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You've heard of body popping, hip-hop and jazz dancing. Urban Classicism, a dance company under the direction of Robert Hylton, mixes these styles with contemporary and classical dance, film and theatre to create a unique form of street dance.
The work of Robert Hylton Urban Classicism (RHUC) is regarded as ground breaking and thought provoking. Rajpal Pardesi, Senior Manager for RHUC, talks about the company.
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Please tell us about Urban Classicism.
"Robert Hylton Urban Classicism (RHUC) moves to deliver and acknowledge the importance of street dance in our society as an open artistic form. It explores through improvisation, mixing formal modern dance with street dance, taking from the freestyle philosophy of the clubs and challenging the physical and musical boundaries of hip-hop on film and in theatre.
Through this cross-fertilisation of dance languages, Urban Classicism offers a vision which is open to all and has the ability to attract people of many different races, ages and cultures, whilst breaking social boundaries."
Where does the process of mixing these different styles of dance start?
"The development of fusing dance is built first from the understanding of singular techniques. Simple movement sequences will be set as models to first research the depth of knowledge that the choreographic practitioner has with regard to the physical understanding of different movement forms. Then further still they will be pushed into improvisation within the frame of that singular movement model."
How can people who are interested get involved?
"RHUC is continually touring and providing workshops nationally and internationally.In fact, there will be an extensive workshop programme held in Sheffield via Danceworks in the autumn of 2005. The company has developed a unique workshop package that includes practical sessions, video and lecture programme, as well as feedback talks about the performances and company. Packages can be designed for schools, colleges, community projects as well as professional practitioners of dance. The aims are to promote street forms of dance - b-boying (break-dance), body popping - as well as modern formal dance techniques."
What is the current production on tour?
"It's called Verse&Verses and sees Robert Hylton accompanied by a ground-breaking musical score by DJ Billy Biznizz, join forces with guest choreographer Pervez (Live to Break) and a fresh new-line up for this visually arresting production. Atmospherically charged, the concept moves towards the cinematic beginning as a DJ selects his latest hot tune. As the needle hits the groove, the audience gets set for a unique experience as this is vinyl literally about to explode into life! The stage then changes into a visual, musical and energetic extravaganza as dancers weave between abstract grooves, actually moving within music, sometimes suspended between each new track. As the soundtrack forms from a range of musical styles, the production illustrates the eternity of vinyl - its limitless future and timeless past."
What personal attributes make a good dancer?
"Constant motivation, enthusiasm and willingness to learn more. Most importantly the mindset to keep on learning, to keep on questioning and to keep on refining their craft."
Do you have any advice/guidance for young people wishing to pursue dance training and a career in dance?
"Be enthusiastic, be curious and be as willing to try the dance forms you dislike as well as the ones you do like. Watch performances and study the environment you want to work in. Training is essential regardless of which forms of dance you want to do - street, contemporary or otherwise. Look to find the best training possible, as good teachers are the key. Take the knocks as there will be many and enjoy the successes."
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