Artists
Watch for our lineup for the upcoming January 10th, 2009 For the Luv of It Pro! Show
Drea and Bren will be performing a song called "There Was a Time Before". Drea wrote the song and melody, while Brendan composed the beautiful music on the piano. Lisa Metz, also a very talented dancer and artist, will be performing and will be the live canvas for Drea and Bren's artistic expression. The song is about how you think you know at first, but through pain and struggles you reach a greater understanding that when you let go of old concepts and beliefs, that is when you get to be free. The song is very powerful and very truthful. We all have to take this message to heart because we are divine beings of love and light on a journey of truth and self discovery.
N.O.N. Crew (Now Or Never Crew)
Now or Never prides themselves as the best bboy crew in Canada. They are a breakdance crew of 10 members and have been together for 10 years with a few members joining within the last 3 years.In July 2008, Now or Never placed 2nd at "The World Battle" in Las Vegas. From there, Now or Never were awarded 1st place in Canada's national bboy competition held in Toronto, which led them to represent Canada in October 2008 at "The Battle of the Year 2008" in Germany, the biggest breakdance competition in the world.Now or Never looks forward to future battles to defend their title as Canada's #1 bboy crew!
The SOULdier's company was created to share founder/artistic director Kim Sato's passion for hip hop culture with other dancers. She noticed that there were a lot of dancers that were very talented in learning choreography but had little or no understanding of the actual hip hop culture. She wanted to provide an environment that would inspire students to study and understand its history and further research the movement that influenced hip hop and video dance as seen today. A main goal of the company is to hone the skills of young dancers so that they have an easy transition into the professional industry. They receive training in many different styles of hip hop and video dance as well as foundational funk styles and get exposure to the other elements such as graffiti, mcing and djing. Many different guest teachers locally and from the US are brought in to work with the dancers and resident teachers work with them on foundational techniques. Another goal of the company is to outreach to the community and share the positive attributes that hip hop culture can provide to it unlike how it is negatively portrayed in the media. They share their love of hip hop culture through performing at various events around town. Kim hopes to travel with the company and learn about how the culture influences people in different places around the world. The company stands for the Zulu Nations rules of "Peace, Love, Unity and Respect
From the treasure trove which that is Vancouver's world music community, comes another gem. Actually, two precious stones, which resonate harmonically when placed together.Call it physics or just simple mutual attraction, whatever force brought Pancho & Sal together created a compelling and gentle sound.
Bravo Dance Company was formed in early 2005 by W.S.F. World Salsa Champion, Alfonso Caldera. Combining talent from various fields of dance, Bravo dance team consists of a mixture of professional dancers.From genres of Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary Geneen Georgiev,Louise Hradsky, Megan Green, Christina Rubini, Afro Cuban Rhythms, ~Yadira Monzon, Ballroom~ Hugo Lopez and L.A style Salsa~Edwin Perez &Alfonso Caldera Director/Choreographer. Inspired by the intensity of the L.A. salsa scene Alfonso pooled these talented individuals together, creating a dance company that captures an energy that explodes. The Bravo style can be described as fierce, fast, and aggressive; with attitude, held together by professionalism and showmanship. Having participated in competitions throughout the world,Alfonso has an understanding of what it takes to create a first class performance team. With passion and flare Bravo Dance team is constantly striving to raise the bar. Alfonso has brought crisp clean instructional classes and techniques of Bravo Style Salsa to Vancouver, his presence & drive has brought International recognition,
inspiration, and culture to this great city.
