BBOYIZM

DANCE COMPANY

Bboyizm is the premier street dance company in Canada, run by dancer-choreographer, Crazy Smooth. We promote and preserve the foundation, authenticity, and essence of all street dances. Our creations and our programs are platforms for authentic self-expression by artists and students alike.

“Crazy Smooth and Bboyizm have led the charge on innovation within the theatrical street-dance genre. [Crazy Smooth] is a magnet for the finest dancers, collaborators, and project partners. Smooth inspires current and future generations to embrace hip-hop and street dance styles through contemporary expression with his unique signature that is both charismatic and compelling.”

- Cathy Levy, Dance Producer/International Advisor

NEWS

DANCE TO EXPRESS! NOT TO IMPRESS- Bboyizm Motto

2023 At a Glance: A Busy Year for Bboyizm!

The Bboyizm team looks back on 2023 as a year filled with exciting discoveries, unique experimentation, new collaborations and rewarding accomplishments.
It was a great year - here are some of its highlights:

October - December.
As October drew to a close, the In My Body crew made their way south for the show's first international tour. The team was ecstatic to perform to energetic crowds in Monterrey, Mexico (Festival Internacional Santa Lucía), Cali, Colombia (6a Bienal Internacional de Danza de Cali) and Bogotá, Colombia (Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata Olivella).

In My Body made its way back to Canada for the year's final performances in Oakville, ON (Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts), Kingston, ON (The Grand Theatre) and St. Catharines, ON (FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre).

In My Body made its way back to Canada for the year's final performances in Oakville, ON (Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts), Kingston, ON (The Grand Theatre) and St. Catharines, ON (FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre).

Crazy Smooth had the honour of ending the year alongside a select group of influential francophone artists and artisans, putting a cap on 2023 with Radio-Canada's award-winning La revue culturelle.

September-October.
The In My Body team had a short breather before packing their bags, once again. They were welcomed in Vernon, BC (Vernon Performing Arts Centre), Halifax, NS (Dunn Theatre, Prismatic Festival and Live Art Dance), Fredericton, NB (Fredericton Playhouse) and Ottawa, ON (Shenkman Arts Centre).

While on the road, the crew had the pleasure of connecting with both aspiring, as well as seasoned, b-boys and b-girls. They were invited to the Halifax Hopscotch Festival to participate in Roast the Coast Dance Battles and to teach a series of master classes. They also participated in the St. Johns Festival of New Dance, joining a Hustle Cabaret Showcase and providing master classes to Newfoundlands aspiring dancers

June.
Crazy Smooth had the pleasure of finally bringing In My Body to the city that nurtured its development - Montréal, QC. The crew performed sold-out shows at the historic Monument-National, as part of Festival TransAmériques, one of the city's largest annual international arts festivals.

In My Body then travelled to Québec City for the Carrefour international de théâtre. Performances were held at the revered Le Diamant Theatre.

April - May.
Bboyizm brought its beloved school show The Evolution of B-Boying to children and teens across Ontario through the MASC network.

April.
Our very own Crazy Smooth was honoured at the annual Dynastie awards (Gala Dynastie - Soirée Culture) in Montréal, Québec this spring, taking home the 2023 Dancer of the Year award. The Dynastie awards are an annual celebration of Québec's Black creators leading the way in the cultural, entertainment and media industries.

March.
Bboyizm's multi-award-winning show, In My Body, was back on the road for its second national tour, with performances held in St Albert, AB (Arden Theatre), Vancouver, BC (Vancouver Playhouse, presented by DanceHouse) and Charlottetown, PEI (Confederation Centre for the Arts, @LIVE).

January.
Bboyizm performed its new show titled African Routes at the 33rd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance in Toronto, on January 26th.

Read about Crazy Smooth’s journey creating In My Body in The Georgia Straight: https://www.straight.com/arts/bboyizms-in-my-body-defies-notion-that-street-dance-has-to-be-a-young-persons-game-its-an-ever

Take a look at Crazy Smooth's Interview about one of the latest In My Body national tours with Global News Morning Edmonton: https://globalnews.ca/video/9525917/in-my-body-hitting-the-stage-at-st-alberts-arden-theatre

Check out the full list of artists honoured at the 2023 Gala Dynastie awards: https://www.galadynastie.com/finalistes/nomme-e-s

Watch Crazy Smooth and host André Robitaille discuss aging and performance in La revue culturelle: https://ici.tou.tv/la-revue-culturelle-2023

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COMPANY

DANCE TO EXPRESS! NOT TO IMPRESS- Bboyizm Motto

Founded in 2004 by dancer-choreographer, Crazy Smooth, Bboyizm is Canada’s premier street dance company, instrumental in the preservation and proliferation of street dance in Canada and abroad.

