For the final film about FlexN, hear from the dancers as they discuss their involvement and what the trans-atlantic collaboration meant to them. Following a call-out in January 2015, dancers from across the city-region worked with Reggie ‘Regg Roc’ Gray and other Flexers from Brooklyn to co-create the show – visiting the New York premiere of FlexN at the Park Avenue Armory along the way and culminating in seven sell-out performances at Granada Studios.
James “Banks” Davis is a real New York success story. Banks grow up in the urban environment of Queens and Brooklyn and as a teenager found acceptance and recognition as an urban street dancer. A natural athlete Banks quickly excelled in dance and gymnastics. He loved entertaining people often turning a street corner into a stage.
Then on Halloween night 2009, gun fire erupted on a crowded Brooklyn street and Banks was shot in the knee- another innocent victim of a random shooting. His injuries would have been a death knell for anyone pursuing a career in dance. Instead, Banks treated this not as a detour, but the course appointed.
The original diagnosis was amputation; but miraculously sensation returned to his leg and Banks immediately turned his attention toward recovery. Through mediation, prayer, dedication and hard work Banks was able to return to dance. Banks broaden his aesthetic horizons through his association with Jamel Gaines and his dance company
For over 26 years Gaines has used dance to inspire inner city youth to achieve; and often his prodigy has aspired beyond their own expectations. Gaines has the unique gift of working with dancer from many diverse disciplines. And Banks (whose specialty was the L.A. street dance style called Krump) developed his art under Gaines holistic approach to dance.
Banks combines the refined, codified styles of modern and jazz with the raw edginess of Krump. In 2014 Banks stole the hearts of many on social media as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Season 11. Banks played the role of the angel Gabriel in the English National Opera’s The Gospel According To Mary and toured New Zealand with the Park Avenue Armory’s production FLEXN. In 2019 Banks was featured in the groundbreaking Revelation of Proverbs Reggie “Regg Roc” and the D.R.E.A.M. Ring at The Shed.
Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Behind The Scenes
On June 19 Creative Outlet and Summerstage will present Hanging Tree, an on-line celebration of the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. The virtual presentation will take place on June 19, 7-8pm on Summerstage YouTube. In addition to Banks the production (choreographed, staged and conceived by Gaines) also features vocalist Marcelle Davies Lashley, poet Carl Hancock Rux, and musician Talu Green. The performance will be followed by a panel discussion entitled The Importance of Juneteenth’s History & How It Affects Our Community’s Lives Today. The panel will feature RestorationArt Executive Director Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Gaines and Rux.
For more information about Creative Outlet’s programs, classes and upcoming event visit jgcodance.org.
Krow and OPT went head to head at Battlefest 32 inside Club Nova in Brooklyn,NewYork. Krow has an exclusive display on how his battle is going take off. Just watch and see.Continue reading
Maze made its world premiere at The Shed’s Griffin Theater, 545 West 30th Street on July 24. The production explores “the puzzles and poetry of human existence” taking on issues including the school to prison pipeline and systemic racism in the justice system. This new street dance presentation, commissioned by The Shed for its inaugural season, features sixteen dancers from The D.R.E.A.M. Ring and two performers from The Shed’s FlexNYC program.Continue reading
Kill or be Killed 11 Left 4 Dead 2 Tournament, 16 dancers are battling for a new belt legacy. The 1st kobk champion for over a year now has faced a bigger challenge this year . Shout to all the dancers and supporters that came out and showed love congratulations to the new champion Magic.Continue reading
Flexing, also called Bone Breaking is a style of street dance from Brooklyn, NewYork, that is characterized by rhythmic contortionist movement combined with waving, tutting, floor moves, and gliding.Continue reading
1Paa Joe Brings NYC Icons to Life for "Celestial City" Art all day Dance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with Walter at 11:00 am
2Paa Joe Brings NYC Icons to Life for "Celestial City" Art all day
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4Paa Joe Brings NYC Icons to Life for "Celestial City" Art all day Dance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with Walter at 11:00 am
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Today’s Events
Paa Joe Brings NYC Icons to Life for "Celestial City" Art Paa Joe Brings NYC Icons to Life for "Celestial City" Art Ghanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats.120 Walker Street, 6R New York, NY 10013
Upcoming Events
April 29, 2024
Dance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with WalterDance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with WalterTime: 11:00 am The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid
May 2, 2024
Dance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with WalterDance Of The Village Elders- In Person/Zoom with WalterTime: 11:00 am The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid