Leroy Dias Dos Santos: A Flawless approach

Leroy Dias Dos SantosLeroy Dias Dos Santos is a passionate dancer, choreographer, model, singer and a social mentor who continues to strive for perfection. In 2007, he graduated from Middlesex University after studying Dance Studies.

As a freelance dancer, choreographer and teacher Leroy is a proud member of the street dance group Flawless, who were finalists on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (2009). Flawless have had great success in the entertainment industry featuring in movies like ‘Street Dance 3D’ 1 and 2 by Vertigo films (2009), appearing on Eastenders -E20 BBC 1 (2010), being invited by HM The Queen for the ‘Youths In The Arts’ event at Buckingham Palace (2011) performing at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with Kylie Minogue (2012) and also performing at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony (2012).

There have been many highlights in Leroy’s career through performing and touring but also meeting many prestigious people such as HM The Queen, Prince Charles and other members of The Royal family, and working with artists such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Sugababes and choreographers such as Jermaine Brown, Rafael Bonachela, Shobana Jesaysingh, Mavin Khoo and companies such as English National Ballet.

When did you begin dancing, where and why?

I started dancing from the age of 6 years old and as I grew older I started to train and practice Hip Hop with my cousins and friends in my free time. Dancing is a big part of my culture, in my family everyone would always dance and show off at birthday parties and weddings. I wanted to be the best dancer so I would always dance and practice my best moves.

I’d say Michael Jackson was one of my key inspirations throughout my childhood.

What were your early years of dancing like?

My early years of dancing were fun and exciting. In secondary school I would always compete in dance competitions with my friends and we would always win every year. I was taking street dance classes outside of school with my friends, which really helped me interact with other people and boost my confidence. Having friends who were into dance encouraged me to keep on dancing.

How long have you been performing? Did you start young?

I have been performing for about 14 years. I started performing at events, festivals, parties and bar mitzvah’s from the age of 15. I was committed to several community dance groups, which gave me opportunity platforms. Performing from a young age was a great experience, which helped enhance my skills and ability.

Where did you train and what was a typical day like?

After secondary school I took a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, which was a 2-year course at Barnet College. In this course I was able to develop my singing, dancing and acting. This was also the first time I experienced Contemporary and Ballet training. A typical day at College was Ballet and Contemporary class in the morning, drama/singing and technical theatre in the afternoon. I would then go to D.I.C.E. after college, which was a community street dance group for Popping, Bboying and Hip Hop training. This was my schedule for most days.

What is a typical day like now?

A typical day for me now is very hectic and spontaneous. The majority of the time as a freelance dancer, choreographer and teacher I am always kept busy touring across the world. If I am not performing or touring with Flawless, I am either teaching workshops in schools or universities, choreographing shows and working on my own individual projects.

Everyday has a different story and is never the same.

Do you still take classes? How do you keep on top of your technique?

I still take class in my free time, as it’s important for me to keep on top of my game. I take general classes from Ballet to Hip Hop classes. I also go gymnastics too as I like tumble and practice different tricks. Being an all round dancer means I always have to keep on training and having balance in training all styles.

What’s the best part about performing?

The best part about performing is being able to engage with the audience and being in the moment.

What would you say was your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement so far was being invited by HM The Queen to perform at Buckingham Palace (2011) and performing with Kylie Minogue at The Diamond Jubilee (2012), which was such an honour.

Which part of dance do you enjoy most?

The part of dance I enjoy most is definitely performing.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be part of the dance industry?

The best advice I would give is that you have to be very disciplined, hard working and consistent as a dancer/choreographer. Make sure you are always training, learning and exploring. It’s great to be ambitious, creative and confident in every path you take and make the most out of every given platform and opportunity.

What’s next for you?

I am currently on tour with Flawless featuring in a show called ‘Flash Mob’ which is being toured across the UK from June till August 2014. I am also working on my solo show called ‘The Battle Within’ which will be performed in theatres towards the end of 2014. I will be choreographing a few projects and creating video concepts throughout 2014. For more details check my website www.leroydias.com twitter.com/Fx_Flawless

Blazing Ivan Blackstock

Ivan BlackstockIvan Blackstock is a well-respected hip hop artist within the dance theatre world, the commercial world, as well as on the hip hop battle circuit. He undertook training at two prestigious dance conservatoires, namely the Urdang Academy and London Contemporary Dance School, during which he took a gap year to join The Pet Shop Boys on their world tour.

Ivan has worked with many well-known names of the dance world, such as Arlene Phillips, Jasmin Vardimon, ZooNation Dance Company, Kylie Monogue and Breakin’ Convention, in addition to working as part of the BirdGang Dance Company creative team. Here he shares stories of growing up with dance and his life as part of Blaze…

When did you begin dancing, where and why?

I have always been dancing since I can remember. I have always been a fan of Michael Jackson, MC Hammer & Bobby Brown but I took my first dance class at the age of eight in a dingy hall in south London, after seeing my cousin performing and opening for a well known US boy band at the time.

What were your early years of dancing like?

Very crazy; I remember travelling from my old home in Old Kent Road
to Battersea at 10 or 11 years old twice a week to make rehearsals and training by myself. My Mom would drop me off when she could but she was juggling two jobs and my younger sister.

How long have you been performing? Did you start young?

My first performance was quite soon after I joined my cousin’s dance crew but professionally it started at 17 years old, and I was on a world tour with the Pet Shop Boys at 19.