Bboyizm has successfully brought authentic street dance into the professional theatre setting. Four of its full-length creations— The Evolution of B-boying, IZM, Music Creates Opportunity & In My Body —have toured throughout Canada.

Today, Bboyizm company creates and promotes a comprehensive street dance experience, including performances, tours, outreach, and street-dance programs in schools and communities across Canada and around the world.

Dance to express! Not to impress.

That’s our motto – we believe that in expressing oneself authentically, the art and the dance will be impressive by nature.

Notable Bboyizm Facts

Dancer of the Year at the 2023 Dynastie awards
Winner of four 2022 Dora Awards for In My Body, including Outstanding Performance for its co-presentation by Canadian Stage, dance Immersion and TO Live; Outstanding Original Choreography (Crazy Smooth); Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble (Bboyizm Company Dancers); and Outstanding Achievement in Design (Multimedia/Video Design, Thomas Payette)
2020 Clifford E Lee award recipient, Banff Centre for the Arts
Four nationally-toured shows, frequently sold out.

“Crazy Smooth and Bboyizm dance company illuminate the stage with an electrifying fusion of movement and rhythm, transforming choreography into a vibrant celebration of creativity and expression. Their dance artistry not only breaks boundaries but also inspires others to embrace the richness of diversity and the power of self expression. In every step, Bboyizm creates a coherent work of passion, skill, and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on any audience who experiences it."

- Jim Smith, Artistic and Executive Director, DanceHouse

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STAFF

MEET THE TEAM

Crazy Smooth

Artistic Director

Crazy Smooth is one of Canada’s top street dance ambassadors, a choreographer, dancer, sought after instructor, judge, and community leader. He is the founder and artistic director of Bboyizm, an award-winning dance company that has been instrumental in the preservation and proliferation of street dance in Canada and abroad.

Smooth founded Bboyizm in 2004 and the company has successfully brought authentic street dance choreography into the professional theatre setting. Four of his full-length creations— The Evolution of B-boying, IZM, Music Creates Opportunity & In My Body —have toured throughout Canada.

Crazy Smooth was named the 2020 Clifford E Lee award recipient by the Banff Centre for the Arts for his then work-in-progress My Body, developed during his 2019-2021 Long-Term Residency at the Centre de Création O Vertigo in Montreal. The project received a CanDance Network Creation Fund grant and significant investment from the NAC National Creation Fund.

In My Body won four 2022 Dora Awards including Outstanding Performance for its co-presentation by Canadian Stage, dance Immersion and TO Live; Outstanding Original Choreography (Crazy Smooth); Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble (Bboyizm Company Dancers); and Outstanding Achievement in Design (Multimedia/Video Design, Thomas Payette).

Crazy Smooth was most recently named Dancer of the Year at the 2023 Dynastie awards, Québec’s foremost celebration of the province’s Black creators working in the cultural, entertainment and media industries. He is also a recipient of both the Atlantic Presenters Association Touring Performer of the Year Award (2013) and the Ontario Presenters Network Emerging Touring Artist of the Year Award (2012). Crazy Smooth has performed, taught, mentored and judged competitions and events in cities throughout the Americas and Europe.

Click for Crazy Smooth’s extended bio
Click for Crazy Smooth’s resume

Gillian Reid

Manager & Tour Producer

Gillian is Bboyizm’s agent, manager and tour producer. She has secured engagements for the company since their blockbuster show IZM first premiered in 2010, including tours, festivals, creative residencies, community engagements, corporate events, panel appearances, media events, and more. Gillian has built seven National Canadian Tours for Bboyizm, including the 2012 Spring Tour of IZM, which was the largest Ontario government-funded non-ballet dance tour in Canada at the time.

In 2015 Gillian founded FeLIX Productions, a boutique agency to support a curated roster of multidisciplinary performing artists. She is a registered service provider with Strategic Arts Management in Halifax, where she works with emerging touring artists. She earned her degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario.

