April Rocking

Rokafella was invited to Puerto Rico for the Annual 'EXPRESS YOUR SKILLS' event presented by Time Machine Squad in Canovanas. But this foto was taken at RESPUESTAS a regular dance party with DJ's Velcro, Carlos, Adam kicked it hard! Time Machine Squad hosts it and raises funds for trophies awards and entertainment. The winners this year were b boy Caotic, East coast of the island crew 'Este', b girl Lunatik and Popper Maclain. Big Shout to DJ Amaze cuzs she played the break beats during the competition! Rokafella also gave a workshop in Ponce to young dancers soon as she landed. Thank you to Alex-Rex Jay..TMS por vida!




Kwikstep was interviewed on the Kiner hour by Ashani Mfuko about his earliest recollections of his entry point into Hip-hop dance.. as a career and how it evolved into theater, DJ'ing, graphic design and judging/hosting dance events. For the video of the interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtyHa_oUh7M
Ashani interviews many dance masters and icons so people can get in depth with dancers who usually only speak through the movement of their bodies. She is also a dancer/dance teacher and hosts this internet radio show every Tuesday.















Rokafella was reunited with Lady Champ for the 8th annual Breaking The Law Midwest dance styles competition this year. They made up the female representation of the judging panel and dance up a storm on the sidelines when there were breaks. Big Shout to Motion Disorders crew who won this years crew battle. This year there was a house dance challenge that brought to light the Footworking and Jitting styles. Man of God and Katrina organize and fund raise for this event year round in Madison, Wisconsin so if you are in the area around Easter please get at them..

















The April BEHIND THE GROOVE party doubled as a birthday party for Spexx who is a longstanding member of Full Circle dance company, a versatile dancer well known around the world and a fine artist. He also has an extensive knowledge of NYC dance history and the aesthetic of Hip-hop dance /Popping Boogaloo. We had to make sure everyone sang along and gave him his 21 birthday punches.




But on a serious note, Kwikstep and Rokafella understand how difficult it is to remain a dancer. It is hard to stay passionate about dance and cope with
the changing atmosphere of NYC dance scene that constantly doubts you. It is hard to accept the challenge of stayin loyal to a dance organization since Hip-hop applauds you as a soloist and is so skeptic of the ensemble work.. or better said the hierarchy within a dance company..(non profit or for profit). Spexx has navigated the stormy weather and survived with a creative and strong spirit so let's celebrate a dance life.. a la Hip-hop!




Many Full Circle dancers attended such as Violeta(KR3T's), Siamy, Mighty Mike, Tweetie, Atomic, Rival and Future! The music was crazy especially with Kwikstep (bongo's), Keith Wild Child (djembe), Ron Renaissance (on the trombone) and DJ Enuff on deck!





Kwikstep performed his "WE bad-we the same-Salsoul" monologue for the Brooklyn "Fireproof" artist marathon presented by Pepatian's Jane Gabriels. Many artists shared their photos, eclectic performances, and dance. The monologue Kwikstep performed is an excerpt from a dance theater duet entitled "Innaviews" that delves into the life of Kwik and Rok as they developed into Hip-hop artists and founders of Full Circle. Rokafella sang Somos Boricua and recited a rhyme-- The Circle.


Jane Gabriels referred a journalist from Belgium to interview Kwik and Rok about Hip-hop culture. To read the article click this link
http://janegabriels.com/rekto_verso.pdf

Kwikstep and Rokafella were also profiled in a TV show that airs in Norway
hosted by two life long friends who look for very diverse artists around the world living out their passions. Ari and Per spent a few days wtih Kwik and Rok who showed them around town and into their lives.. even to an FC rehearsal and the Behind The Groove club party. Worldwide there seems to be a respect and interest in Hip-hop as a vehicle of freedom..and Kwik and Rok know this aspect of it very well regardless of the ups and downs.
Check it out.. http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/klipp/727681/





Full Circle was fully prepared to perform for the Tenth annual NJPAC Alternate Routes Festival in Newark on April 9th.. after the screening of "All The Ladies Say"
in the afternoon. Ladies First Fund offered the documentary team at Full Circle post production support since last year. A pre screening panel discussion expalined how each of the grantees have capitalized on funds as well as the network to complete or come close to completing projects proposed. Big shout to Vanessa Nisperos, DJ Kuttin Kandi, MC Purple Haze and Martha Diaz.. and of course to Baraka Sele Kitab Rollins and the whole NJPAC posse who made it all come together-- a dream come true!!


The concert was another milestone for Full Circle since it had never boasted a full- on woman's squad as a dance accompaniment to Kwikstep and Rokafella's band. Lincoln Center Out of Doors '09 was the first time the two entities joined forces on stage but it didn't have women other than Rok and the other vocalists. The Kadets were on hand for the Just Begun finale plus Bboy Acute from Weehawken NJ. Bgirl Jaws from Boston has recently been given a new name-- Bgirl Brava!! We hope it resonates and opens up a great chapter of her b girl life!!

Look out for our next shows on May 7th to help raise funds for Djoniba Dance Center at Peridance, then on the 28th at Jackie Robinson Bandshell in Harlem at 1pm. We will be screening All The Ladies Say www.alltheladiessay.com during the East Harlem International Film Festival on June 3rd at the Museum of the City of New York. Check the film site for more details as they become available. June 4th the dance company and the band will once again join forces for the Red Hook Outdoor Festival at 1pm.
If you are in a position to volunteer your administrative, media, or managerial services .. or can make donation to this organization, please reach us at fullcirclesoul@hotmail.com
Thank you to all who have already offered your support.. we feel the love and we hope you can see the growth!

Thank you for all your great vibes and stay tuned for more of your Hip-hop movement!

peace.