How did you train and what was a typical day like?

I trained with many established street dance companies and teachers in London, from Sisco Gomez to Boy Blue Entertainment. I also studied dance at a few schools… Lewisham College, Urdang Academy and London Contemporary Dance School.

My typical day was getting to ballet for 8:30am, taking various dance technique classes and also contextual studies until about 6pm, then taking a street dance class or rehearsing with my dance company BirdGang from 7-11pm. I would get home and be in bed for about 12:30am and would then repeat.

What is a typical day like now?

My typical day now is prepping for the next choreographic project. Having meetings, writing emails, seeing shows. Very fun I must say.

Do you still take classes? How do you keep on top of your technique?

Yes, I always take class when I can. When you get older you have a lot more responsibilites so it’s not so easy to commit to dance classes as you would when you are younger. Wednesday is the day I religiously take time to take class and I also try to train by myself at home: I find it therapeutic.

Do you prefer choreographing to performing?

I love both to be honest, but at this stage in my career I prefer choreographing. I like working with different types of people as I find it really stimulating – each project is very different from the last. Also seeing the birth of my ideas from my head actually come to life with people paying to come and see it and walk out satisfied. That really does it for me.

What’s the best part about performing in Blaze?

Working with such a diverse pool of talent. Everyone brings something unique and special to the table. Also, my colleague from BirdGang Kendra Horsburgh is resident choreographer and dance captain and she is doing a great job putting the show together.

What would you say was your greatest achievement to date?

Winning the Guardian & Hospital Club 100 award. Being a winner alongside Steve McQueen, The Rolling Stones, Helen Mirren, I feel very honoured especially as it was a public vote. So I must be doing something right!

Which part of dance do you enjoy most?

This might sound selfish but the feeling when I hear music that touches my soul. It’s very self indulgent. I can’t really explain it but that’s the best part of dancing, I feel.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be part of the dance industry?

The road is long, the road is tough, but if you have patience, perseverance, humility, and foundation you will reach your destination.

What’s next for you?

Working with my dance company BirdGang on future projects such as Breakin’ Convention and a few shows in Europe. Secondly I will be working with Dance Umbrella and the Young Vic in October.

Kloé Dean: No Rest For Dancers!

Kloé Dean (c) Hugo GlendinningKloé Dean, is a passionate and unique hip hop dancer, choreographer and freestyler; as part of one of the UK’S leading street dance companies, Boy Blue Entertainment, Kloe also leads her own all-female Dance Collective ‘Myself UK Dance’. She is currently a cast member of the street dance sensation BLAZE.

Kloé has performed in numerous productions, showcases and competitions in the UK and around the world and has performed as well as showcased her own choreography at the International Dance Festival Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells.

Here Kloé talks about her unconventional but admirable training and her life jam-packed full of dance…

When did you begin dancing, where and why?

I began dancing from a young age, around 3, just copying what I saw on TV and music videos. When I was around 11 I started a class at a small performing arts school, and participated in various creative after school clubs where I grew up in South East London. At the age of 15 I took my interest in dance, Hip Hop/Street dance especially, a little more seriously. I dedicated the majority of my time to dancing in my crews at the time “Millitree”and “Vortex”. I then went on to audition for Boy Blue Ent and have been dancing with the company ever since. That also inspired me to create my own company, Myself UK Dance. I was inspired to dance as I felt I could freely express my emotions and put my all into it. I loved the feeling of working hard and seeing the outcome of rehearsing for weeks.

What were your early years of dancing like?

My early years of dancing were fun, they consisted of hundreds of rehearsals in car parks, back gardens, outside shopping centres, anywhere we could dance. We were always inspired by other crews and dancers but all had healthy competition and wanted to be the best!

How long have you been performing? Did you start young?

I started performing at primary school in weekly assemblies, at the age of around 7 or 8 years old.

How did you train and what was a typical day like?

I mainly trained in hip hop crews put together by fellow dancers and trained myself. I attend many (and still do) open classes in various hip hop disciplines and freestyles at clubs, battles and jams. I started training at WAC performing arts College but was unable to finish my studies unfortunately.

What is a typical day like now?

A typical day can differ everyday! Some days will be made up of training, teaching, and rehearsals. Or teaching, training, auditioning, rehearsals. Or training, rehearsals and performing. Or travelling, training, teaching, performing. It!s crazy sometimes!

How do you keep on top of your technique?

By training and sharing with others. Competing, showcasing, performing and practicing.

Do you prefer choreographing to performing?

I love both.

What’s the best part about performing in Blaze?

Dancing with the amazing cast, learning from them, being able to tour different countries and share your craft!

What would you say was your greatest achievement to date?

I think it would be performing at the Sydney Opera House with Blaze, doing the Olympic opening ceremonies in London, and seeing my own choreography on the Queen’s stage at Buckingham Palace for Coronation celebrations.

Which part of dance do you enjoy most?

The feeling of doing a good job on stage and banging out some good choreography.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be part of the dance industry?

Work hard. Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling your goals and keep going! Never Give Up!

What’s next for you?

Blaze Taiwan! Also, my own company, Myself UK Dance, will be holding our show ICON, celebrating International Women’s Week on Friday 21 March 2014 at Stratford Circus. Then I’m off to Brussels to perform with my company for a project called 7 Steps.