Email Gillian: gilliancreid@icloud.com

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CORE DANCERS

MEET THE TEAM

Julie Rock

Julie "Julie Rock" Benoit

Dance has always been an essential part of Julie Rock’s life. She started to train in technical dances when she was a child; in her early teens, Street and Latin Dances enriched her curriculum.

Julie Rock also developed a passion for travelling, and she quickly realized that mixing dance and travel would enrich both experiences. She has had the opportunity to go to the United States, the Dominican Republic and Brazil, to learn dance styles alongside pioneers and most importantly, study dances in their authentic contexts.

Over the years, and thanks to her versatility, Julie Rock has worked with various dance and entertainment companies. She has battled and performed all over Canada, and she was seen on stages in the United States, Bahamas, UK, Dominican Republic and Taiwan. Currently Julie Rock performs with Las Tchutchucas Locas. She was part of the original cast of Bboyizm’s theatrical production IZM and has worked for the company ever since.

DKC Freeze

David “DKC Freeze” Dundas

Born in Montreal in 1965, DKC Freeze belonged to the original generation of the organized street dance movement in Canada. A street dancer from the get-go, he has no formal dance training and is a first-generation autodidact of the Canadian street dance scene.

Born in Montreal in 1965, DKC Freeze is a foundational presence in the Canadian organized street dance movement. A street dancer at his core, he has no formal dance training and is a first-generation autodidact of the Canadian street dance scene.

From 1982 to 1983, DKC Freeze was a member of the Flash Trick crew. From 1983 to 1987 DKC belonged to the legendary crew New Energy, one of Canada’s most influential groups of the time. In 1995 he joined the Flow Rock crew and in 2004 he was a founding member of Legz Crew.

DKC has been active as a competitor and judge in events all over the world. He has been invited to judge at the renowned Just 4 Rockers breaking event in France three times (2016, 2017, 2019).

DKC Freeze has performed for James Brown (1985 live concert), DJ Grand Master Flash and during the 1986 Les Expos de Montreal series. His festival appearances include Les Francofolies (Montreal), Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Nancy Jazz Pulsation Festival in France.

DKC has been an active community leader for decades. Over the past 20 years, he has worked as youth coordinator at both the Côte-des-Neiges and Laval community centers, providing a positive influence to the youth attending these centers. He is the founder and organizer of one of the longest running street dance event in Montreal, Gravity Rock.

DKC Freeze is a living library for the Canadian Street Dance community and continues to influence the evolution of B-boying as one of the newest members of Bboyizm Dance Company.

Tash

Bio Natasha “Tash” Jean-Bart

Born in Montreal, Canada, in 1971, Natasha Jean-Bart’s career spans over thirty-seven years in the Performing Arts. She’s a BIPOC artist, writer, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and intergenerational street dance/Hip Hop connector and consultant. Her credits as a performer and choreographer have taken her to well-respected stages, including Cirque Du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” as lead character Lady Madonna and as rehearsal Locking/Hip Hop coach and consultant. She is currently performing “In My Body” with the Canadian troupe Bboyizm Dance Company. Her expertise has garnered her numerous international positions as a juror for elite dance competitions. She also gives workshops and lectures internationally. In addition, she uses her voice to assist and inspire artists from all walks of life to find their purpose. A wife, mother of four beautiful children, and Nana to five lively grandchildren, Natasha divides her time between her home in Las Vegas, her hometown of Montreal, and the rest of the world.

Née à Montréal en 1971, Natasha Jean-Bart travaille depuis plus de trente-sept ans dans le domaine des arts de la scène. Elle est artiste BIPOC, écrivaine, danseuse, chorégraphe, enseignante et conseillère en street dance intergénérationnelle et en Hip Hop. En tant qu'interprète et chorégraphe, elle s'est produite sur des scènes très respectées, notamment dans le spectacle The Beatles LOVE du Cirque du Soleil, où elle a joué le rôle principal de Lady Madonna. Elle a aussi agit en tant que coach et consultante de Locking et de Hip Hop au sein de répétitions. Elle danse actuellement avec la troupe canadienne Bboyizm dans le spectacle In My Body. Son expertise lui a valu de nombreuses invitations à participer dans des jurys de compétitions de danse à l’internationale. Elle donne également des ateliers et des conférences dans le monde entier. En outre, elle utilise sa voix pour aider et inspirer des artistes de tous horizons à trouver leur voie. Épouse, mère de quatre beaux enfants et mamie de cinq petits-enfants pleins de vie, Natasha partage son temps entre sa maison à Las Vegas, sa ville natale de Montréal et le reste du monde.

