A school for breakdancing

Bboy.org · **A school for breakdancing -** 07-05-2005, 03:03 PM

By Grace Chen

Breakdancing used to be banned in schools. Now, you can go to school for it. Head on down to Urban Groove, the hip-hop academy for all breakdancers who want to go pro. StarWeekend talks to Joel Tan (left), the principal and founder of what may be the next fitness craze.

Once banned in schools during the 80s, breakdancing is back – this time as an extreme sport where only the fittest will prevail.

At Urban Groove, you can learn how to breakdance and get a certificate for it. Joel Tan, the principal, set up the hip-hop academy last September and now has 250 students at branches in Bandar Sunway and Seremban.

The 26-year-old biochemistry graduate claims to be the first hip-hop teacher in Malaysia to be certified by the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Kindred Arts (UKA).

Joel has been breakdancing since he was a teenager, and he has the physique to show for it. What else can you expect from a guy who does handstands and one-hand balancing tricks for a living?

“I only started teaching breakdance two years ago. Before that, I taught friends informally. My career path was not that clear then,” laughs the former model.

Nevertheless, Joel, who got his accreditation from the UKA last September, regards himself as a strict teacher. He insists that his students go through the proper training before attempting moves like the Headspin.

Joel, who is the Extreme Fitness Champion of 2002, also advocates clean living and physical fitness.

“We consider ourselves professional athletes. I may be a dancer but I do not believe in going to clubs because that’s a waste of time and money. We want to be a a positive example. We want to impress on people that breakdancing is a healthy activity.

“In breakdance, the poses and spins require fitness and strength,” says Joel, who insists his students do weight training to improve their upper body strength. There is a mini gym in his studio for that purpose.

Joel reveals that he had to come up with a proper syllabus to cover every aspect of the hip-hop dance style.

“People feel that hip-hop cannot be structured. But I saw the need for a system of teaching,” explains Joel.

In his classes, he demonstrates dance routines and different technical styles.

“Students have to go through three levels – bronze, silver and gold. They have to sit for examinations before advancing to the next level.”

Beginners have to concentrate on basic body movement, rhythm and foot moves before advancing to the highly technical styles. Though the beginner will find his first session at the Urban Groove studio a sweaty and exhausting affair, there is no mistaking the high energy level here.

With graffiti-covered walls and hip-hop music blasting from the speakers, the dance floor is filled with action as students show off moves like the Turtle, Six-step and The Freeze.

“We have about 250 students and the place is full every night. Classes start from RM70 for four lessons and we encourage students to come in everyday to perfect their moves,’’ says Joel.

Student Raymond Tan, 20, who is now chief instructor at the academy’s Seremban branch, recalls the time when he could not even do a simple handstand.

“When I first started two years ago, it was very hard. Joel would push me to perfect the moves until I got them right. I stuck to it because I loved the challenge. Going to the studio was also a good way to meet other people who shared the same interest,’’ says Raymond.

Raymond feels he has become physically tougher after taking up breakdancing and trains up to five hours a day to maintain his form.

It has also made him more conscious of his food intake. He takes carbohydrates before a dance session and limits himself to only fruit juice afterwards. He also cautions first-timers who think they can learn by just watching videos.

“It’s dangerous because there is no qualified instructor to watch over you. You can get injured this way,” says Raymond.

Tan Chong Min, 23, another student, who has also become chief instructor for the Bandar Sunway branch says that in breakdancing, there is no gain without pain.

“I’ve not had any broken bones but I have sprained my foot and my hand. It’s not easy especially when you are advancing from one level to the next,” he says.

It is no surprise that there are more boys than girls at the breakdance school.

“There ARE girls but the ratio of male students is higher. The boys take up the dance for many reasons. Some want to show off their new moves when they go clubbing and some just want to impress their girlfriends. I took up breakdancing because I really like to dance,” says Chong Min who started breakdancing with Raymond four years ago.

Breakdance, which originated in New York in the 70s, is not a new fad. It was the rage in Malaysia in the late 80s when hip-hop movies like Beat Street and Wild Style came to the local cinemas.

Teenagers embraced this new and exciting dance the same way their parents took to the a-go-go and cha-cha. However, the extreme physical requirements did not find favour with the elders. Breakdancing was banned in school and the whole movement had to go “underground”. The popularity of the dance resurfaced five years ago, helped by MTV and hip-hop artistes like Usher, Missy Elliott and Too Phat.