To book Bravo Dance Company for a shows or classes please visit
www.BravoDanceCompany.com
rapper/producer
Since the age of 9, when he heard Special Ed's "I Got It Made", Jeff Spec knew that hip hop music was his calling. "It was so inspiring" says Jeff; "he wasn't that much older than I was, and he was doing his thing - and people were listening to him". Now, well over a decade later, his name is recognizable amongst the underground and club hip hop circuit. His 15 albums and countless live shows, tours, and radio appearances have brought him acclaim in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. After pushing a thousand of his 1999 release "Fort Knock", and two thousand of "The Regular" (2001) independently, he secured his first record deal with an indie label called Day By Day, a New York based imprint which was then home to MF Doom, MF Grimm, Count Bass D, and a host of other artists. The result was his well-received album "Dark City" (2002), which found its way through Revolver, Sonic Unyon, and Sandbox distribution to many corners of the globe. Right around the same time, URB Magazine featured Jeff's crew, the City Planners, in its Next 100 issue. This was when Jeff realized his potential to reach a much broader audience. In 2003, he received his first nod from a major label, when he won Universal Urban's contest to remake Scarface's "My Block" single. The result was a chance to release his self-produced single "Never Can Say Goodbye" through Universal on a DJ-only 12" called "Somethin 2 Nod Your Head 2". The single was welcomed warmly by DJ's and listeners alike, and enjoyed a good deal of college and commercial radio play. "It was real exciting, I spoke to Click (A&R) from Universal, and he told me that my song was going on the record" Spec recalls. His 2006 album "Rhythm and Blues" helped to define the heavily soul-influenced sound that Jeff has become notorious for today; the album was placed on Chart Attack's hip hop charts for May 2006, and Earshot's hip hop charts for April and May 2006, both in the top 10. The response from DJ's was overwhelmingly positive, and fans readily identified with Jeff's extremely open, personal approach. His 2008 release, "…a little night music" (Camobear/independent), on its way to radio right now, is poised to build his buzz even more. The LP will be accompanied by a free, internet-only EP, entitled "The Free Press", which will be posted on hundreds of websites, with the goal of reaching 100,000 downloads. Also, Jeff will embark on a college tour in September '08, keeping with his tradition of regularly being on the road and following up the tour he has just completed with west coast legend Aceyalone. Beyond being a visible figure in music, Jeff Spec is a notable radio voice on Vancouver's 94.5 The Beat, handling all ads for popular urban clothing store Dipt. He has also held down residencies as a host at various club nights, including The Crystal Room in Toronto, and The Red Jacket in Victoria. And, he is well known for his live show, having shared stages with Xzibit, Ice T, MOP, The Beatnuts (tour, 2004), Aceyalone (tour, 2008), Digital Underground, Kardinall Offishall, Swollen Members, Abstract Rude, Jeru The Damaja, Rahzel the Godfather of Noise, Kool Keith, Mixmaster Mike, The Alkaholiks, Diamond D, The Pharcyde, Living Legends, Mystic Journeymen, Souls of Mischief, Non Phixion, Saukrates, Maestro Fresh Wes, Saafir, The Luniz, DJ Vadim, Buck Fifty, LMNO, Mr. Brady, Funkdoobiest (tour, 2004), and many more. In addition, Spec has become a sought after guest vocalist and producer, being slated to be featured on more than 20 other artists' releases before the end of the year, and having gained the opportunity to do a beat for a song featuring Kool G Rap. "That's one of my idols" exclaims Jeff - "without G Rap, hip hop would look so different today!"
www.myspace.com/jeffspec
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Spec/9840963882
for bookings contact: cityplans@gmail.com
singer/songwriter/producer
It wasn't until the age of 15 when NaRai (who was born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted at 9 months by Canadian parents), learned that her name was a Korean expression meaning "to sing". By this time, she had long since been writing, recording, dancing and performing her own music. Her R&B group was already busy making a name around Vancouver for being hard-working, and was drawing attention from some major contributors on the production and choreography side. And they would subsequently garner serious interest from certain industry heavy hitters.
