Mainstream Murder - Bebe Boohgz

By Martin Malonzo

Born in Brooklyn NY, June 25th 1986, raised in Beacon, NY, Arie “BeBe Boohgz” Dixon has become one of today’s top, “Need To Look Out For” Artists. With the skills he has honed since 5th grade, BeBe Boohgz is the one man army, (artist/producer). Believing that music is starting to all sound the same, he is an artist that does not want to just want to fit in, making him a perfect candidate for Mainstream Murder. Equipped with raw and uncut aggression, witty lyrics, and beats that can wake the dead, BeBe Booghz is ready to break down doors and put the industry in check.

With an album(The Story of Arie Dixon) and few mixtapes already in circulation (The Jack Move, The Jack Move Vol. 2, and The Jack Move Vol. 3), BeBe Booghz is going all out, already back in the lab working on another. Having opened for the legendary hip hop gurus Slum Village, BeBe Booghz is definitely ready for the big leagues.

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Inspired #3

By Emeroy Bernardo

This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.

This post is a couple days late so I apologize for the delay.



1. My girlfriend's MITT graduation
My girlfriend recently graduated from her MITT Advanced training course.

If you don't know what MITT is. Here's the link to their website to get to know them a little more.

Like I mentioned on a previous post. This program has helped her for the better and I enjoy going to these graduation ceremonies they have at the end of each course because you see the sense of renewal within
all those people in the room. I brought a friend and fellow FamBiz dancer with me this time around and he couldn't help but say, "there's so much ambition in this room!"

I will be taking their basic course soon. Yee. We're all in this journey trying to discover and create the best person we can possibly be. The way I look at it is if this is can help take a step closer in who I want to become, why not take the risk?

2. Teen Groov rehearsal.
This same weekend I had to be the adult supervisor for the junior team I used to direct, Teen Groov at Jayvee since they're all minors. Their directors had prior engagements they couldn't get out of.

I got to warm up the kids with my killer warm-up routine. I didn't do anything else with them until the end of rehearsal where they circle up.

I have to admit that even though that I don't know all the newbies that well, it felt good to be a part of that circle again. It was great sharing what I know as a dancer such as fighting bad habits and
not under estimating their conditioning. I tried not to talk TOO much like I sometimes do. I wanted to to listen them talk about what needs to get done and how they feel about the routine so far.

The kids I directed last year have further evolved into their own. They're becoming not only better dancers, but better leaders and role models. It felt good to be back in the circle again.

3. My Birthday

"Enjoy your youth. You'll never be younger than you are at this very moment.”

This past Friday, September 23 was my 24th birthday. I've never been one to really full on advertise my birthday. I don't yell out to the world that my birthday is coming up. I don't post countdowns on twitter and facebook. Only to the people I care about, which is of coure my friends and family.

Some of my friends came by at the break of midnight to celebrate it with me. I agreed to take part in a game called Edward 40 hands, where they duck tape my hands to some beers. After about an episode of How I
Met Your Mother and pacing myself to drink, I survived the ordeal without throwing up.

I have to admit, even though I'm still young only gaining another year in age, I'm glad to be able to share fun and ridiculous moments with the people I love.

I also want to thank everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday as well whether it was through Facebook, Twitter, or text. Thank you and I love you.


Want more? Here are some previous Inspired posts.

• Inspired #2
• Inspired #1

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America’s Best Dance…..Family?

Written By Safi A. Thomas
Courtesy of Recidivism Deferred (A Hip-Hop Dance Blog)

There are many who posit that a crew in hip-hop dance is about “family”— much like gangs who push the same rhetoric.— Although this was the original emotional or subjective impetus for many crews, it is not our general ethos. This halcyon viewpoint neglects to recognize that a strong familial foundation is but one component of true sustainability. People need more than a pseudo-familial bond to survive.

What is the efficacy of “family” or crews if there is no economic independence, no feasible trajectory towards reliable & stable employment, no pedagogy, no protection from socio-political agendas, no consistent mentoring, no balance between peoples egocentric needs and our sociocentric responsibility etc.? These are but a few of the quagmires that disrupt the average familial unit and send it into disarray. These issues are often compounded by the conditional nature of the pseudo-familial bond (if you’re down with us you’re cool, if you are seen with anyone from another crew that we don’t like, you are immediately ostracized.)