“Hip-hop is a cultural movement that began among urban African-American youth in New York. It includes graffiti art, deejaying, MC-ing (short for ‘moving the crowd’, a job for the master of ceremonies) and breakdancing,” explains Chong Min

“Contrary to what people think, the term ‘breakdancing’ does not have anything to do with breaking bones. It refers to the beats of hip-hop music which is known as ‘break beat’.

“To be a good breakdancer, you not only have to be able to do the movements but move to the rhythm of the music as well.”

Well, moving to the rhythm was what drove Joel to set up Urban Groove.

“I love the elements of hip-hop. And breakdancing is certainly a more exciting way to keep fit than just pumping iron. I view it as an art. I feel a sense of responsibility to expand the dance and instill the positive values associated with it,” Joel says.

Don’t try this at home, Joel Tan is well-trained.
He admits that his career path was a cause of some concern to his parents.

“They were worried because they felt that breakdance was dangerous. They didn’t say ‘no’ but they reminded me that a career in dance or sport was not something I could continue doing once I was old.

“They also doubted whether I could earn money from this. But they also had confidence that I could do it if I set my mind to it.”

Today, Joel has six breakdance instructors and also provides hip-hop instructors to 10 dance schools in Kuala Lumpur.

Those who want to pursue hip-hop dance seriously can sit for exams and obtain accreditation from the UKA. In addition, Joel also organises breakdance competitions and graffiti contests every six months.

“When an aerobic dance school asked us to teach in Seremban, we didn’t expect that the response would be so good. So I decided to set up a branch there,” says Joel.

“I don’t see myself as the next Clark Hatch of breakdance! It’s not about doing business. I’ve had a lot of offers to open branches. But I need to find people with the right attitude who will preserve the art. I believe that if we have integrity, business will grow.”

Joel also stresses that as a breakdance instructor, one must want the student to learn. He wants every instructor to have that attitude.

“That’s why I am very particular about who I choose (to be an instructor).’’

As to whether Urban Groove will be in for the long run, only time will tell, says Joel.

The best advice he received came from his church pastor: “Whatever you do, make sure you do it with integrity and for the right purpose – regardless of what other people think.” That’s certainly what he has done. W

Call 012-389 6588 to find out how you can learn the moves, or pop into Urban Groove Dance Network, 47-4, Jalan PJS 11/28B, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya. It is open from 3pm-midnight.
Did you know? The UKA was founded in 1902 by a group of 21 dance masters in Manchester, Britain. They help, encourage, and support dance teachers all over the world by providing professional examinations.

Terms

Six-step: crouch and swing one leg around in a circle. Only one hand touches the ground at any time. As his leg swings, the breakdancer switches hands while keeping his body from touching the ground.

Freeze: the breakdancer stops and freezes his body (for a few seconds) in an awkward position – doing a handstand with his legs crossed in front, for example.

Turtle: the breakdancer lies down facing the floor with only his palms touching the ground. He then moves around in a circle using only his hands, shifting the weight of his body from one arm to the other as he turns.

__________________________________________

Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

puddinman · 07-05-2005, 03:36 PM

yea me too

Vice President · **Re: A school for breakdancing -** 07-05-2005, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by Bboy.org
“Contrary to what people think, the term ‘breakdancing’ does not have anything to do with breaking bones.

people really think that?? man..

Da1NdOnLe · 07-05-2005, 05:40 PM

hahaah, i agree with vice, thats kinda.. weird..

LeftFoot · 10-14-2005, 09:39 AM

damnit, cant he make a branch in europe or usa or something? like in iceland, that'd be perfect

Tryin2Learn · **HMM... -** 10-19-2005, 04:54 PM

Psshhh I wish i could attend. I wouldn't mind. SHoot america needs to get with the times. We have a school of Hip-Hop and every other thing is the same. Shoot we need more schools that promote more of the Other... Arts such as Bboying. I don't know i'm down.

Holla,
T2L

ManHy xD · 07:20 PM

Its amazing how many times the word "Breakdance" is used.

He also cautions first-timers who think they can learn by just watching videos.

“It’s dangerous because there is no qualified instructor to watch over you. You can get injured this way,” says Raymond.

Hahahahhahahahaha.

Sleep · 11-21-2005, 07:11 PM

"The popularity of the dance resurfaced five years ago, helped by MTV and hip-hop artistes like Usher, Missy Elliott and Too Phat."