"Being in a group taught me a lot" says NaRai. Still, she was not being creatively fulfilled, and soon decided to branch out on her own. Part of defining her own sound was jumping head-first into production and composition. Her classical training in piano, combined with her natural affinity for music and a stint at Columbia Academy (for recording and engineering), made this a natural progression; so she began building her own songs from the ground up, very carefully creating the unique sound she has developed today. This sound can not be placed in a one-dimensional box; it contains Soul, Hip Hop, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and anything else worth mentioning, thanks to her clear vision and the help of some talented local beatmakers.
Her debut album, "Color On Your Canvas" is due out in the new year, and promises to be a leap back into the sincerity and emotional simplicity of Motown's golden era (its heaviest of many influences), yet a giant step forward into uncharted musical territory. She will tackle subject matter that other artists wouldn't get close to, but her incomparable vocal range and head-nodding tracks make it seem accessible for the most conservative listener. Most importantly, the album will speak for itself.
Despite the amount of effort and dedication it has taken her to get to where she is now, NaRai knows she has only seen the tip of the iceberg - she faces her bright future with confidence and optimism, knowing that only more hard work will get her to where she belongs. That… and a whole lot of soul.
www.myspace.com/naraimusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NaRai/9381233323
for booking contact: cityplans@gmail.com
Steel-City raised, Vancouver-based vocalist geneva.b doesn’t know how to classify her music - she just wants you to listen. Self-styled soul intonations laced with futuristic funk and steeped in remnants of the oldschool, geneva.b’s sonic offerings are otherworldly and organic, and certainly not easily categorized. She sees music as a powerful catalyst for consciousness and change. geneva.b has performed in Vancouver, Toronto, Portland, L.A., and various places in between, making tracks with some notable names in hip hop such as 2Mex and Riddlore (Project Blowed). geneva.b is currently working on her highly anticipated first solo release, sure to display her original style and sentient sound.
CONTACT INFO:
geneva.bokowski@gmail.com
FlowEthics is excited to be a part of this year's For the Luv of It at the Granville Island Stage. FlowEthics has been together for over four years, and has grown into a crew of multitalented artists. Comprised of both self taught and studio trained dancers, the crew comes together with the need to learn, create and perform. FE has created a piece entitled SUPERWOMAN, dedicated to the everyday woman who's efforts are positively influential in our lives. This piece will debut at For the Luv of It on January 10.
site: flowethics.com
email: info@flowethics.com
Some vocal highlights of 2007/2008 are: Cameo Starquest (Winner), For The Luv of It Youth and Pro, The Beat 94.5 Music Awards (Top 10 2007 & 2008), the ACT’s 5th birthday celebration gala (hosted by Brent Butt from Corner Gas), the B.C 150th Celebration, along with many others. Natasha was also the Resident Anthem singer for the Ridge Meadows Flames, last season and is their current “anthem girl” for the 08/09 season. She also sang numerous times for the Vancouver Giants and Chilliwack Bruins!Natasha has had an extremely exciting and busy summer, some highlights include, performing at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival for the second year, BVJ in Alberta, Maple Ridge Country Fest, Maple Ridge Chamber Fest (opening for CHILLIWACK and The Headpins) and a finalist in The Red Robinson Talent Showdown 2008!
and successful career in dance. All faculty members in the program are affiliated with working companies in Vancouver.
At the end of the year they will be assessing and auditioning DDC Scholarship Students to apprentice, join, or work closely with their specific company. Additionally, there will be
opportunities throughout the year for scholarship students to work and volunteer with some of these professionals outside of the scholarship program
This time around she has asked a couple of well know dance artists ( Jhaymee Hizon and Shallom Johnson) to join her on stage to visually represent a timeless piece about divine love and connection. "The Truth Underneath" was written to express her hearts desires and is a product of all of her inspirations past and present. Simply, it is a piece about love and gratitude to all that has challenged her to feel her hearts core.
The Source Dance Company is a semi-professional dance company based out of Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver BC, Canada.
The company focuses on jazz, hip hop, tap, street jazz, lyrical and contemporary training and performances.
