MOVE

“We can see what Phil Wizard did in the wake of the Olympics, the pride that he gave us, and the story that he told about his upbringing as a Korean Canadian. 

But the story goes deeper, and everyone has a part to share. Across Canada, when we dance our movement speaks about where we’re from, our resilience, our stories, all the things that make us want to do the same thing. When the beat drops, we want to MOVE!”   

-Dustin Chok, Edmonton-

BACKGROUND + VISION 

Meet Dustin and Future: https://vimeo.com/1005579744/ee32dc1ee1?share=copy

Dustin’s dance journey began in his mid-twenties when he decided to revisit a passion set aside for other artistic pursuits. Dustin reached out to renowned hip-hop dancer Daniel E Kelley III, also known as Future, in hopes of finding a mentor. To his surprise, Future responded enthusiastically, welcoming him into the world of street dance with a generosity that reflects his deep-rooted philosophy on the power of sharing and the importance of keeping hip-hop real. Under his mentorship, Dustin immersed himself in dance culture, learning both footwork and the spirit of being part of this vibrant community.

This experience culminated in his documentary Wave Rider, where Dustin explored the hip-hop diaspora from New York to Edmonton, capturing stories of dancers who have shaped this culture. The project opened his eyes to the rich and diverse dance scenes across Canada, sparking a desire to delve deeper into the communities that nurture street dance in our backyard.

Now, he is embarking on a new journey with Move! a six-part series that explores the dynamic and significant street and freestyle dance communities across Canada. This film will capture the essence of performance, lifestyle, and innovation through the stories of leading members of the street dance community. From Vancouver to Montreal, from Break Dance to Vogue, Move! will offer an insight into the lives of Canadian street dancers who epitomize creativity and originality in hip-hop culture, showcasing their journeys from daily routines to exceptional performances.

DANCERS 

(AB) Angela Gladue (Lunacee): Angela Gladue, aka Lunacee, is a nehiyaw (Cree)/Greek interdisciplinary artist from Edmonton, Alberta, and a proud member of Frog Lake First Nation. Beginning her dance journey with cultural dances at age six, she later immersed herself in Hip-Hop as a B-girl. Angela has toured internationally as a lead dancer for The Halluci Nation and performed alongside artists like TLC and Busta Rhymes. She continues to share her love for dance in Indigenous communities and schools across North America.

(VAN) Humuza Bazira: Humuza Bazira, a hip-hop dancer and popper from Surrey, BC, rose to prominence by winning the Vancouver Qualifier and later the National Finals in Toronto, securing his place at the World Final in Johannesburg, South Africa. Known for his energetic and emotive performances, Humuza represents Canada’s vibrant street dance scene with a style that mixes hip-hop and popping, embodying authenticity and creative expression. Supported by the Vancouver dance community, Humuza’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the world of street dance.

(TOR) Kosi Eze: Kosi Eze, a Nigerian immigrant who moved to Canada at fourteen, found solace and identity in the hip-hop scenes of Toronto and Mississauga. Under the mentorship of key figures like FrostFlow and Lady C, Kosi has grown from dancing in high school hallways to winning battles across the globe. Her story highlights the transformative power of hip-hop, illustrating how the culture can inspire and uplift those who embrace it.

(TOR) Raoul “Jiggyman” Wilke: Raoul “Jiggyman” Wilke is a Dora Award-winning artist, co-founder of The Moon Runners dance crew, and CEO of FeedYourSole. His work spans film, theater, and choreography for major brands and performances, including the Raptors halftime show and international battles. As a leader in Canada’s street dance community, Raoul mentors dancers on the importance of historical context in street dance, while continuing to educate as faculty at Ryerson Dance School.

(AB) Sekou-Sonko Boisclair: A seminal figure in Edmonton’s vibrant dance and music scenes, Sekou-Sonko Boisclair has made substantial contributions as a leading innovator of house dance in the prairies. Known for his dynamic presence both on and off the dance floor, he has reached the semi-finals at the Vancouver Street Dance Festival (VSDF) and is celebrated as a community builder in Edmonton. Beyond dance, he’s also a prominent DJ, dedicated to uniting people through the power of music. With extensive experience and a deep passion for his craft, Sekou teaches and mentors new dancers, fostering growth and vibrancy within the community by sharing his knowledge and skills.

(VAN) Phil Wizard: Phil Wizard, born to Korean parents in Toronto and now based in Vancouver, is a world-renowned B-Boy known for his creatively fluid style. Inspired by the Now or Never crew, Phil’s passion for breaking led him to become one of the top breakers globally, with numerous titles, including the Red Bull BC One Canada Cypher and Pan American Games. Phil’s journey emphasizes the importance of authenticity, dedication, and embracing the growth that comes with the art of breaking.

EXPECTED OUTCOME 

Move! will elevate Canadian street dance culture, showcasing its diversity and global significance while exploring what makes Canada’s street dance special. This film comes at a crucial time, following Phil Wizard’s recent gold medal victory in breakdancing at the Olympics, which has sparked widespread discourse about what street dance truly is. The series will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of this vibrant art form by uncovering its roots and genesis for the Canadian audience, giving a wider platform to the voices of those who live and breathe this culture. Dustin’s participation in the Vancouver Street Dance Festival will offer viewers a relatable entry point into the world of street dance, highlighting the dedication,

passion, and community that defines this culture.

CONCLUSION 

Move! is not just about documenting dance; it is about celebrating the spirit of Canadian street dance culture and the transformative power of movement. Through this series, we will offer viewers an authentic and compelling narrative highlighting the creativity, resilience, and unity of dancers across the country. With the support of the Alberta Project Script Development Grant, we can bring this important and timely project to fruition, celebrating the stories of Canadian dancers and the vibrant communities they belong to.