Dance workshops come and go but those that make a difference involve quality teachers and amazing class vibes. PULSE’s Streetdance Intensive has both. Whether you know the instructors coming through to this star-studded workshop from August 26-31, it’s worth noting who they are and what they’re about.
That’s where I come in. Hi, my name is Marc, former full-time dance teacher, lifelong student, and communications specialist. As someone who has taught workshops like these and has taken dozens in my lifetime, knowing who you’re taking classes from and what makes them special is an important and valuable deciding factor.
And although I have not taken classes from these specific instructors yet, I’ve done some research and want to share my findings with you! Here’s what I’ve learned, what I’m excited about, and why you should register for the Streetdance Intensive at PULSE Studios today!
As an America’s Best Dance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance fan, I’m excited to learn from Jaja. A teacher, mentor, performer, businesswoman, and advocate for health all wrapped into one, she can effectively communicate the mindset to be successful in dance, on top of her elite-level Krumping, Animation, and Body Control.
I was first introduced to Jaja on America’s Best Dance Crew. She was a member of I.aM.mE Crew and I recall being mesmerized by their interconnected isolation-based choreography. So were the judges because they won the whole thing in Season 6! A few years later, Jaja went solo and became the runner-up of So You Think You Can Dance Season 12. Since then, she has worked with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Kevin Hart, and Ludacris. She was featured in Step Up: All In, Cirque Du Soleil, and has travelled to over 40 countries to share her dance and business wisdom with her students.
Today, she directs Rossum’s Universal Robots (RUR) Mentorship Program – an online space that covers the musicality, timing, techniques, and mindset of various styles of Street Dance, along with health, food, nutrition, management, marketing, and dance business – an all-encompassing look at your own dance journey to navigate a long and successful career.
Jaja is teaching Krump Foundation, Animation, Waving, Robot, musicality, concepts, and mindset at the Streetdance Intensive. I’m curious to discover the ingredients that make her dancing great and her perspective on leading a successful dance career. She has so many jaw-dropping performances online, that to just choose one that best represents her is a challenge. So, I’ll choose one of her most viewed performances on YouTube. Here’s her “The Puppet & The Puppet Master” World of Dance performance with BDash:
“The greatest teacher will send you back to yourself.”
– Jaja
Slim Boogie is one of the most notable Poppers in the world, Wikipedia even says so. Based out of LA and representing MGF (Machine Gone Funk) Crew, he has over 20 years of experience in the industry. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Usher, Chris Brown, and Wiz Khalifa. He’s also been involved in major projects with Disney, Facebook, and Netflix.
In addition to dance, Slim Boogie created the Battle Games, a cultural session in downtown LA where people can come together and connect over food and conversation.
Like Jaja, Slim has a ton of videos on YouTube. The handful of videos I thoroughly enjoyed and studied do not do justice to articulating the level of control, musicality, and patience he has. I can confidently say his Animation, Popping, and freestyle foundation is impeccable and I’m looking forward to discovering his creative decision-making at the Streetdance Intensive. Fortunately for us, he’ll be teaching Popping, Animation, Waving, and Dimestop, along with musicality, freestyle, mixing styles and transitions, and creativity – so let's hope he gives an in-depth and personal insight into his dance approach.
Check out Slim’s judge showcase at the 2018 Back to the Future Battle in Russia:
Sorry not sorry but I’m going to be a little biased with this one. I witnessed the evolution of his dance journey since the beginning. From starring in theatre productions to making numerous appearances on America’s Got Talent, Canada’s Got Talent, and World of Dance, he is one half of Funkanometry (1.8+ million followers on TikTok). I’m biased because I had the privilege of teaching him many years ago. Jacksun is one of the most well-rounded dancers out there. Coming up the ranks from a humble student to a well-respected teacher, he is a dance savant who balances freestyling, battling, and performing, all while injecting his character and fun aura into his presentation.
Here is Funkanometry’s explosive debut on America’s Got Talent, performing to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” and Rick James “Super Freak”:
Teaching Hip Hop at the Streetdance Intensive, Jacksun has a foundation in Popping and Isolation but adds elements of character and hard hitting execution to his style. Once a studio kid himself, he offers a relatable perspective in learning choreo, applying it to your body, and performing it like there’s no tomorrow. Jacksun is a late addition to the faculty, but believe me – he is going to deliver a class that challenges your body and taps into your spirit.
Hailing from Toronto, Raoul Wilke is a multifaceted Dora Award-winning artist who co-founded the legendary Moon Runners Dance Crew and has expanded his choreography into film and theatre. He’s directed and coached video projects such as Tyra Jutai’s “New Shoes” and Abhithi’s cover of “7 Rings”.
Raoul is offering House at the Streetdance Intensive. Studying his style and energy from class videos, there’s a calmness and freedom to his movement. He has a constant flow that’s essential to House, but also has a unique but fun blend of technique and personality. I look forward to learning how he’ll unlock our inner freedom through his vibe.
Typically teaching in choreography format, get ready to sweat and exercise your mind, body, and spirit in his classes. Check out his House choreography to Black Coffee’s “Set Me Free”:
Last, but definitely not least, we have choreographer, artistic director, and performer, Carlos Guint. His fluidly hard-hitting, new school vibe is sought-after beyond his Edmonton roots, having taught across Canada, LA, and China. Founder of The Stu (studio) and artistic director of Sonador Activity, his stock in the choreography scene is on the rise.
Carlos is offering a fresh brand of Hip Hop, playfully integrating musicality, grooving, and character into his movement. Rarely repeating the same move, learning the choreography will be a challenge at first, but when it clicks, you’ll enjoy the rest of the class making it your own. As the newest guest instructor to the line up, Carlos brings a new school energy to the mix.
While Carlos has a lot of dope videos on YouTube, I gravitated towards his choreography to Sango’s “Me De Amor”:
This Streetdance Intensive will spark inspiration to your dance journey
Let’s put this into perspective: Having one of these instructors come to Calgary is a blessing, but having five world-class instructors in this week-long workshop in your neighbourhood is a special event. Carefully curated by Calgary’s Street Dance mogul, Tara Wilson, you’ll get to learn from industry leaders up close and personal, sharing their philosophies and experiencing first-hand what makes them great.
You can’t get a diverse Street Dance schedule like this anywhere else but at PULSE:
And to top it off, there’s a Red Bull Party and Jam on Friday, August 30th from 7:30 - 9:00 PM! Red Bull is coming through with their DJ Jeep and tunes. No battle, just a fun outdoor block party to mingle with the community and enjoy conversations with other like-minded individuals.
If you haven’t signed up for this Streetdance Intensive then what are you waiting for?! The workshop runs from August 26-31. The full 6-Day Pass is $875 (29 classes). A 10-Class Pass is $350 for any 10 classes. A 5-Class Pass is $185 and Drop-Ins are $40. It’s limited capacity so register now to reserve your spot and find new inspiration that will spark your dance journey.