Members of The Source have performed both locally and abroad in various stage shows, industrials, concert events, military tours, television and commercial productions including:
-Feature films "White Chicks", "Kickin' It Old School", "Cinderella Story 2", "Centrestage 2"
-Live stage performances for the FMA Gala, Canadian Armed Forces Tour of Afghanistan & Egypt, For the Luv of It
-Various commercials both nationally and internationally
-Local charity galas & benefits and much more!
For booking, contact Joanne through www.sourcedanceco.com.
Taylor James and Lisa Metz are two young choreographers currently residing in Vancouver. Both hail from Alberta, and both moved to British Columbia to further pursue their respective careers in dance! This piece started by chance in an impromptu choreography session experimenting with movement, and within hours turned into a full piece. Taylor and Lisa, along with the company of other young talented dancers are very pleased to have the opportunity to perform this for a live audience. What began with piece of movement quickly evolved into an entire body of movement with the help and time of some like minded individuals.
Contact:
Taylor James- 778 772 3413
olafsveen@hotmail.com
Amidst the strife of World War 2, a writer struggles with the gloom and despair of his characters as he recounts their stories. A widow left to care for her two children, the desperate masses of displaced persons and the callous rich. These are the real people that haunt this writer's world and inspire his dark stories.
This piece is performed by the Elite Contemporary Program of RNB Dance and choreographed by Monica Proenca. Monica is a Brazilian born dancer and choreographer that has had her pieces performed and awarded in Canada, United States, Brazil, Europe, Australia and Japan. Some of Monica’s latest work will be featured in “For the Luv of It Youth” as well as “For the Luv of It Pro.” Monica is very proud to be a part of the RNB family as a teacher and choreographer.
Studio: RNB Dance ww.rnbdance.ca
Although their forte may be in hip hop and urban dance their talents and skills in other dance forms are impressively extensive. Stonefoxx’s choreography and dancing ranges from freestyle, old school, locking and popping to salsa, west coast swing, lindy hop, modern, contemporary, jazz and tap.
Their combined credits include: working with Janet Jackson choreographer/dancer Tina Landon, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson dancer Kelly Kono, and choreographer Shane Sparks from the movie “You Got Served” and television series “So You Think You Can Dance” & “America’s Best Dance Crew”. They’ve worked with artists: Ciara, Chingy, The Black Eyed Peas and Naughty By Nature; shows with: Talib Kweli, Keisha Chante, Shawn Desman and Jordan Knight; danced in: commercials for Coca Cola, televisions shows “ The L Word”, “The Romeo Show”, “MTV Select” and movies “Center Stage 2”, “Cinderella Story 2”, “Kickin It Old School”, “White Chicks”, “She’s the Man”, “The Goodbye Girl” and “Reefer Madness”.
Stonefoxx members include: Natasha Gorrie, Maiko Miyauchi, Jen Oleksiuk, Laurin Padolina, Kathryn Schellenberg and Shauna Smith. They have taught, performed and trained everywhere from Vancouver, New York, the United Kingdom, Germany, and California to Africa.
Brandon Paris Band - formed in 2002 in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. Unlike most musicians who try to mimic their musical idols, Brandon Paris Band forges their own musical path creating music embodying each member’s personal and diverse musical preferences. A seductive combination of lead singer Brandon Paris’ soulfully unique voice, Dagriff’s raw rugged reggae vocals, Brian Sanheim’s deep dubbing bass, Chris Murray Driver's driving rhythms, Bryan Jasper’s highly energetic hypnotic anthems and Marc Gladstone’s infectious keyboard riffs, Brandon Paris Band attains an innovative fusion of Pop, Rock, Reggae, Punk and Soul in a style which is strictly their own.
In 2005 Vancouver based hit record producer, Troy Samson (Moka Only, Kreesha Turner, Snoop Dogg) and Jeff Dawson (State of Shock, Kelly Rowland, Daniel Powter, Marcy Playground), reworked six of the original recordings, taking the whole project to a new level. After deciding they were finally ready to shop their debut album now titled On My Own, in January 2006, BPB signed a deal with Koch Canada literally overnight just days after sending out their album to record labels across Canada with many offers following.