WHAT THE FUCK?

Man these are some wackass articles. You can tell by the quotes that most of these people don't really know what the hell they're talking about. Whats with this crap about you shouldn't try practicing without an instructor? What about when bboying was first invented? There was never classes, it was just kids makin moves or learning some just by watching then practicing them.

Safetyflip · 11-22-2005, 10:58 AM

“Hip-hop is a cultural movement that began among urban African-American youth in New York. It includes graffiti art, deejaying, MC-ing (short for ‘moving the crowd’, a job for the master of ceremonies) and breakdancing,” explains Chong Min

WTF?! I thought MC means Master of Ceremony...

BbOyJeOpArDy · 11-24-2005, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Vice President

people really think that?? man..

yeah this girl in my chinese class wuz like "it's only called breakdance cuz they break their bones..." etc. and all that other bs

i dont like this article. it is hella... "mainstream." they're all emphasizing how to be a good BREAKDANCER they have to be physically fit and move to the rhythm.

Sleep · 11-27-2005, 08:31 PM

^^^

Find that girl and administer a backhand

BbOyJeOpArDy · 11-29-2005, 01:26 AM

sorry, i dont play tennis
what do you mean backhand?
sounds like a slap

CrazyLoony · **Badminton anyone? -** 11-29-2005, 01:34 AM

Hi.. yall sound protective of the roots of breakdancing & hip hop culture... that's good......

Although I do agree that u need fit physical and dance to the rhythm.
And wht wrong if it goes mainstream anyway? Dont we want breakdancing to b well known in msia?

Tryin2Learn · 11-29-2005, 01:21 PM

Back Hand the shit outta that Girl! THank you and have a nice day. *Be sure to tell her that*

Vice President · 12-01-2005, 03:08 AM

hip hop should always stay underground. because, let's face, most people are complete dumbasses. they'll get into bboying without ever having a passion for it and turn out wack. and the last thing you want is a shitload of wack poser bboys. bboying isn't for everyone...it's for people who love it.

anyways, it IS well-known. it's all over the world.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:


