONE WORLD...ONE PEACE.

END OF INTERVIEW
LATERS PEACE


Rewind Dance Productions
The Movement Hip Hop Crew

Rewind HHI Crew- Interview with STEVE

Picture Description: Steve

As I mentioned, I'll be interviewing various members for the crew that are going to LA for HHI. First up is Steve! Steve will also be reporting back to you from LA on this blog to give you an insight whilst Rewind is over there...


Whats your full Name?: Steven Wong

How long have you been dancing?: Started taking classes in 2002/2003.

Which crews have you performed with?: INQ (Melbourne Uni Dance Group), Dragons, Liquid Express, a bit of freelancing and now of course REWIND =D

What has been your most memorable experience with Hip hop dance and why?: My most memorable experience has honestly been the friendships I’ve built through dancing. Its just like any other hobby where you meet a whole bunch of great people that you can relate to in one way or another. Oh yeh.. and winning a major dance competition with Rewind last year being Shakedown Crew Challenge 2006. That was one of my best nights ever! woo woo!!

What are you looking forward to most about going to LA and competing at HHI?: Very much so looking forward to the whole experience of meeting all the other crews. How often can you meet 25 different nationalities at once? Hopefully we can hang out with some of the other crews and run a muck around L.A!! Shopping for those rare items of clothing and shoes will be mad too, and trying to finish a super sized meal and heading to the adventure parks!!!!

Do you have any tips for other hip hop dance crews or dancers?: My tip for any aspiring dancers are those that are already in a crew. If you have a passion for something. Go for it, cause you never know where it will take you. Dont let others tell you otherwise. Its your dream, and only you can make it happen.

Thanks for all the support and wish us well in L.A!. Its an honour to represent Australia. ^_-

Peace. Steve