Their debut albums first single, “Rewind & Start Again”, exploded on commercial radio after being released on March 13th 2006 shooting to top 20 across the country. The second and third singles, “Somebody to Hold” and “Give Me A Reason” were also well received reaching quite high on the Canadian charts. Topping off an already exceptional year, BPB was nominated for “Best New Group or Solo Artist (CHR)” by the Canadian Radio Music Awards in spring of 2007.
Brandon Paris Band’s much anticipated second album titled "Pocket Full of Holes" is scheduled to be released fall of 2008. The band members have all been working hard to follow up their breakthrough album On My Own. “We've been exploring all sorts of directions and have come up with an even more innovative sound with stronger lyrics and powerful hooks which we feel will get the attention not only from Canada again, but the USA as well. The album was engineered and mixed by Sheldon Zaharko (Salteens, Billy Talent, Smugglers, New Pornographers, Barney Bentall, Ridley Bent) at Vancouver's legendary Factory Studios, with some songs mixed by Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter,Kelly Rowland) . All the songs are mastered by (Juno-nominated) Joao Carvalho (Hedley, Alexisonfire, Protest the Hero, David Usher, Matthew Good, Holly McNarland) in Toronto. "Pocket Full of Holes" has some surprises in it that I think our fans will love. It could easily surpass expectations.
Currently, Brandon Paris Band has released their first single off their Debut album called “Say Goodbye” to radio across Canada. You can watch their YouTube video which cost them an unbelievable $4.00 to make. The Lead Singer, Brandon Paris, Filmed, Directed and Edited the Entire video in 1.5 days and has received a lot of attention in such a short time.
Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTIaE6qC5h0
Official site: www.brandonparis.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brandonparisband
Myspace: www.myspace.com/brandonparisband
Xtreme Soul Style
Xtreme Soul Style, also known as XSS is a talented group of young men. This group was originally established in early 2006 under the direction of Fresh Groove Productions. With hard work, and commitment these dancers have competed locally and internationally. XSS has represented Canada at the World Hip Hop Championships in 2007 and 2008. Traveling around the lower mainland, united states and the Philippines later this year, XSS is sharing their passion for dance and hip hop to inspire others and be inspired.
Fore more info on Xtreme Soul Style or other Fresh Groove Production teams, visit www.freshgrooveproductions.ca
Heather Laura Gray
Heather Laura Gray is an emerging urban contemporary choreographer who is eager to bring new audiences out to experience dance. Currently Heather is sponsored by ‘Vata Brasil Active Wear’ and is excited to work with this new, supportive company. www.vatabrasil.com Over the past 12 years Heather has performed in musicals, dance companies, commercials as well as film and television. She has produced plays; dance showcases co-produced a film and is a published author. Selected performance credits include Dances for a Small Stage 12, 2007; The Score (CBC Movie Musical); PIECES of Heather Laura Gray’ (Dance Theater); Gabrielle and Evangeline (Musical) PEI; Disney Cruise Lines (Musical) USA; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Musical)T.O.; The Lizzy McQuire Movie (Feature Film);The Chris Isaak Show (TV); Dead Like Me (TV); The Legends of Earthsea (Miniseries). Heather is Artistic Director of Urbanflow Productions whose goal is to build a new generation of theatre enthusiasts by presenting the highest quality of dance theater. Please visit www.urbanflowproductions.com
LOUISE HRADSKY
Lousie Hradsky was born in Calgary, Alberta. She has trained at the Alberta Ballet, The Royal Winnipeg, and The National Ballet School in Toronto where she studied for over 2 years. Miss Hradsky has since expanded her repertoire to include contemporary, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, circus, and more. In 2005 she was hired by "MOVE: the company", and has been performing in Vancouver ever since. She's a strongly emerging artist in the city, and is now coaching aerial arts at the Vancouver Circus School, and teaching at Drive Dance Centre. Louise presented her first creation in 2007, and it was received with outstanding excitement. Her work is unique and playful, as she encompasses all aspects of her training. She can recently be seen in the first season of the CWTV series, Aliens In America.