Anyo

Jerick “Anyo” Collantes

Jerick “Anyo” Collantes is a talented Bboy who has taken the world by storm with his exceptional skills and unique style. He has travelled extensively to participate in various jams and battles, showcasing his abilities to audiences worldwide.

Anyo is proud to have been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Red Bull BC One Canada. He is honored to have been recognized as one of the top Bboys in the country, and to have had the opportunity of representing his crew on such a large stage. While he did not receive the top honour at this competition, he emerged from this moment motivated to work even harder and push his limits even farther.

Another fantastic opportunity presented itself when he was invited to join Bboyizm on their first national tour of In My Body (February & March, 2022). As part of the company, he performed in major cities and smaller towns across the country. The experience of connecting with different communities and sharing his love for Bboying was extremely fulfilling.

Being a member of The Unknown Floor Force Crew has been a significant part of his journey. The crew has supported and motivated him throughout his career, and he has learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and sustained effort through this collaboration. He values the bond they share and how it has helped him grow as an artist.

As he looks to the future, he is excited to continue pushing himself and exploring new ways to express himself through Bboying. With his passion, dedication, and talent, there's no doubt he'll continue to make a significant impact in the Breaking community for years to come.

Effect

Arnaldo “Effect” Betancourt Silva

Born in Cuba, B-boy Effect caught his first glimpse of street dance through television and movies such as You Got Served. In 2006 he immigrated to Canada. Having little connection to the people, he dove deeper into street dance as a way to avoid depression and loneliness that can come with moving to a new country. Effect began by imitating movements he saw on television and in movies, but when he joined a dance studio located near his house, he met street dancers from the Montreal dance scene. He has tried out various styles such as Popping, House and Hip hop but B-boying stands out as his favorite and has become his main passion.

In 2007 Effect joined the ranks of the Deadly Venoms Crew and started travelling with his dance: France, Holland, Belgium, USA, Hong Kong... He has been invited as a battle guest to many events such as Top Wanted Hong Kong and The Red Bull BC One as one of Canada's Top 16 B-boys. Not only a B-boy, Effect is a well-rounded street dancer. Part of the Mix'dMafia street dance crew, he developed his understanding of various styles such as Hip Hop, House, Popping... He has performed on some of the biggest stages from the Juno Awards to projects with Cirque Du Soleil and Eloize.

Currently living in Ottawa, he is the co-founder of Moov Ottawa a street dance company specializing in the promotion of street dance through events, classes and performances sharing his passion, inspiring and empowering youth through art. He’s currently pushing his artistry further while building the street dance community in Ottawa through Hip Hop events.

Bourrik

Guy-Emmanuel “Bourrik” Septier

Born in Martinique, Guy- Emmanuel Septier,aka Bourrik,started breaking in 2000. Already a fan of Hiphop and Capoeira, he found breaking to bean excellent way to express himself.In 2004, Bourrik joined the MD Cie, who went on to represent Martinique at the Battle of year 2005 (France), Festival Mouv la ri (Guyana), Hip Hop 97 (Guadeloupe), Neuilly Battle (France) and B-boy Fresh (Manchester, England).

When Bourrik moved to Montreal in 2006, he quickly integrated into the street dancescene. A year later he joined the Legz Crew and got deeply involved by teaching and performing at events for community organizations.

During the summers of 2010, 2011 and 2014 he performed with Legz Crew for the Francofolies de Montreal as well as for the Montreal Jazz Festival.Bourrik toured Canada between in 2012 -2014 with 360 Mouvements par minute. In 2015 he was cast as a dancer in the movie X-Men: Apocalypse and was featured in the film Nine Lives.

In 2010, he joined Bboyizm and was cast in the full-length theatre work, IZM, and toured with the production through Western Canada and the Maritimes via the Yukon (2012-2013). He has since been a key member of the company and continues to engage with audiences through performances, outreach and workshops.

To date Bourrik has won 20 dance competitions and remains one of the most active B-boys in the Montreal dance community.

