House Dance International
Encyclopedia
House Dance International (“HDI”) is an annual street dance
festival based in New York City
that highlights the art forms of House dance
, Vogue
, Hustle, Waacking
and Experimental, all of which are performed to house music
or derivatives of electronic dance music
. The three-day festival consists of a group choreography contest, freestyle competitions (i.e., "battles"), film screenings, seminars, workshops and parties. Established in 2007, HDI was the only event of its kind that exclusively focuses on the dance forms associated with house music culture (as compared to hip-hop dance forms such as b-boying
, popping
, locking
, krumping
, etc.).
and Chicago
, the culture grew out of the clubs and social networks of the black and Latino gay community. Noteworthy clubs in Chicago included the Warehouse
, Riviera, Music Box, and Medusa's. Landmark New York clubs where House dance
developed included Paradise Garage
, The Loft
, and Sound Factory Bar.
With the invention of house music
in 1983, house dance culture began to flourish in a cross-section of urban society, attracting dancers from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic classes and sexual orientations. The culture became a melting pot and repository for all types of dance styles: tap
, jazz, modern, capoeira
, salsa
, b-boying
, hip-hop that eventually morphed into its own distinctive style. The contribution of the various styles was fostered by the open-minded nature of the culture, which thrives on themes of liberation, unity and mutual passion for the music.
Until the establishment of HDI, however, there had not been a formal recognition of the primary styles that had come to define the culture, specifically, House dance
, Vogue
, Waacking, Hustle
, and Experimental. HDI brought the culture into focus and differentiated it from hip-hop culture, which many had mistakenly viewed as the precursor to House Dance
.
/ jacking
scene of the mid-1980s, Santiago set out to produce the world’s most comprehensive festival dedicated to the art form of dancing to house music. Enlisting the help of top event promoter Redness, the first HDI event was launched in July 2007. The first event was held at Sullivan Room, Alvin Ailey
Studios and Club Shelter. Judges in 2007 included Archie Burnett, Conrad Rochester, Junious Brickhouse, Marjory Smarth, and James “Cricket” Colter. The co-founders sought legendary house dance pioneer Ejoe Wilson to be the Host / MC of the event.
, Vogue
, Experimental, Hustle
, and Waacking.
All contestants must qualify for final rounds by auditioning at preliminary rounds. Each contestant receives approx. 2 minutes to dance in a solo exhibition to music selected by the DJ. A panel of five judges scores each contestant on the basis of four criteria: (1) musicality/rhythm; (2) technique/vocabulary; (3) charisma/free spirit and (4). The top contestants with the highest mathematical scores in each category advance to the final rounds.
contest that showcases the talents of groups within the house dance community. Groups are scored on a mathematical scale by a panel of judges using the following criteria: (1) musicality / rhythm; (2) vocabulary; (3) originality / creativity; (4) charisma; (5) synchronicity / transitions; (6) staging / blocking; (7) costume design. The winner of the Group Choreography Contest in 2008 was an all-female group from Osaka, Japan called “Soul Flower”.
Studios in Manhattan.
2007 instructors included Brian “Footwork” Greene, Ejoe Wilson, Marjory Smarth and Archie Burnett. 2008 instructors included Akim Funk Buddha, Tyrone Proctor, Sergia Anderson, Ejoe Wilson and Archie Burnett. In 2009, the workshops were held at Dance New Amsterdam, instructors included David Padilla, Ejoe Wilson, Tyrone Proctor, and Archie Burnett.
2010 instructors included FootworKingz, Akim Funk Buddha, Yugson, Aus Ninja, Ejoe Wilson and many more.
The HDI workshops are designed to bring top instruction in the various forms of House Dance to international students of the art form.
with dynamic floorwork, lofting and acrobatics, a style that has been emulated the world over. Ejoe is co-host of Soulgasm, a house dance event based in New York, and is the artistic director of Beyond Phenomenon, an avant-garde house dance company.
, the Martinez Brothers, Quentin Harris, Filsonik, DJ Sabine, Brian Coxx, Chip-Chop Ninja and Pang-Lo.