Mike McInnes
Choreographer Mike McInnes grew up in the small northern town of Terrace BC. Inspired by his sisters, he started dancing at the age of 15. With the encouragement from his teachers and many Adjudicators he moved to Vancouver at the age of 17 to continue his training. Shortly after, Mike became a student at Danzmode Productions under the direction of Rachael Porrier. Upon graduating from high school Mike was hired as a cast member on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship. After completing his contract he returned to Vancouver to broaden his training in many different styles. Recently Mikes Choreography has been getting attention, and has given him the opportunity to teach at many different studios in the lower mainland.The piece Freakshow designed as a showcase of Mikes choreography, the piece visually reflects societies media driven obsession with people going through rough times. Dance troupe members include: Mike McInnes, Eric Malapad, Taylor Millar, Sydney Estrada, Alex Mazerolle, Maiko Miyauci, Lisa Metz,Tara Jean Popowich, Lara Sebastion,
Contact Mike @ 604.788.1643 or email Untamed_elements@hotmail.com
PGV
PGV dance crew members include Ken Yung, Che Pritchard, Noel Pasion, Joel Alpuerto, Sydney Estrada, Adam McKinnon,Shauna Smith, Nikki Vandusen, Nicole Davies, Jasmin Wolfe, Taryn Day, Darylle Johnson, Lisa Metz, Stephanie Lavigne, Jodi Gould, Winnie Huang and Michelle Underwood
GBoXX
Inspired by the original motivators of the "lost art" know as the human beatbox, the man called GBoXX has found and sharpened his vocal capabilities. His album is full of sound effects, voices, and creatively diverse beats. Its is currently in the works and is expected to drop in July. Through discoveries of new sound with his mouth each day, this "vocal percussionist" has become a necessary force in Vancouver. Contact: gboxxx@hotmail.com or www.myspace.com/vancitygboxx
N.O.N. Crew (Now Or Never Crew)
Now or Never prides themselves as the best bboy crew in Canada. They are a breakdance crew of 10 members and have been together for 10 years with a few members joining within the last 3 years.In July 2008, Now or Never placed 2nd at "The World Battle" in Las Vegas. From there, Now or Never were awarded 1st place in Canada's national bboy competition held in Toronto, which led them to represent Canada in October 2008 at "The Battle of the Year 2008" in Germany, the biggest breakdance competition in the world.Now or Never looks forward to future battles to defend their title as Canada's #1 bboy crew!
(5.73MB WMV) Click here to watch a clip of the astonishing performances of NON Crew.