As I often state, we are placated by our bias blindspot of Availability Heuristic. We often view hip-hop within the confines of our own field of view. We see “some” people confuting the status quo and we assume that this is the whole community. However this is only representative of a “pocket of resistance” against the status quo. It is not representative of a cohesive and unified movement centered on future sustainability efforts for all involved on a national or international level.

The United States has pockets of strong crews that have positive intentions and have been instrumental in creating stronger social community ties over the last decade. Yet we are still divided nationally and globally. Our focus is inconsistent and flawed because we leave out the necessary ingredients for long-term capability; consistency, higher education, economics and infrastructure.

With an older generation who’s bitter, a younger generation who’s apathetic because of their progenitors’ bitterness and then pockets of the embattled, it leaves little room for an effective long-term strategy to gain a foothold. Lets shift our mindset from crew building to community building. Let’s start valuing the vast collective contribution we all can make if we stopped segregating ourselves by race and by style.

We must focus our collective consciousness and perspective towards truly benefitting the hip-hop dance community. When I speak about the community I am speaking about our totality not our scattered groups.

Safi A. Thomas

Artistic Director

The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory

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Summer Dance Recap Through The Eyes of @mattda5hat

By Matt Da 5hat

Hello again true believers! I hope everyone had an eventful and fun summer this year! Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to Battle of The Year LA and Freestyle Session but you can catch re cap videos on Strife TV's YouTube channel and YAKfilms YouTube channel. Much respect to Strife and YAKfilms for bringing us fresh footage.

One bboy event I did get to check out was the New Kids On The Block bboy jam in Eagle Rock hosted by Bboy Nes. He's been throwing these jams for years and its always a good platform to showcase up and coming bboys in the scene. That day Stylistic Kings crew out of Carson were the victors that day. Big UPS to Bboy Infinite. That jam also had a 32 man survivor series battle, so the competition was heavy for sure. The winner of that particular battle was bert from Knuckleheads Cali. Much respect to Khca always representing. @ProverseGoods was also in the house serving up fresh gear that day, I see you Barry that's what's up!

Another event I managed to check out was Hip Hop Iinternational 2011. Think about it, dancers from everywhere, who wouldn't want to be there. I got to watch the international bboy battles which was super sick because only days prior to that was Red Bulls BC One USA qualifiers in Chicago, in which some bboys at HHI were at prior to that day. Bboy Morris of Fallen Kings Crew won that day against other notable crews such as Boogie Brats and KnuckleHead Zoo. Even France was in the house too. The room was set up so dancers could warm up and get down. Fellow family bizness member Emeroy bernardo and myself actually sessioned with a kid that had multiple air flares and back flips, wow. Also during that day was the international all styles one on one that myself, Emeroy Bernardo, and Marc Miranda also participated in which was an amazing learning experience. So many dancers, much respect. From the look and feel of the crowd for sure they enjoyed watching battles. That week in Vegas will never be forgotten. Much respect to my crew Family Bizness for representing tough at Hip Hop International though.

One jam I managed to enter with my friends, the Zombie Hunterz Bboy Crew, was Rock City 10. This event was thrown by Bboy Lil Rock of Killafornia, in Fullerton,CA . Twenty crews showcased, but only 8 were selected. It was really sick watching Instant Noodles battle it out showing everyone they're still a crew to be taken seriously.

But on another note, I managed to compete with Emeroy at the last Alhambra Hot Spot Bboy 2 vs 2. Everyone came out with their best that day, even the young ones. I must admit though I think I blacked out the minute I heard the beat drop because I think the music took over my body. But that day Family Bizness came out on top representing the first real dance of hip hop. You can bet that day I was all smiles and cat daddy. Fam Biz all day everyday, twice on mothers day.


Sincerely, Matt Da 5hat

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In The Studio

One of our very own FamBiz members will be modeling for Fuze It Worldwide's "In The Studio" fashion show!
Come out for a night featuring America's finest designers and models along with special guest performances.

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Inspired #2

By Emeroy Bernardo


This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.

1. My Team, Family Bizness
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” –Monandas Gandhi

This past Monday was casting for all the sections/pieces for our upcoming routine. Throughout the weeks, they've all been working incredibly hard to get every piece down. They've been scheduling review sessions at Jayvee or going to each other’s homes.