Dirty D

Jean-luc “Dirty D” Fournier

Dirty D is a b-boy / Rock dancer / practitioner and student of the Hip-hop movement and Indigenous cultures emerging from the Outaouais/Kictisibi watershed. He started his b-boy journey 17 years ago, eventually going to NYC in 2003 to study the fundamentals of street dance.

Dirty D has performed at major festivals including Hip-Hop 360 at NAC in Ottawa, Winterlude festival in Ottawa, Guelph dance festival, Puvirnituq Festival in Nunavik, Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife, Penticton Children Festival, Edmonton’s street performers, Under Pressure and Just for laughs in Montreal as well as Harbourfront Festival in Toronto.

In 2005, Dirty D was contracted by Blueprint for Life, a social work organization that conducts outreach using hip hop. He has lead empowerment outreach across Canada and dance workshops in communities of Nunavut, Nunavik, Inuvialuit, Northwest Territories, Quebec & British Columbia. He has taught cultural workshops with Red Power Squad, a collective of Cree artists based out of Edmonton Alberta and traveled with them to James Bay, Northern Ontario, Northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Southern British Columbia.

Dirty D has been a member of Bboyizm dance company since its inception.

Dirty D has an explosive dance style driven by an inner hunger and rage that comes out in his unique flow on the floor. He’s a strong believer that dances heal people, bring them closer together and are a good starting point for lifelong relationships.

Miss Marie Monsta

Marie “Miss Marie Monsta” Benoit

Marie Benoit A.K.A. B-girl Miss Marie Monsta started dancing when she was 10. She started with Irish Step Dance and was introduced to Street Dances about 2 years later. That is when she discovered her passion for dance and tried every dance style she could. Two years later, at the age of 14, she began teaching dance herself. She now specializes in Bboying and Samba but also practices other styles such as: Old School Party dances, Rocking, House dance, Salsa, Bachata, Hustle, and many more.

Her love for dance has led her to travel, perform, compete and teach in the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, France, England, USA, and across Canada. Growing up, she really loved battling and getting down in cyphers; these were always great ways for her to release tons of her energy. Through the mentorship of Bboy Crazy Smooth, her and her sister B-girl Julie Rock had the privilege to travel to the Mecca of Street Dances, New York City, to meet some of the legends and pioneers of the dance and train with them. At the age of 16, she was chosen to work as a facilitator for Blueprint for Life “social work through hip hop” company and taught in many Indigenous communities in Canada. In 2008, she moved to Alberta and got to discover the west coast Street Dance scene and eventually joined the well-known Original Rudes Crew. As a core dancer of the Bboyizm Dance Company she took part in many national tours. Miss Marie Monsta performed on stages such as the National Arts Center in Ottawa, the Harbourfront theatre in Toronto, the Banff Centre for the Arts, Los Angeles’ famous Conga Room, The Avalon Theatre in Hollywood and the Saddler’s Well Theatre in London. She worked with artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Mohombie, J Balvin, Farruko, and A Tribe Called Red when they performed at the JUNO Awards.

She trained with world-renowned teachers in establishments such as the Broadway Dance Center in New York and the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, and master teachers you might have never heard of in hidden corners of the world. Miss Marie Monsta still works with Bboyizm, Blueprint for Life, Rhythm Works, Create of, and launched Las Tchutchucas Locas with her sister Julie.

Soul Step

Mathieu “Soul Step” Ulrich

Soul Step has over 15 years experience with b-boying and his thirst for knowledge and great respect for the history of street dances have taken him all over Canada.

Soul Step has performed at numerous festivals, including The 2004 Reggae Fest, the 2005 and 2010 Francofollies of Montreal, The International Jazz Festival of Montreal in 2008, 2010 and 2011, and Ottawa’s Winterlude in 2009.

He co-founded the group L.E.G.Z in 2004 and Soul Step soon established his reputation as a defender of the pure and original style of b-boying. Soul Step is a true fan of hip hop culture, and in 2006 his commitment to preserve the traditional style of b-boying earned him the honour of becoming a member of the legendary Montreal crew, Rock Flow, with whom he won several competitions.

With L.E.G.Z, Soul Step has organized camps, courses and workshops with the goal of passing on his passion to future generations. Whether in competitions, shows or performances, Soul Step and his authentic style always leaves its mark.

Soul Step was part of the original cast of IZM and has been a member of Bboyizm dance company ever since.