Joanne Pesusich
Joanne's dance career has led her all over the world as both a choreographer and a dancer. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Joanne has also trained in Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles. Joanne has performed with artists The Backstreet Boys, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, Kool and the Gang and Alanis Morissette. Joanne was seen on the NAACP Image Awards as a performer and assistant choreographer for "A Tribute to George Clinton", performing with rap artists Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, and rock band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. She has performed at Caesar's Palace with STOMP, and at The White House for the President's annual Easter Celebration. Joanne has performed with Conan O'Brien in "Live at The Roxy AIDS Benefit" in New York as well as on his late night show. Joanne was the choreographer for the feature film, "Saving Silverman" and numerous national & international commercials. Joanne was a featured dancer in "Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" and "White Chicks" with Marlon and Damon Wayans. Currently, Joanne is artistic director and owner of The Source Dance Company, a semi professional dance company based out of Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC. The company focuses on training and performance opportunities throughout the year, and offers aspiring professional dancers insight into the professional entertainment world and connections within the industry. Visit their website at www.sourcedanceco.com for more info. She is also co-founder of the popular GSP - The Dance Convention, & Street Groove - The Hip Hop Convention. For more info, please visit www.groovestreet.net
Stewart Iguidez
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Stewee relocated west and eventually found his home in OTI after six years of dancing. His moves are those of a raw talent, a born entertainer in every sense of the word! Watching his big brothers when he was just a little kid, Stewee realized his love of breaking as a form of self-expression at a very early age. His passion for breaking branched into a discovery of many forms of dance – house, locking, popping, and stylized hip-hop. There is no way you can fit his style into a box - it comes straight from the heart. Stewee’s fresh moves and innovative choreography makes him an absolute asset to OTI, and put him in high demand as both a performer and teacher. Whether it’s on the dance floor, at a house party, or at the dinner table- Stewee is THE ENTERTAINER! Dance is one of the many loves of his life…designing fashion, playing his guitar, filmmaking, spending time with friends and family…he undoubtedly lives his love…
Richard O’Sullivan
Richard O’Sullivan is a multi-talented individual who for several years has been involved in the creative arts field. He is a choreographer, dancer, teacher, actor and model. He currently teaches Hip-Hop and Street Jazz at several dance studios throughout the lower mainland including Harbour Dance Center, Dance West, Danzmode, Arts Umbrella and many others. He has also choreographed and performed for many industrial events and companies, such as Coca Cola, Quick Silver, Calvin Klein, Molson Indy Fashion Show, 1996-2000 Ski Show, Bootlegger Show, 1996 Show of Hearts Telethon, Jr. Black Achievement Awards, Dragon Boat Festival, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo. He has also helped produce, choreographed and danced for many local Vancouver artists like Jade, Kiara Hunter, Jana Jana, Kayle, Cory Lee, Aiden, and Soul Decision. He has also worked with Sara, a well-known German singer from X-Cell Records, who has sky rocked on the charts in Europe. Richard played Ben in Rumble in the Bronx with Jackie Chan, and in addition, he has performed as a dancer for the feature films Scooby Doo 2, The Score, Josie & The Pussy Cats and The Goodbye Girl. He has also appeared in a Harry Connick Jr video, commercials for Minolta; Panago Pizza; Coffee Mate; Sizzler and Lime Away, a drinking and driving counter attack video entitled Knocking on Heaven’s Door, and on the MTV show 2gether. On the choreography side, Richard has choreographed for the V Show; Romeo, featuring Lil’ Romeo and Master P; The L Word; and Connection with MC Hammer.
Natasha Gorrie
Natasha is a dynamic individual with an ongoing love for the world of hip hop. She is a dancer, choreographer, actress, instructor and mentor. She exhibits excellence in all her work and has the ability to work with all ages as she exudes energy and the spirit to inspire others. Natasha grew up competing in competitions and festivals across the Greater Lower Mainland and her recent accomplishments include dancing with Black Eyed Peas, performing in opening shows for recording artists Ciarra, Chingy and Lou Bega. She is currently dancing for an artist with a hit song on The Beat Radio Station, Kyle. Natasha traveled internationally as a contracted dancer in Thailand and Singapore, with a large musical group at the Grand Sheraton and the Grand Hyatt. During this period she taught dance and choreographed for musicals and music videos. Natasha has a never ending hunger for learning and dancing hip hop. Forever it will be a art of her life.
Melena Rounis
Melena is a versatile dancer and teacher from Vancouver, BC. She began her professional career as a member of The Source Dance Company, directed by Joanne Pesusich and has gone onto to dance as a principal dancer with Transendance Dance Co, where she traveled to China to perform. Since then, Melena was hired to work in a live cabaret show in Singapore. Melena has appeared in many industrial shows for companies such as Westbeach, Bell Mobility, Melt – Swim & Surf and Below the Belt and has also danced for recording artist Kayle. Melena has also performed in The Prokofiev Dance Project at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre and in Dancing on the Edge, performed at the Firehall Arts Centre. Melena has appeared in “Scary Movie 3”, “Black Sash”, “The Goodbye Girl” and was a choreographer for VTV Morning Breakfast Television. Most recently, Melena appeared in Josh Beamish’s “Close Enough” and performed in Chicago at the Bollywood Lounge.