House Dance (Shuho Chiba)
Vogue (Javier Ninja)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Future)
House Dance (Shuho Chiba)
Vogue (Javier Ninja)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Future)
Waacking (Aus Ninja)
House Dance (Cebo)
Vogue (Javier Ninja / Dashaun Simmons)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Erika Jimbo)
Waacking (Leah McFly: "Waackeisha")
Street dance
Street dance, more formally known as vernacular dance, is an umbrella term used to describe dance styles that evolved outside of dance studios in any available open space such as streets, dance parties, block parties, parks, school yards, raves, and nightclubs, etc...
festival based in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
that highlights the art forms of House dance
House dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
, Vogue
Vogue (dance)
Vogue or voguing is a highly stylized, modern house dance that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1960s. It gained mainstream exposure when it was featured in Madonna's song and video "Vogue" , and when showcased in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning...
, Hustle, Waacking
Waacking
The Waacking style of street dance traces its roots back to gay and nightclub cultures. In the United States, at gay nightclubs, male performers dressed as women and performed to female songs on stage...
and Experimental, all of which are performed to house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
or derivatives of electronic dance music
Electronic dance music
Electronic dance music is electronic music produced primarily for the purposes of use within a nightclub setting, or in an environment that is centered upon dance-based entertainment...
. The three-day festival consists of a group choreography contest, freestyle competitions (i.e., "battles"), film screenings, seminars, workshops and parties. Established in 2007, HDI was the only event of its kind that exclusively focuses on the dance forms associated with house music culture (as compared to hip-hop dance forms such as b-boying
B-boying
B-boying, often called "breakdancing", is a popular style of street dance that was created and developed as part of hip-hop culture among African Americans and Latino youths in New York City. The dance consists of four primary elements: toprock, downrock, power moves and freezes...
, popping
Popping
Popping is a street dance and one of the original funk styles that came from California during the 1960s-70s. It is based on the technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in the dancer's body, referred to as a pop or a hit...
, locking
Locking
Locking may refer to:* Locking , a style of funk dance invented in the early 1970s* Locking, Somerset, a village in the United Kingdom...
, krumping
Krumping
Krumping, also spelled Krumpin, is a street dance popularized in the United States that is characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated, and highly energetic movement involving the arms, head, legs, chest, and feet...
, etc.).
Mission
HDI represents a New York-based mission to bring together the various individuals and organizations that have played a role in the creation and development of house dance culture. Dating back to the 1970s in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, the culture grew out of the clubs and social networks of the black and Latino gay community. Noteworthy clubs in Chicago included the Warehouse
Warehouse (nightclub)
The Warehouse was a nightclub that was established in Chicago, Illinois in 1977 under the direction of Robert Williams. It is today most famous for being what many consider to be the birthplace and heart of "house music" under its first musical director, DJ Frankie Knuckles...
, Riviera, Music Box, and Medusa's. Landmark New York clubs where House dance
House dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
developed included Paradise Garage
Paradise Garage
The Paradise Garage was a discotheque notable in the history of modern gay and nightclub cultures and in dance and pop music. It was founded by Michael Brody, its sole proprietor, and was located at 84 King Street, in the Hudson Square neighborhood of New York City. It operated from 1976 to 1987...
, The Loft
The Loft
The Loft is the location for the first underground dance party that was created by David Mancuso on February 14, 1970 in New York. Since then, the term The Loft has come to represent Mancuso's own version of a non-commercial party where no alcohol, food, or beverages are sold...
, and Sound Factory Bar.
With the invention of house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
in 1983, house dance culture began to flourish in a cross-section of urban society, attracting dancers from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic classes and sexual orientations. The culture became a melting pot and repository for all types of dance styles: tap
Tap dance
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the...
, jazz, modern, capoeira
Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century...
, salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
, b-boying
B-boying
B-boying, often called "breakdancing", is a popular style of street dance that was created and developed as part of hip-hop culture among African Americans and Latino youths in New York City. The dance consists of four primary elements: toprock, downrock, power moves and freezes...
, hip-hop that eventually morphed into its own distinctive style. The contribution of the various styles was fostered by the open-minded nature of the culture, which thrives on themes of liberation, unity and mutual passion for the music.