Wary the Warrior

El Houari “Wary the Warrior” Si Abdelkader

Born and raised in France, Wary the Warrior started B-boying in 1996, at the age of 12. European pioneers such as Aktuel Force and Battle Squad inspired him to study and embody the B-boy lifestyle at an early age.

In 2003 he went on his first pilgrimage to New York City, the Mecca of Hip Hop, where dancers such as Pjay71, King Uprock and Break Easy introduced him to Rock Dance (aka Rocking). In 2005, he joined the legendary Dynasty Rockers.

He is considered to be a pioneer of Rocking in Europe.

Wary is very involved in the preservation and development of Rocking worldwide. His passion and perseverance have led him to travel to countries such as Finland, Sweden, Holland, Italy, Poland, Austria, Brazil, U.S.A, Taiwan and Canada to perform, compete, teach and judge. In 2011 he founded his own Rocking crew called Kossassins, alongside B-boy Crazy Smooth.

Wary the Warrior is an established Rock dancer & B-boy who has been sharing his unique talent with Bboyizm dance company since 2011.

Strife

Mathieu “Strife” Bilodeau

Strife has been dancing and living the art of b-boying for 13 years. B-boy Strife is part of the Funk Thieves crew, with whom he enjoys practicing and competing. Strife has had the good fortune to participate in the Blueprint for Life Project, conducting social work through the art of b-boying in Nunavut.

Strife has spent the last eight years performing and touring with Bboyizm dance company. He is part of the original cast of the company’s first theatre piece, IZM, and was involved in the creation and development of Bboyizm’s second theatre work, Music Creates Opportunity.

The art of b-boying provides Strife with fulfillment, both on an artistic and personal level. He is constantly striving to deepen his understanding of the b-boying art form and what it encompasses.

B-girl Tiff

Tiffany "TIFF" Leung Long

Tiffany started breaking after witnessing a B-girl throw down footwork in 2013,during her first year at university. She instantly fell in love with the powerful and expressivemovementand has since immersed herself instreet dance culture. Drawing on her background as a competitive gymnast, she has landed on the sweet spot between expression and execution, fluidly integrating the athleticism of gymnastics with the creative elements of street dance. She is also influenced bydifferent styles including House and Waacking. With a focus on formand execution, Tiffany naturally gravitates towards more acrobatic movements and an explosive style.

Tiffany hasentered competitions across Canada, notably winning KeepRockinYou’s Bonnie and Clyde, Toronto in 2019, 1v1 B-girl Steal the Scene Jam, Kingston in 2016 and KeepRockinYou’s 3v3 Generation Battle [past, present, and future], Toronto in 2015. Tiffany is currently ranked in the top eightB-girl Red Bull E-battles.

Tiffany earned a Bachelor of Computing (BCS), Honors, in Cognitive Sciencefrom Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario and is currently working as an Artificial Intelligence Sr. Consultant at Deloitte. Tiffany represents the all-female Kuru Crew based in Toronto. She plans to share her style and immerse herself in other dance cultures by traveling and competing at an international level.

MR. MIGHTYFRESH

LYON “MR. MIGHTYFRESH” BELIARD

Lyon Beliard, a.k.a. Mr. MightyFresh, was raised in Montreal. His exposure to hip-hop culture happened early: at the age of seven, he caught his first glimpses of hip-hop and street dance on television and in live performances. Immediately, fascination for hip hop, and for live performance, were sparked. As time went on, school dances and street hits became his playground to develop his passion for dance. This passion continued to grow as he and his family relocated to the Ottawa/Gatineau region. It’s here that, driven by a shared drive to dance, Mr. MightyFresh and close friends formed the Dreamteam crew. Dreamteam immediately came on the scene as leaders of the new generation, travelling across the country to perform and compete. Throughout this time of wanderings, Mr. MightyFresh maintained strong relationships working and performing with artists of the Ottawa/Gatineau community. After a journey full of wonderful blessings, the members of Dreamteam decided to each carve their own paths forward. Mr. MightyFresh’s path would eventually lead him to join Bboyizm, Canada’s premiere award-winning street dance company. As a core member of Bboyizm’s family, Mr. MightyFresh has had the opportunity to share the culture of hip-hop with his hometown, and the world.