Bboy.org President Elect Respect: 101.5 Posts: 1,000,642 Join Date: Apr 1984	A school for breakdancing - 07-05-2005, 03:03 PM By Grace Chen Breakdancing used to be banned in schools. Now, you can go to school for it. Head on down to Urban Groove, the hip-hop academy for all breakdancers who want to go pro. StarWeekend talks to Joel Tan (left), the principal and founder of what may be the next fitness craze. Once banned in schools during the 80s, breakdancing is back – this time as an extreme sport where only the fittest will prevail. At Urban Groove, you can learn how to breakdance and get a certificate for it. Joel Tan, the principal, set up the hip-hop academy last September and now has 250 students at branches in Bandar Sunway and Seremban. The 26-year-old biochemistry graduate claims to be the first hip-hop teacher in Malaysia to be certified by the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Kindred Arts (UKA). Joel has been breakdancing since he was a teenager, and he has the physique to show for it. What else can you expect from a guy who does handstands and one-hand balancing tricks for a living? “I only started teaching breakdance two years ago. Before that, I taught friends informally. My career path was not that clear then,” laughs the former model. Nevertheless, Joel, who got his accreditation from the UKA last September, regards himself as a strict teacher. He insists that his students go through the proper training before attempting moves like the Headspin. Joel, who is the Extreme Fitness Champion of 2002, also advocates clean living and physical fitness. “We consider ourselves professional athletes. I may be a dancer but I do not believe in going to clubs because that’s a waste of time and money. We want to be a a positive example. We want to impress on people that breakdancing is a healthy activity. “In breakdance, the poses and spins require fitness and strength,” says Joel, who insists his students do weight training to improve their upper body strength. There is a mini gym in his studio for that purpose. Joel reveals that he had to come up with a proper syllabus to cover every aspect of the hip-hop dance style. “People feel that hip-hop cannot be structured. But I saw the need for a system of teaching,” explains Joel. In his classes, he demonstrates dance routines and different technical styles. “Students have to go through three levels – bronze, silver and gold. They have to sit for examinations before advancing to the next level.” Beginners have to concentrate on basic body movement, rhythm and foot moves before advancing to the highly technical styles. Though the beginner will find his first session at the Urban Groove studio a sweaty and exhausting affair, there is no mistaking the high energy level here. With graffiti-covered walls and hip-hop music blasting from the speakers, the dance floor is filled with action as students show off moves like the Turtle, Six-step and The Freeze. “We have about 250 students and the place is full every night. Classes start from RM70 for four lessons and we encourage students to come in everyday to perfect their moves,’’ says Joel. Student Raymond Tan, 20, who is now chief instructor at the academy’s Seremban branch, recalls the time when he could not even do a simple handstand. “When I first started two years ago, it was very hard. Joel would push me to perfect the moves until I got them right. I stuck to it because I loved the challenge. Going to the studio was also a good way to meet other people who shared the same interest,’’ says Raymond. Raymond feels he has become physically tougher after taking up breakdancing and trains up to five hours a day to maintain his form. It has also made him more conscious of his food intake. He takes carbohydrates before a dance session and limits himself to only fruit juice afterwards. He also cautions first-timers who think they can learn by just watching videos. “It’s dangerous because there is no qualified instructor to watch over you. You can get injured this way,” says Raymond. Tan Chong Min, 23, another student, who has also become chief instructor for the Bandar Sunway branch says that in breakdancing, there is no gain without pain. “I’ve not had any broken bones but I have sprained my foot and my hand. It’s not easy especially when you are advancing from one level to the next,” he says. It is no surprise that there are more boys than girls at the breakdance school. “There ARE girls but the ratio of male students is higher. The boys take up the dance for many reasons. Some want to show off their new moves when they go clubbing and some just want to impress their girlfriends. I took up breakdancing because I really like to dance,” says Chong Min who started breakdancing with Raymond four years ago. Breakdance, which originated in New York in the 70s, is not a new fad. It was the rage in Malaysia in the late 80s when hip-hop movies like Beat Street and Wild Style came to the local cinemas. Teenagers embraced this new and exciting dance the same way their parents took to the a-go-go and cha-cha. However, the extreme physical requirements did not find favour with the elders. Breakdancing was banned in school and the whole movement had to go “underground”. The popularity of the dance resurfaced five years ago, helped by MTV and hip-hop artistes like Usher, Missy Elliott and Too Phat. “Hip-hop is a cultural movement that began among urban African-American youth in New York. It includes graffiti art, deejaying, MC-ing (short for ‘moving the crowd’, a job for the master of ceremonies) and breakdancing,” explains Chong Min “Contrary to what people think, the term ‘breakdancing’ does not have anything to do with breaking bones. It refers to the beats of hip-hop music which is known as ‘break beat’. “To be a good breakdancer, you not only have to be able to do the movements but move to the rhythm of the music as well.” Well, moving to the rhythm was what drove Joel to set up Urban Groove. “I love the elements of hip-hop. And breakdancing is certainly a more exciting way to keep fit than just pumping iron. I view it as an art. I feel a sense of responsibility to expand the dance and instill the positive values associated with it,” Joel says. Don’t try this at home, Joel Tan is well-trained. He admits that his career path was a cause of some concern to his parents. “They were worried because they felt that breakdance was dangerous. They didn’t say ‘no’ but they reminded me that a career in dance or sport was not something I could continue doing once I was old. “They also doubted whether I could earn money from this. But they also had confidence that I could do it if I set my mind to it.” Today, Joel has six breakdance instructors and also provides hip-hop instructors to 10 dance schools in Kuala Lumpur. Those who want to pursue hip-hop dance seriously can sit for exams and obtain accreditation from the UKA. In addition, Joel also organises breakdance competitions and graffiti contests every six months. “When an aerobic dance school asked us to teach in Seremban, we didn’t expect that the response would be so good. So I decided to set up a branch there,” says Joel. “I don’t see myself as the next Clark Hatch of breakdance! It’s not about doing business. I’ve had a lot of offers to open branches. But I need to find people with the right attitude who will preserve the art. I believe that if we have integrity, business will grow.” Joel also stresses that as a breakdance instructor, one must want the student to learn. He wants every instructor to have that attitude. “That’s why I am very particular about who I choose (to be an instructor).’’ As to whether Urban Groove will be in for the long run, only time will tell, says Joel. The best advice he received came from his church pastor: “Whatever you do, make sure you do it with integrity and for the right purpose – regardless of what other people think.” That’s certainly what he has done. W Call 012-389 6588 to find out how you can learn the moves, or pop into Urban Groove Dance Network, 47-4, Jalan PJS 11/28B, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya. It is open from 3pm-midnight. Did you know? The UKA was founded in 1902 by a group of 21 dance masters in Manchester, Britain. They help, encourage, and support dance teachers all over the world by providing professional examinations. Terms Six-step: crouch and swing one leg around in a circle. Only one hand touches the ground at any time. As his leg swings, the breakdancer switches hands while keeping his body from touching the ground. Freeze: the breakdancer stops and freezes his body (for a few seconds) in an awkward position – doing a handstand with his legs crossed in front, for example. Turtle: the breakdancer lies down facing the floor with only his palms touching the ground. He then moves around in a circle using only his hands, shifting the weight of his body from one arm to the other as he turns. __________________________________________ Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)


