Dancehall Madness

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​Recently a video has come to my attention. Although It has now been taken down and the Show, which airs in Canada , UK, and Australia still airs on TV so  I’m pretty sure it will air again on TV one day.
“What show am I talking about?” you ask? Well, the Next Step. Here're a few things you should know about this show.

1. This show is filmed in Toronto, Which has a huge Caribbean dance community.( I may be wrong)
2. Maybe it’s just me but the show is a little awkward, It's filmed as if it is a reality show but it’s really just some dancers and actors
3. I’m not sure how you get on the show but I’m assuming the majority of the dancers on the show have never experienced a dancehall vibes, parties or culture.
4. What the heck song were they playing? It wasn't even dancehall??!!!
5. They did issue an apology for the lack of proper information in the video and the video was removed. Respect to them for that.

I don’t want to dig too deep into it but you can check out this Video from That Dude Mcfly to understand how I was feeling after watching this video.

​After crying my pain away from watching the video I took some time to reflect and thought of 4 dancers 1 crew who they should have brought in to teach these kids or be a special consultant for this episode.
 
1.Tanisha Scott : Tanisha is a Toronto Native so this basically should have been there first go to person to make sure they were getting all the facts. She’s danced in plenty of videos and has Choreographed to Dancehall and Hip-hop so I'm pretty sure she could have told the producers what the difference is and giving these kids a better explanation. Here’s a video from Sean Paul. Gimmie the Light was Fully Choreographed by Tanisha. THROWBACK!!!!

​2.BLACKA DI DANCA!! Another popular dancehall dancer. He’s work with Major Lazer/ Diplo, Collie Budz , Shaggy and even Bad Gal RHI RHI (Rihanna). He has his own unique style and represents the culture and community to the fullest any time he gets the chance . Since I originally saw him post about the video its only right he is included in this. One of my favorite dancers who know how to mix the Dancehall moves and steps to today's Dancehall/Edm influenced tracks. Check out his Choro to Major Lazer Ft Justin Beiber and MØ Cold Water along with the rest of his amazing team.

​3.Now if they wanted some real authentic dancehall, I'm talking straight for Jamaica authentic. All they really had to Do is call up Kieva the Diva!!!! She dance along side Bogle (God Father of dancehall) for god sake.HELLO!!!!! Here's a video of Keiva dancing down at Dance Ja (which is another place this production could have found plenty of dancers).  

​4. Global Bob is probably another one of my favorite dancers. Originally known as  Spongebob which was the name given to him by Bogle ,he is the creator of many well-known dances such as Scooby doo. He knows what he's doing and has taught dancehall and has given many lectures on Jamaican culture around the world.Check out this video about his experience traveling overseas and teaching. Side note the lady doing the interview is so excited she so funny  hahaha ha ha haha.Also, check out his girlfriend's clothing line @deluxe.couture.dc its super clean.

​5.Lastly, let's talk about the New Generation of dancehall dancers. Black eagles are probably one of the most well known (all though there is plenty more who are amazing). Everyone in the crew is amazing and would have been great to give feedback on the show and show these kids what the new generation of dancehall is all about. Here is a video of few of the members along with another amazing crew who would have been great as well , Overload.

Big up all the dancers. There are tons that I wish I could have mentioned but I'm sure throughout my blog, you will see me mention different people.  I Leave you with the don,the daddy the man , the legend MR Wacky , BOGLE doing what he does best! Dance. Real Dancehall in Foxy Brown ft Baby Cham –Tables turn.
-Low