Teacher Spotlight: Bboy Metal!

Check out an interview with MoveMakers Breakdancing Teacher- Metal!

How many years have you been dancing?
20 years! 

What is one achievement in dance that you are proud of, or one experience that had a major impact on you?
I started as a competitive B-Boy, so for me, nothing beats the feeling of a good battle. Me and my crew have competed a lot over the years, but my favorite battles will always be the underground, outdoor, concrete battles with no judges and no big crowds. I have been lucky to travel and perform on huge stages, and have had a good amount of success growing my own company Hip Hop Fundamentals. But as a dancer, I am proud to have held it down in the dark ciphers where Hip Hop really lives.

What is your philosophy in breaking?
Hip Hop truly makes space for everyone. Even though Hip Hop has its own social and cultural problems, it’s an unstoppable and continually evolving force, an energy which anyone can tap into. There is no permission required. Anyone can put in the work and flourish.

What are your goals for your students?
I would love for my students to achieve 2 things:
- A respect for Hip Hop and the minority communities which created it.
- A voice, a medium, a mode of expression where they can be free.

What can a child learn from a dance education that will impact the rest of their lives?Dancing combines athletic ability, coordination, and timing with aesthetics and emotion. It’s a physical practice which directly taps into the soul. For some students, dance will become their main way to show the world who they are and for others, it will be a private meditative skillset. But for all students who approach dance with curiosity and passion, they will learn confidence, discipline, and work ethic.

What is a interesting  non-dance related fact that you can share about yourself?
I love cooking and drawing. If I’m not dancing, I’m probably thinking about food.

~Thank you Metal, for the technique, history, wisdom, creativity and passion you bring to your teaching at MoveMakers! We are lucky to have you!~