Their hardwork has come a long way. And even though it's only been over a month and a half. I can already see the evolution in their skillset.

I believe the challenge now is continuing to work this hard throughout the season grind. I'm sure they are fully capable of the task.

2. My curiosity in yoga.

I've been looking for alternates to exercising recently simply because my knees and ankles can't take the extreme pounding I put it through when I was doing Insanity.

I've been doing a lot of Vinyasa Yoga, and I must say, even though you're stretching and holding these postures you're sweating like hell. I must say that I feel AMAZING after. I enjoy the combination of relaxing the mind while pushing your physicality. Not only that, Zazen meditation fits perfectly with it at the end of it.

And the benefits it has from doing it is amazing such as improvement in the cardiovascular system, strengthening of the muscles, and of course flexibility.

I'd have to say it's the perfect way to start my morning. I feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.

3. Bruce Lee

“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” – Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee is probably one of the ultimate bad asses that ever lived. He was known for his physical fitness and his dynamic, dedicated workouts to become as strong as he possibly could. He had a physique that body builders like Arnold Schwarzenegger admired. In my search to find alternate workouts I stumbled on an article about him.

The things he was able to do is crazy! He was able to perform one handed push ups with just the thumb and index finger, do 50 reps of one handed pull ups,and throw rice into the air and catch them in the air.

He felt that many martial artists of his time did not spending enough time in physical conditioning. He involved all forms of total fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. He was firm in advising that spiritual and mental preparation was essential in the success of physical training in martial arts.

“Training is one of the most neglected phases of athletics. Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little to the development of the individual for participation.”









I've always known who he was, but only through the movies like “Enter the Dragon and “Game of Death.” What blows me away even more is that he gained his physique with slight use of weights and WITHOUT ever stepping into a gym. I enjoy going to the gym simply because when I get there, working out is all I focus on. I won’t be distracted by work or other things at home. But my thing is, the amount of time going to the gym could already be time put in working out. Hence, which is one of the reasons why I did Insanity.

I know I won’t be able to get Bruce Lee like fitness overnight, but it’s motivating that he was able to reach his physique without a gym.

Want more? Here are some previous Inspired posts.

• Inspired #3
• Inspired #1

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Inspired #1

By Emeroy Bernardo


This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.

1. The death of one of my dogs, taco.

One of dogs passed away this week by heart attack. I was holding him in my arms as he had his last moments in this life.

This was probably the closest I've ever been to death. I've had loved ones pass before, but I have never actually witnessed it. Witnessing my dog's death reminded me that our life is SHORT. Not like I have 50-70 years left to live short, more like tomorrow is never promised short. There’s more important things in life than holding grudges, complaining about what we don’t have, or whatever you think is holding you back in doing what you want. We only have one life, let’s enjoy each moment we are blessed with to the fullest.

2. Persistence and Determination of my girlfriend

"Doing your best means never stop trying." -Unknown

My girlfriend, Stephanie, recently took a workshop that changed her life. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but there's a different aura she exudes compared to before. She's a lot more relaxed and certainly surer of herself.

But that workshop was only the beginning of her process. There's an advanced course that she wants to go to, but in order to get there, she had to raise $995 for the course. And she only had a week to raise $995.

She reached that goal. It was quite a challenge, some people don’t even make that in a week, but she was intent and determined to reach that goal. And sure enough she did.

Like they say, “anything is possible once you put your mind to it.”

3. Kindness of others

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." -Oscar Wilde

This coincides with how Stephanie raised her money. She wouldn't be where she is if it weren't for the people that were kind enough to lend her a helping hand. Throughout this whole week, the amount of people and the amount of donations they’ve been giving have been extraordinary.

It’s really shown me that we aren’t alone in reaching our goals, and it’s OK to ask for help.
I think the greatness of mankind shines when we give ourselves up for something bigger.

Want more? Here are some previous Inspired posts.

• Inspired #3
• Inspired #2

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AFTRA Dancers Escalate Fight for a Fair Music Video Contract, Launch "It's About Time" Campaign

AFTRA dancer and Dancers
 Alliance member Galen Hooks.
Photo by Anthony Cunanan

Courtesy of AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Arists)

AFTRA dancers have stepped up their campaign for a fair contract covering dancers and other performers in music videos by launching a social media and video campaign over the weekend.