Until the establishment of HDI, however, there had not been a formal recognition of the primary styles that had come to define the culture, specifically, House dance
House dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
, Vogue
Vogue (dance)
Vogue or voguing is a highly stylized, modern house dance that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1960s. It gained mainstream exposure when it was featured in Madonna's song and video "Vogue" , and when showcased in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning...
, Waacking, Hustle
Hustle (dance)
The Hustle is a catchall name for several disco dances which were extremely popular in the 1970s. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with swing dance. Its basic steps are somewhat similar to the...
, and Experimental. HDI brought the culture into focus and differentiated it from hip-hop culture, which many had mistakenly viewed as the precursor to House Dance
House dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
.
Event History
The idea to host an annual NYC-based event dedicated to the various forms of house dance culture was conceived by house dancer and event producer Santiago Freeman in September 2006. As a descendent of Chicago’s original house danceHouse dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
/ jacking
Jacking
Jacking or Jackin', the term by which the form is more commonly known, is a dance technique and music form that first became popular in the late 1980s as one of the myriad music forms which arose from the last days of disco...
scene of the mid-1980s, Santiago set out to produce the world’s most comprehensive festival dedicated to the art form of dancing to house music. Enlisting the help of top event promoter Redness, the first HDI event was launched in July 2007. The first event was held at Sullivan Room, Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. Ailey is credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th century concert dance...
Studios and Club Shelter. Judges in 2007 included Archie Burnett, Conrad Rochester, Junious Brickhouse, Marjory Smarth, and James “Cricket” Colter. The co-founders sought legendary house dance pioneer Ejoe Wilson to be the Host / MC of the event.
Attendees
Between 2007 and 2008, the HDI event has been attended by thousands of dancers, DJs, house music enthusiasts and spectators from around the globe, including from South Africa, Japan, Korea, London, Paris, Sweden, Montreal, Belgium and Taiwan. Surveys conducted by the HDI organizers indicate that 25% of the attendees are from Japan, 23% from New York, 23% from out-of-state, 18% percent from Europe, and 6% from Canada, with the remaining 5% from other regions of Asia. As house dance culture begins to proliferate worldwide, attendance is expected to increase exponentially.Freestyle Competition Format
HDI features five specific categories of freestyle competitions: House danceHouse dance
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. The main elements of House dance include Footwork, Jacking, and Lofting...
, Vogue
Vogue (dance)
Vogue or voguing is a highly stylized, modern house dance that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1960s. It gained mainstream exposure when it was featured in Madonna's song and video "Vogue" , and when showcased in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning...
, Experimental, Hustle
Hustle (dance)
The Hustle is a catchall name for several disco dances which were extremely popular in the 1970s. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with swing dance. Its basic steps are somewhat similar to the...
, and Waacking.
- House Dance (1x1): A dynamic urban dance performed to House MusicHouse musicHouse music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
that developed in the nightclubs of Chicago and New York over the last 25 years, the primary elements of House Dance consist of jackingJackingJacking or Jackin', the term by which the form is more commonly known, is a dance technique and music form that first became popular in the late 1980s as one of the myriad music forms which arose from the last days of disco...
, footwork and lofting with an emphasis on musicality and free spirit.
- Vogue (1x1): One of the most breathtaking art forms in urban dance, VogueVogue (dance)Vogue or voguing is a highly stylized, modern house dance that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1960s. It gained mainstream exposure when it was featured in Madonna's song and video "Vogue" , and when showcased in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning...
has experienced a vibrant history in the underground club scene and continues to amaze with innovation. Dancers exhibit skills in the old way, new way, vogue femme and dramatics.
- Experimental (1x1): A progressive urban dance performed to alternative genres of electronic dance musicElectronic dance musicElectronic dance music is electronic music produced primarily for the purposes of use within a nightclub setting, or in an environment that is centered upon dance-based entertainment...
, including Nu JazzNu jazzNu jazz is an umbrella term coined in the late 1990s to refer to music that blends jazz elements with other musical styles, such as funk, soul, electronic dance music, and free improvisation...