Robin Merchant
Robin's extensive training and love for dance has allowed her to travel the world and experience many different cultures and styles, to help develop her own skills, knowledge, stage presence and performance ability. She has performed in front of over 100,000 people, visiting major cities such as LA, NY, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Toronto to name a few, even traveling beyond her own back yard to countries such as China, Portugal, the Caribbean and Mexico. Robin has always left them with such an experience that she is, to this day, still asked to come back. Robin is very excited to be a choreographer showcasing some of her work in for the luv of it!
Luther A. Brown
Toronto’s music industry has benefited greatly from the arrival of ‘super-soul’ choreographer extraordinaire, Luther Brown. As the founder and owner of Do Dat Entertainment, Luther created an industry – a professional urban dance community that linked a somewhat unknown Toronto to the ever-growing music industry of the United States. Working with artists such as Brandy, Shawn Desman, Alicia Keys, Mario, Kelis, Jully Black, Faith Evans, Olivia, Ray J, Dream, B4-4, Keshia Chante, Glenn Lewis, Choclair and Maestro; just to name a few, has brought him to the forefront where he is respected amongst the top choreographers in the United States and Canada. Luther is also in high demand to choreograph music videos for the rising urban segment of the music industry. Over the past 5 years, he has choreographed an abundance of videos, many which have gone on to be award winning pieces of art. His recognizable style is evident in videos such as Talk About Our Love; Brandy (Atlantic); Bad Boy & Does He Love Me; Keshia Chante (BMG), winner of 2004 UMAC award for Best New Artist; Just A Friend & C’mon; Mario (J Records); Get Ready & Shook; Shawn Desman (BMG) winner of the 2003 MMVA for Best Pop Video and 2003 UMAC award for Best New Artist and Friend Of Mine; by the 2004 MMVA winners for Best R&B Video – In Essence (BMG) In addition, Luther has been the creative director for many tours and choreographed various live shows for the following artists; Gary Beals, Shawn Desman, Keshia Chante & Mario. He also did the Rap City/Ill Vibe Records Cross Canada Tour featuring Saukrates & Jully Black, Faith Evans’ live performances, Dream‘s MTV TRL nationwide tour, and Amerie’s live shows and performances. His television credits as a choreographer include BET’s 106 & Park, MTV’s 2004 Iced Out New Year’s Eve, Soul Train, The David Letterman Show, Canadian Idol, Electric Circus, Much Music’s Da Mix and the Mike Bullard Show. You can also see his choreography alongside that of Laurie-Ann Gibson in the major motion picture ‘Honey’ starring Jessica Alba and Lil’ Romeo. Luther’s unique style of dance has also been showcased at entertainment award shows such as the Ray Robinson/Keshia Chante duet performance at the 2004 UMAC Awards, Kelis’ performance at the 2003 Video Game Awards, Alicia Keys’ performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards, Shawn Desman at the 2003 UMAC Awards and 2002 Ciss 92 Fannies Choice Awards, the 2000 Juno Awards, the 1998 Canadian Urban Music Awards and the 1997 Men of Excellence Awards. In addition to choreography, Luther has added the expertise of artist development to his skill set. He has developed a proven formula and style, which he can apply to any new artist in order to jumpstart their career in the right direction. This is evident with many of the young artists that Luther has worked with in their development stages. Some of these artists are: Fefe Dobson (Sony Music), Keshia Chante (BMG), Mario (J Records) & Gary Beals (Plasma), With his passion for dance and charisma to continually challenge his self, Luther has become one of the top choreographers in North America. He is able to create and develop any artist or project presented to him.