"It's About Time" features prominent dancers and choreographers calling for a contract that provides for safety, fair pay, residuals, health and retirement benefits and other provisions for professional performers. In this campaign, AFTRA is partnering with the Dancers’ Alliance, a grassroots organization dedicated to educating dancers and building solidarity in the dance community.

The online campaign began with a video message from dancer and choreographer Galen Hooks, who is a AFTRA Los Angeles Board member and a leader of the Dancers’ Alliance. Other participants include choreographer/director Brian Friedman, former Pussycat Doll Carmit Bachar, comedian Affion Crockett and many established dancers, including Bryan Tanaka, Randi Kemper and Shaun Evaristo. New videos will be released over the coming weeks at www.youtube.com/dancersalliance, and can be followed on Twitter through AFTRA (@aftra) and the Dancers Alliance (@dancersalliance).

The campaign’s theme of “It’s About Time” refers to the 30-year history of the modern music video, the recent resurgence in the popularity and profitability of music videos and the need for dancers and other performers to finally be recognized for the talent and professionalism they bring to the music video industry. The launch of the campaign coincided with the weekend of the MTV Video Music Awards, which this year drew the largest audience in the network’s 30-year history.

Meanwhile, with the rise of Vevo and other ad-supported streaming services, music videos are generating revenue for the record labels like never before. According to ComScore, Vevo is now the second most viewed video content property after Google sites, with 63 million unique monthly viewers. Vevo is also the top partner channel on YouTube (a Google site), with nearly 60 million unique monthly viewers watching monetized Vevo content on YouTube.

AFTRA commenced negotiations for a music video contract on June 21, 2011 with representatives of Sony, UMG, Warner, EMI, Disney and most of their subsidiary labels. While AFTRA has placed a high priority on achieving a fair agreement, industry representatives have been slow in responding to AFTRA’s proposal and setting dates for continued negotiations.

What can AFTRA members do to help? Follow AFTRA and Dancers' Alliance on Twitter, share the video with friends on Facebook and help spread the word about this campaign. It's About Time!

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New Classes!

Jayvee Dance Center's fall session is underway, along with that comes with some new classes for everyone to take! A handful of our very own members will be teaching this new classes and he hope to see you guys in class!

Adult Hip-Hop classes with Anthony Macaraeg
Anthony Macaraeg has officially joined the Jayvee Dance Center family as an instructor! If you enjoy a high-energy class and the teacher with a great sense of humor! Anthony's hip-hop class is perfect for you! His class is every Monday night at 6:30 PM.

Street Tease Fitness with Kimmay Evans
Who doesn't like to feel sexy in the morning? Get your dose of sexy in the morning with Kimmay Evans' street tease morning class every Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM!

Total Body Conditioning with Emeroy Bernardo
Looking for an outlet for your stressful day?  If you enjoy relaxing music with a combination of intense exercises, this class is just for you! Total Body Conditioning will relax your mind and push your physicality. It's for ages 18+ and open to all levels every Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 9:00 AM.

Return of Krump with Emeroy Bernardo
Krump has returned to Jayvee for the next session! If you enjoy exaggerated, expressive, and high energy movement. Come and sign up for my class starting in September! We'll take you through a journey starting with foundation and build you up from there in creating your own character!



Location:
216 E. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801

If you want to know more info about the classes we teach or the classes available at Jayvee Dance Center. Check out our classes page or go to JayveeDanceCenter.com

We'll see you guys in class!

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The Environment (utilize and succeed)

Success should not be determined by what you have but by what you have earned. In order to be successful, you have to have the resources available to you in order for you to reach your potential. Many people see their environment as their key to success and what surrounds you can determine how well you do for yourself as well as for others (if you choose). If you are not happy in one place, allow yourself to move and relocate, though it isn’t always that easy, remember that the world is much larger than most believe. “You’ll never know until you try.” is an older generation saying that promotes the search for answers. You will not know how succesful you can be unless you try to give yourself the best possible opportunities. Some people choose to go to school until they decide that a transfer to another would better suit them. Some are unhappy at work so they apply and move onto other jobs to improve their living and their well being.