, Broken BeatBroken beatBroken beat is an electronic music genre that can be characterized by syncopated rhythm typically in 4/4 meter, with staggered or punctuated snare beats and/or hand claps....
and Drum and BassDrum and bassDrum and bass is a type of electronic music which emerged in the late 1980s. The genre is characterized by fast breakbeats , with heavy bass and sub-bass lines...
. Individual expression and abstract movement are the key components to this category.
- Hustle (2x2): Dating back to the 1970s DiscoDiscoDisco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
Era, the HustleHustle (dance)The Hustle is a catchall name for several disco dances which were extremely popular in the 1970s. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with swing dance. Its basic steps are somewhat similar to the...
is house dance culture’s time-honored partner dance that consists of the romantic interchange between two free and elegant souls.
- Waacking (1x1): A fierce upright style that developed on the West Coast during the Soul TrainSoul TrainSoul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
years, Waacking is an electrifying art form of complex arm and hand movements that project sensuality and strength from the legs. It demonstrates the movements in the legs.
All contestants must qualify for final rounds by auditioning at preliminary rounds. Each contestant receives approx. 2 minutes to dance in a solo exhibition to music selected by the DJ. A panel of five judges scores each contestant on the basis of four criteria: (1) musicality/rhythm; (2) technique/vocabulary; (3) charisma/free spirit and (4). The top contestants with the highest mathematical scores in each category advance to the final rounds.
Group Choreography Contest
In addition to the freestyle competitions, HDI also plays host to a group choreographyChoreography
Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified. Choreography may also refer to the design itself, which is sometimes expressed by means of dance notation. The word choreography literally means "dance-writing" from the Greek words "χορεία" ...
contest that showcases the talents of groups within the house dance community. Groups are scored on a mathematical scale by a panel of judges using the following criteria: (1) musicality / rhythm; (2) vocabulary; (3) originality / creativity; (4) charisma; (5) synchronicity / transitions; (6) staging / blocking; (7) costume design. The winner of the Group Choreography Contest in 2008 was an all-female group from Osaka, Japan called “Soul Flower”.
Workshops
In 2007 and 2008, HDI hosted its Master Workshop Series at Alvin AileyAlvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. Ailey is credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th century concert dance...
Studios in Manhattan.
2007 instructors included Brian “Footwork” Greene, Ejoe Wilson, Marjory Smarth and Archie Burnett. 2008 instructors included Akim Funk Buddha, Tyrone Proctor, Sergia Anderson, Ejoe Wilson and Archie Burnett. In 2009, the workshops were held at Dance New Amsterdam, instructors included David Padilla, Ejoe Wilson, Tyrone Proctor, and Archie Burnett.
2010 instructors included FootworKingz, Akim Funk Buddha, Yugson, Aus Ninja, Ejoe Wilson and many more.
The HDI workshops are designed to bring top instruction in the various forms of House Dance to international students of the art form.
Film Screenings
Consistent with its theme of advancing House Dance culture, HDI has screened various films that address the subject matter of House Dance. Past films screenings have included:- Check Your Body at the Door: Dr. Sally Sommer, Professor of Dance at Florida State University, presented her remarkable documentary film that explores the movement vocabulary of legendary NYC house dancers, including Archie Burnett, Willi NinjaWilli NinjaWilli Ninja was an American dancer and choreographer best known for his appearance in the documentary film Paris is Burning....
, Ejoe Wilson, Marjory Smarth and Conrad Rochester. Made possible in part by contributions from the National Endowment of the Arts, Dr. Somner interviews dancers from the local NYC scene and captures now-vintage footage from the late 80s and early 90s. Check Your Body at the Door now stands as an historical document and testament to the early years of NYC’s house dance culture.
- How Do I Look: Directed by Wolfgang Busch, How Do I Look is the follow-up the international breakthrough film Paris is Burning. The film documents New York’s underground ballroom community from 1997 through 2004 and features some of the most respected dancers in the world of Vogue.
- Dance For Peace: A non-profit organization dedicated to working with underprivileged youth from developing countries, Dance For Peace director Kumari Singh presented a short documentary in 2008 chronicling the impact that urban dance has had on the youth in South Africa.
