A Jabbawockeez Experience Sparks Clarity to Born2Boogie's Path

Jordan ‘Born2Boogie’ Bailey breaks down his recent LA trip to audition for the Jabbawockeez, his approach to freestyling, and how his support system contributes to new opportunities in showing his gifts to the rest of the world. Humble but confident, positive and appreciative, learn what makes him a PULSE MVP and where he’s taking his dance next.

Jordan "Born2Boogie" Bailey recently had a shot to be part of the Jabbawockeez

Hey, Jordan! Thanks for chatting with us today and congratulations on being a PULSE MVP. You’re in elite company and Tara speaks so highly of you.

It's a huge honour and thank you for this platform to speak about myself. I consider myself a humble guy, but Imma approach this like a battle dancer and show my stuff. This should be fun.

You recently flew out to LA to audition for the Jabbawockeez?! Please spill the tea and share what that whole process was like.

I have never done anything like that before – flying out to LA for an audition. But I really aspired to be part of that company. They are my idols and, in my opinion, one of the dopest crews ever, so I was going in, aiming to do my best.

When I got there, there were 60-70 dancers from different backgrounds. Some Bboys, freestylers, choreoheads, and other movers and shakers from San Diego, LA, Orange County, and Las Vegas.

It was surreal and I was star-struck at first. But I reminded myself that Rome wasn't built in a day. I took my time, appreciated the opportunity, and didn't take it for granted.

I wanted that recognition from the OGs and to have my Born2Boogie persona make an impression on them.

After we learned the audition piece, they broke us up into groups of 5, performing it twice. From there, they send you on your way and call you within the hour if you made the cut.

Luckily for me, I got the message within 45 minutes inviting me to the day two auditions.

Day two was down to 30 “potentials”. We learned another audition piece that I really enjoyed, although the textures and isolations were a bit tougher.

At the end of the day, I didn’t make the final cut. But I made it day two. I got to represent for myself, my family, and the city of Calgary. I got to do it.

That’s unreal, Jordan! With so much amazing talent around you, what was your main takeaway from the whole experience?

I have a new goal and my pathway for dance got clearer. Keep training. Keep taking these opportunities and with the support of my family, my crew, and my community, I can make it as a dancer.

“I reminded myself that Rome wasn't built in a day. I took my time, appreciated the opportunity, and didn't take it for granted.”

Would you say the Jabbawockeez are your biggest inspirations?

For sure. I take a lot of inspiration from them and how they synergize music with their movement. Plus, I like how they can go from Hyphy to Hip Hop, then Breaking, Popping, and Locking.

But there are other inspirations too. I was always dancing as a kid. Picture me at the age of 5 or 6, jamming out to Michael Jackson, some Marky Mark, and Run DMC. The Backstreet Boys were my favourite group as a kid. 

Let’s take it back to those days. How did you get into dance?

Dance has always been a part of my life, but I didn’t take it seriously until 2011. Around the 10th grade, I was part of a little dance group in my school – just me and a couple of friends performing here and there. One of our performances caught the eye of a non-profit organization called Unity Charity, which was touring different schools with their anti-bullying efforts.

They invited us to join the tour and perform at different schools, leading me to meet Tara Wilson, who was just starting Pulse then.

She gave us a summer camp scholarship, learning authentic Hip Hop from her, Lady C, and legendary crews like Rock Steady. I can hardly put it into words it was so much fun.

I knew then and there that I needed to be a part of this studio. THIS is Hip Hop and this is something that I've been wanting as a kid. Blessings to that.

Born2Boogie winning the 2011 Funk Foundation All Styles Battle

Look at you now. From humble beginnings to being a PULSE MVP and now auditioning for the Jabbawockeez. I’m sure your dance mindset has a lot to do with it. How do you approach freestyling?

As a bigger guy, I don't move like others do. I always just go off the music. It moves me more than where my mind wants me to take me.

Whether it’s the hi-hats of the drums or the syncopation of the lyrics, I pick and choose what sounds resonate with me in the moment and just articulate those sounds with my body. 

But it’s different when I’m in a battle. A mental switch that goes off in me. In a cypher we might be exchanging, but in a battle, those same dancers become my opponents. Jordan goes away and Born2Boogie emerges. 

Born2Boogie is the kind of guy that wants you to see him. He wants you to feel something and witness what his heart and soul can do to a beat.

And it works. That mindset has been your ticket to travel to different places and meet new people. Which places stick out the most?

My recent Jabbawockeez audition in LA, for one. I met so many dancers who toured with artists and were on TV shows and movies.

Last year, I went to my first Vancouver Street Dance Festival and met a lot amazing dancers.

And this summer, I’m heading to Montreal’s JOAT (Jack of all Trades) Festival to battle and represent for my city. 

What are you learning from all these new people that you're meeting?

I’m learning so much about the mindset of a dancer. I’m not familiar with the commercial industry or even the big battle events. But meeting other world-renowned dancers and seeing how they operate is helping me build my own profile to what I should be striving for.

Everyone that I’ve met is so humble and down to earth and you can’t help but want to keep that energy going – not just as a dancer but as a person too.

I also learned that whatever your dream goal is, you have to love it and be on your grind every day. It doesn't have to be hours on end but make it a priority to work on your craft a little bit every day. 

You are definitely working towards your true calling. And bringing it back to the PULSE MVPs – an elite class of dancers in the Calgary community – what does it mean to you to be hand-chosen by PULSE?

I am very humbled knowing Pulse is behind me 110%. Lady C is a legend in my eyes. Frescy and I were in the first Beast Machine roster. Seeing him grow into the amazing athlete and artist he is boggles my mind. And then you have Josiah. I was super intimidated meeting him at first because he felt larger than life and you could tell he is going to blow up someday.

I have so much respect for them and being a part of this amazing company is such a blessing. For real.

Now as an ambassador to Streetdance in Calgary, what is your vision for yourself and the Calgary dance scene?

I want to see the unification of Street Style and studio. Everyone coming together, learning from each other, and collaborating to attract more opportunities in our city.

For myself, I want people to connect with me. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or have been in the scene for years, hit me up. I’m open to share tips, tricks or even to session.

I want to pay it forward the way PULSE has been there for me and be an open book for the next generation to thrive.

“Whatever your dream goal is, you have to love it and be on your grind every day. It doesn't have to be hours on end but make it a priority to work on your craft a little bit every day.”

Last question. What’s your advice for these dancers, especially those who have not found their ‘people’ like you have?

If there’s a will there’s a way. We have YouTube. Take time out of your day, find a move or technique and practice until it becomes a habit. 

If you can't go to dance classes, try to mingle with people at events and spark a conversation with them. I was lucky enough to find my people and there are still people like that out in the world to add to your journey.

Remember: Rome wasn't built in a day. Eventually, you'll cross paths with people within the scene who are willing to give you the time and presence you need.

Jordan is taking on new opportunities with a positive mindset and we’re all for it! Keep checking our website and socials to catch his next pop up class at PULSE or news of his next adventures!