In business culture, your surroundings can be a blessing of achievement or the nail in the coffin. I recently spoke with someone who was not doing too well in life. He seemed to have many problems with his family, his health, school and even work. His plan was to move away from the negativity in order to give himself some breathing room, which happened to be several hundred miles away for better job opportunities, school support, some health benefits and simply, a change of environment. This person is doing better for himself now, although not 100% out of the mess but that takes time and effort to correct. He would have never known what could have been there for him if he didn’t try. He tried. So how about you?

I’m not successful when it comes to wealth but I feel successful in that I have accomplished more than enough on my own and I am still on the road to progression. As hard as it is, life may be hard but I am not one to boast because things can only get better in time…

 One Love, @KennyDiamond




Want to read more from KennyDiamond? Here are some other articles done by him.

• Restrain
• The (Lonely) Creative Process
• Consistency
• Fearless
• Frustrated
• Change
• History of A Writer
• Solitary
• Push
• Doubt
• Sky Is The Limit

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Jayvee Monthly Jam!

Our friends from BBM(Bad Banana Monsters), David Philip and Bradley Apigo, will be teaching this month for Jayvee Dance Center's Monthly Jam! classes start at 7:30 PM! Looking forward to seeing you guys there!

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Todays Choreographers…Unripened Fruit?

Written By Safi A. Thomas
Courtesy of Recidivism Deferred (A Hip-Hop Dance Blog)

There are many dancers who become choreographers prematurely. They are in essence unripened fruit. Not very palatable and having a poor impact on the system which ingests it.

A complete dance education is requisite in order to delve into choreography. It is counterintuitive to pursue our choreographic dreams before learning & understanding dance fully. What you present on a stage will be compromised by your ineptitude and you devalue the art-form in the process. Being a good dancer does not make you a good choreographer. The skill-sets are different.

As a dancer you are focused on line, level, shape, texture, nuance and assimilation of groove. As a choreographer, your focus must be inclusive of the elements of choreographic composition, stagecraft, artistic direction, an understanding of music, knowing body mechanics, being able to convey your ideas to the dancers effectively, being the advocate for the dancers, being a role model and mentor, as well as instilling those skills into the dancers you work with.

Choreography is not about YOU performing; it is about the dancers getting an opportunity to show their adeptness at translating your theme, motif, emotive palette and movement quality. It is imperative for you as the choreographer to not be in your piece. Performing with your dancers shows a lack of respect for and confidence in your dancers and it impedes your ability to assess the piece thoroughly. One cannot assess their piece while in it. You need a wider perspective to gain clarity on all components of your show. By having an empirical understanding of your piece and what the dancers did, you know what corrections and tangible advice to give post show.

Wanting to be a choreographer is an admirable pursuit which should not be taken lightly. Having an in depth understanding of dance will allow you to eventually be an excellent choreographer. Honor the time it takes to build yourself into a choreographer. Take at least a decade to hone your skills and attain the appropriate pedagogy. Find places that provide dance education not just “Simon says” choreography classes. Learn about movement, music, history, cultural influences and groove. Use that knowledge to inform the type of choreographer you become. Respect yourself and the craft enough to learn as much as you can. Until then, be a dancer.

Focus on self betterment. Focus on gaining a complete education.Focus on gaining an understanding of the subtleties of dance and train under those who provide that education consistently. Train under those who have a working knowledge of music theory, dance theory, kinesthetics etc. Not just people who have “hot” choreography. Then one day you will have the wherewithal to be a great choreographer yourself.

Safi A. Thomas
Artistic Director
The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory

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ML | Adventures with YG Entertainment

By Christian Jordan Capili

Adventures that follow the members of Movement Lifestyle, which consisted of the Kanuaru production staff, Keone, Mari, Shaun, from the videos I have watched. But to just watch these videos is awe-inspiring, because they get to live the lives of choreographers who teach, create dance routines for famous kpop artists like Big Bang, 2ne1, Se7en and other’s alike.

The work these choreographers put is like no other, making dance pieces from scratch and teaching the artists, and aside from that even putting together a concert worthy performance for these Kpop artists. They are living the life, and it’s so crazy to see them in action and also a blessing for Kanuaru to be offering these videos up and showing an insider’s guide to the life of a choreographer and working with an artist/group.

The hard work the members of Movement Lifestyle put together just to entertain the crowd and also showcase their talents are amazing and nonetheless great. Watching these videos will surely make any upcoming choreographers to be motivated even more to achieve such a status! To be teaching or even dancing alongside featured artists on stage!

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