- HDI DVD Highlights: In 2008, film producers Santiago Freeman and Christopher Scott presented 2007 highlights from the various competition categories.
Host / MC
HDI is hosted by its Master of Ceremonies, Ejoe Wilson, age 39, who stands as one of the most influential House Dancers on the planet. His life as a dancer has been documented in numerous films, including Check Your Body at the Door and Maestro, and his work has been featured in videos for MC Lyte, Jungle Brothers, Will Smith and Mariah Carey, with whom he accompanied on five world tours. Ejoe now travels the world teaching his unique style of house dance, which has been described as “The Truth”. He is credited with innovating House Dance through the infusion of JackingJacking
Jacking or Jackin', the term by which the form is more commonly known, is a dance technique and music form that first became popular in the late 1980s as one of the myriad music forms which arose from the last days of disco...
with dynamic floorwork, lofting and acrobatics, a style that has been emulated the world over. Ejoe is co-host of Soulgasm, a house dance event based in New York, and is the artistic director of Beyond Phenomenon, an avant-garde house dance company.
Organizers
- Santiago Freeman (Creator / Executive Director). Santiago has been a freestyle House Dancer for more than twenty years, growing up in Chicago amidst the house music explosion of the mid-1980s. He is currently the host of monthly House Dance event, Brooklyn Mecca, now in its fourth year and is the founding director of Dance Warrior Project, a theatrical house dance company recently described by the New York Times as “graceful…strong…and engaging.” www.myspace.com/dancewarriorproject. Santiago is also a filmmaker, writer, designer, DJ/producer and attorney.
- REDness (Co-Producer). As a fixture in New York’s underground dance music scene since the late-1980s RED has promoted various parties, working with an extensive list of DJs including Louie Vega, Francois K., Danny Krivit and Joe Claussel. She is the founding coordinator of the CHMW Freestyle Dance-Off competition, which completed its second year at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, as well as co-host of the popular weekly House Dance event, Soulgasm NYC. REDness parties & events
DJs
House Dance International has featured some of the world’s most prestigious house music DJs including DJ SpinnaDJ Spinna
DJ Spinna is an American hip hop music artist and producer, who, according to Allmusic.com, has "remained strictly an underground artist despite his astonishing talent."-Biography:...
, the Martinez Brothers, Quentin Harris, Filsonik, DJ Sabine, Brian Coxx, Chip-Chop Ninja and Pang-Lo.
World Championship Results
- 2007:
House Dance (Shuho Chiba)
Vogue (Javier Ninja)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Future)
- 2008:
House Dance (Shuho Chiba)
Vogue (Javier Ninja)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Future)
Waacking (Aus Ninja)
- 2009:
House Dance (Cebo)
Vogue (Javier Ninja / Dashaun Simmons)
Hustle (Sergia Anderson & Raul Santiago)
Experimental (Erika Jimbo)
Waacking (Leah McFly: "Waackeisha")
Judges
- 2007: Conrad Rochester (House Dance); Junious Brickhouse (House Dance); James "Cricket" Colter (Experimental); Archie Burnett (Vogue); Marjory Smarth (Hustle).
- 2008: Hector Xtravaganza (Vogue); Akim Funk Buddha (Experimental); Voodoo Ray (House); David Husney (Hustle); Tyrone Proctor (Waacking).
- 2009: Dray Ebony (Vogue); Evelyn Santos (Experimental); Chino 3 (House); David Padilla (Hustle); Tyrone Proctor (Waacking).
- 2010: Cesar Valentino (Vogue); Evelyn Santos (Experimental); Yugson (House); Desiree Faltine (House); Tyrone Proctor (Waacking).
External links
- House Dance Social Network. http://www.HouseDancers.com
- House Dance International website. http://www.HouseDanceNYC.com
- House Dance International myspace. http://www.myspace.com/HouseDanceNYC
- House Dance On-Line Store. http://www.HouseDanceFx.com
- REDness parties & Events. http://www.theREDness.com
- House Dance Project. http://www.HouseDancer.com
- House Dance (french website). http://HouseDancer.net
- House Dance Conference. http://housedanceconference.com
- Afrodelica (Afrobeat Dance Culture). http://www.Afrodelica.com