MONTUU

MARK “MONTUU” COLLANTES

Mark “Montuu” Collantes is a multi-disciplinary artist with formal training as a Graphic Designer. At only 15 years old, Mark’s passion for Breaking was ignited; over time, this passion has grown into an all-encompassing obsession, drawing him into the culture of Hip Hop. His two passions for visual art and dance now meet to feed his creative energy.

Mark’s style revolves around dynamic movements, transitions, and power moves. His aim is to create a unique style and approach to Breaking, complete with moves that are distinctly his own.

Mark is a member of several notable crews, including Unknown Floor Force, Breadcrumbs Crew (Ottawa), and Jamillz (Japan). Mark’s ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy in Breaking and inspire future generations of Breakers and artists.

JC FRESH

JAYSON “JC FRESH” COLLANTES

JC Fresh is a 26-year-old professional B-boy who currently lives in Toronto, Ontario. He started dancing at the age of 14 and has been competing internationally for 9 years. He has participated in WDSF World Breaking Challenge Japan (2023), WDSF World Breaking Challenge South Korea (2022), You Be Ill - The Vaccine (2020), Battle Of The Year (2019), The Legits Blast Prague (2018), and several other competitions worldwide.

He is known for generating explosive transitional moves while maintaining fluidity and continuity. These features give an unpredictable and sporadic feel to his dance.

Aside from breaking, JC Fresh has also immersed himself in different art mediums such as cuisine, fashion, clothing design, as well as dance styles alongside B-boying. He is part of Breadcrumbs Crew (Ottawa) and Unknown Floor Force (Toronto).

As a member of Bboyizm, JC Fresh has connected with mentors who have helped him continue to grow as a dancer. He hopes to pass on to future generations the valuable knowledge he is acquiring, which continues to expand his creativity and skills as an artist.

Vibz

ROMAIN "Bboy Vibz" GAILHAGUET

Bboy Salty Vibz est le surnom de Romain Gailhaguet, danseur originaire de Toulouse (France) et installé à Montréal. Romain découvre le bboying dans des vidéos clips à l'âge de 14 ans. Il se passionne alors immédiatement par cette forme d’art, attiré par la créativité et l’énergie qui s’en dégagent. Il apprend les rudiments de cette danse avec les jeunes danseurs de son quartier, qui s'entraînent dans des halls d’immeubles et de son université. Fortement influencé par les arts martiaux qu’il pratique depuis l’âge de 7 ans, Romain apprend très vite et se fait rapidement un nom dans les battles de sa région. En 2006, il devient membre fondateur et leader du collectif de danseurs FreeZtyle Impakt, avec lequel il gagne de nombreuses compétitions.

Pendant plus de 10 ans, il perfectionnera sa danse avec de grands noms du Bboying tels que : Karim Barouche (Aktuel Force, France), Abdoul Djouri (Olympic Starz, France), Born (Rivers, Korea), Ken Swift (Rock Steady Crew, USA), Flea Rock (Skill Methodz, USA), Nacéra Hurricane (J4R, France), Laos (Créteil Style, France) etc.

Cumulant plusieurs victoires lors de battles en France et au Canada, Romain Gailhaguet vient enrichir son parcours artistique avec sa participation comme danseur professionnel à plusieurs événements public tel que Shower Light Blues (France 2012), Qui bougera le dernier (Montréal 2015), Le Musée s’éclate au rythme de la diversité (Montréal 2015) et La Bacchannale du Vieux-Port de Montréal (2015).

En 2015, il est recruté par la compagnie Ample Man Danse, pour laquelle il devient un des principaux danseurs. Il apparaît dans les spectacles KLIMA, Divisible et Piano public et découvre dès lors, les nouvelles possibilités de création que lui offre la danse contemporaine.

Depuis, il a dansé pour des compagnies de danse renommés tel que: Destins Croisés de Ismaël Mouaraki et danse désormais pour la compagnie Bboyizm de Yvon Soglo (bboy Crazy Smooth), qui a récemment remporté 4 prix DORA (2022) avec le spectacle In My Body.

Romain a également créé son propre organisme: le collectif Flow avec Émilie Demers. Il continue ainsi de s'épanouir sur la scène.

Bon communiquant, passionné et animé par la soif de transmettre ses connaissances, Romain Gailhaguet travaille également au développement de sa discipline en donnant des stages d’initiation et de perfectionnement au breaking, tant en France qu’au Canada.

