Full Circle News: September 2004

Peace to da Hip-Hop world,

This summer was such a busy one... first we performed for the Djoniba's fund raiser in June and it felt incredible to get down to the drums for the finale. We had the pleasure to have Lethal J, Mellisoul, the Wonder Twins and Nina-Colibri from Austria join us in our showcase. Then it was straight to rehearsals for the Hip-Hop Theater Festival Kennedy Center show in July. Kwikstep and Rokafella took a week to work at 2050 New World Theater's summer arts social awareness camp at UMASS. Kwik got the students going with text and dance and Rokafella's group provoked tears as they danced to Goapele's "Salvation". July 11th was another fun road trip back to D.C. to get set for the two days of performance. In the early "crack-of-dawning" morning we had a few spots on the morning show on TV in D.C. Props to Kamilah Forbes & Clyde Valentin who have produced the festival and are getting their just due. We shared the night with "Olive" -Philladelphia dance theater company--bit Shout!-- It was crowded with standing room and we were so excited to feel continued love from the D.C. audiences. here is the link if you want to check it when you are done with reading this.

July 12th, 2004
DC Hip Hop Theater Festival: Full Circle Dance Company performs their unique hip hop dance style. DC Hip Hop Theater Festival


July 13th, 2004
DC Hip Hop Theater Festival: Full Circle Dance Company engages audiences in an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at their repertoire and style. DC Hip Hop Theater Festival

There was a lec/demo segment with Q & A on the second night. The feedback and comments were engaging enough for us to know we need to get out there more on a conversational tip. Kwikstep and Rokafella set out to do just that at the Illadelph Legends workshop series at the end of July. The panel discussion was eye opening and full of emotion. There was a feeling of hope when someone asked "well do you think the kids are gonna care about Hip-Hop history?.. and we agreed that "we have to care about it..they will follow us". and that was just ONE moment that stands out..there were so many! The classes were great and so was the after parties. In fact Kwik and Rok got into a 5 vs 2 battle at one of the parties..just to let heads know just cuz we do stage don't mean we can't bring it.. The sessions at Djoniba's were great during the summer even catchin a little concrete wreck here and there.. and we headed to the BBoy summit.. It was our first time out there and as luck would have it this would be the last one. The shows were great and the panels were intense but the saturday in the funk room had to be the hottest and of course how could we not mention the battle Kwik and Rok got into with the a team of many changing faces. yet again the proof is in the get down, over and over again and again. BIG shout to GI Joe and Ken Fury and K meL who had no shame in gettin down like Souljahs -take no prisoners make no friends.... oh and we can't forget Raf who slapped his money on the table too.! Rotterdam was the next stop for Kwik and Rok and the Netherlands is not playing.. they got a Hip-Hop house and a crew that performed at the Athens Olympics..so they know what is up! They also showed us love even to almost brekain night every night..ha. The exchange was incredible emotional and inspiring. Big shout to PAolo, Hakam, Benny, Aroona, Maikel, Lloyd, Stay Fun, B girl Justice, and of course the bad boy--bboy Noah. Big shout to ACT--Arjen and Anne too. oh and to the accupuncturist who brought Rok's lower back pain and Kwik's injuries to an end. The Djoniba's session is no longer being offered due to the traveling Kwik and Rok will be doin this Fall/Winter but there will be other sessions. Rokafella performed at the "Vagina's Vote" at the Apollo, then at El Puente in BKLYN and is featured in a B girl photo spread in the October issue of Dance Spirit magazine. We thank you for all your support and prayers. Please remember to vote! We are looking forward see you at our fund raiser in Spring. Stay tuned.