puddinman Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Buffalo	07-05-2005, 03:36 PM yea me too
	Rock the House- The Gorillaz ready and willing to learn from the best


Da1NdOnLe Full Member Respect: 1 Posts: 597 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Gardena	07-05-2005, 05:40 PM hahaah, i agree with vice, thats kinda.. weird..
	Invisible Minds


LeftFoot Member Respect: 1 Posts: 545 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Reykjavik	10-14-2005, 09:39 AM damnit, cant he make a branch in europe or usa or something? like in iceland, that'd be perfect


Tryin2Learn Crazy and Senseless Respect: 1 Posts: 236 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ManyPlaces	HMM... - 10-19-2005, 04:54 PM Psshhh I wish i could attend. I wouldn't mind. SHoot america needs to get with the times. We have a school of Hip-Hop and every other thing is the same. Shoot we need more schools that promote more of the Other... Arts such as Bboying. I don't know i'm down. Holla, T2L
	As I move to the bass, Without a master to guide my feet, Nothing but Rhythm in my heart, And that alone will Teach, So with the soul of music alone in my spirit... I'll keep on Learnin, Because I can feel where you can only hear it! T2L - Tryin 2 Learn (aka) BboyRhythm/FlipboySun


Sleep taking a nap. Respect: 1 Posts: 636 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pleasant hill	11-21-2005, 07:11 PM "The popularity of the dance resurfaced five years ago, helped by MTV and hip-hop artistes like Usher, Missy Elliott and Too Phat." WHAT THE FUCK? Man these are some wackass articles. You can tell by the quotes that most of these people don't really know what the hell they're talking about. Whats with this crap about you shouldn't try practicing without an instructor? What about when bboying was first invented? There was never classes, it was just kids makin moves or learning some just by watching then practicing them.
	"they call me bboy pants. because everytime i battle, i wear my pants" Help find IBE2k5 songs! http://www.bboy.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76451


Sleep taking a nap. Respect: 1 Posts: 636 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pleasant hill	11-27-2005, 08:31 PM ^^^ Find that girl and administer a backhand
	"they call me bboy pants. because everytime i battle, i wear my pants" Help find IBE2k5 songs! http://www.bboy.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76451


BbOyJeOpArDy M0DERHATER Respect: 13 Posts: 3,912 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area	11-29-2005, 01:26 AM sorry, i dont play tennis what do you mean backhand? sounds like a slap


CrazyLoony Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 61 Join Date: Nov 2005	Badminton anyone? - 11-29-2005, 01:34 AM Hi.. yall sound protective of the roots of breakdancing & hip hop culture... that's good...... Although I do agree that u need fit physical and dance to the rhythm. And wht wrong if it goes mainstream anyway? Dont we want breakdancing to b well known in msia?


Tryin2Learn Crazy and Senseless Respect: 1 Posts: 236 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ManyPlaces	11-29-2005, 01:21 PM Back Hand the shit outta that Girl! THank you and have a nice day. Be sure to tell her that
	As I move to the bass, Without a master to guide my feet, Nothing but Rhythm in my heart, And that alone will Teach, So with the soul of music alone in my spirit... I'll keep on Learnin, Because I can feel where you can only hear it! T2L - Tryin 2 Learn (aka) BboyRhythm/FlipboySun


Vice President Best member ever. Respect: 18 Posts: 4,594 Join Date: Jul 2004	12-01-2005, 03:08 AM hip hop should always stay underground. because, let's face, most people are complete dumbasses. they'll get into bboying without ever having a passion for it and turn out wack. and the last thing you want is a shitload of wack poser bboys. bboying isn't for everyone...it's for people who love it. anyways, it IS well-known. it's all over the world.