ANGE

Ange

From a young age, Ange knew she had a passion for dance. Her eyes would light up when watching shows like So You Think You Can Dance and ABDC, as she would try to imitate the moves she saw on screen.

At 17, when moving to Montréal, she started training in commercial and classical dance styles. She appeared on local TV shows like “Les Dieux de la Danse” and “En Mode Salvail”. Her vocabulary then expanded through various street dance styles, most particularly hip-hop, popping and breaking. With a fierce determination to elevate her skills, Ange embarked on a journey that took her to battle through multiple cities across Canada, Europe and Asia.

She hopes to continue mixing dance and travel as a way to dive deeper into a country’s culture. Aside from dance, Ange has a strong passion for the visual arts and cultural mediation. She is the newest addition to the Bboyizm dance company.

KARYIN QIU

Karyin is a first-generation Hakka Chinese Canadian artist born in Whitehorse, Yukon. In 2011, she attended the local street dance festival, ‘Cypher for Change,’ where she saw the final battle of Canadian crews Ground Illusionz (GI) vs GroundWork Sessions (GWS). The music, energy, and freedom to express one’s individuality through movement immediately sparked her love for Hip Hop and Breaking. In that moment she began a life-changing journey of growth toward belonging and self-actualization.

In 2016, Karyin moved to Toronto to pursue a career as a professional dancer and completed the Commercial Dance Studies program at George Brown College. She expanded her artistic career with Borealis Soul, Footnotes, FlowHer House Collective, Unity Charity, VIBE Arts, and most recently, Bboyizm Dance Company. Notable performances include the Arctic Winter Games in Greenland, Human Nature and The Call at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse, The Journey Musical at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto, the Ladies of Hip Hop Festival’s One Dream at the Alvin Ailey Theatre in New York, and Evolution of B-Boying at Danse Encore International Dance Festival in Trois-Rivieres. Karyin thanks everyone she has connected with in the dance communities across Canada and internationally for her growing knowledge and inspiration.

For over 10 years, Karyin has dedicated her life to cultivating her artistry and involvement in the street dance scene. Having grown up in an isolated rural community, Karyin found acceptance and understanding of her identity as a Hakka Chinese B-Girl through Hip Hop and continually strives to grow by learning new skills, learning about herself and her lineage, engaging in community gatherings, going clubbing in each city she visits, and studying Hip Hop and its roots in African American culture.

Today, Karyin is a devoted dancer who competes and performs in numerous cities and events across North America. She recently won the ‘Rise of the Next Generation’ 3v3 B-Girl Battle at The Red Bull BC One World Finals in New York. She plans to continue traveling abroad, performing, and competing internationally. Karyin is excited to continue building with Bboyizm, working on diverse creative projects that promote equity for marginalized people, collaborating with like-minded artists, and using her art to inspire positive change in the world.

Agent Lynx

Kate “Agent Lynx” Alsterlund

Agent Lynx began b-girling in 1998 with her crew Ellementale 5, and has trained intensively in Breaking and Street Dance Styles with local and international master teachers since 1999.

Lynx was honored to receive a BFA with Distinction in Contemporary Dance from Concordia University. Since then, she has joined the Bboyizm Dance Company and has seen her choreographic work presented at Festivals across North America. She currently dances with Legendary crew.

Lynx created a curriculum to teach b-boy/b-girl technique to university-level dance students within the Dance Department at UQÀM and continues to teach thousands of students of all ages and abilities in Montreal and across Canada.

She has worked with First Nations and Inuit youth at risk in remote northern communities and with people of all ages and abilities.

2023 marks her 25th year of Breaking and her 20th year of teaching, the latter of which she considers to be one of her greatest gifts and blessings.

Lynx continues to compete and has won 20 competitions across North America including the 2022 Redbull Montreal B-girl Battle.

She is often invited to judge competitions across Canada and the United States, and is frequently invited as a guest speaker for symposiums and panel discussions. Lynx has organized numerous dance events in Montreal since 2004.

Agent Lynx has been honored with multiple awards including the Under Pressure 20th anniversary Tribute Award, “In recognition of her ongoing dedication and contributions to the Hip Hop Community.”

Lynx is a renowned B-girl across Canada, all the while continuing on her artistic journey of artistic with the goal of uplifting herself and others through dance and creative expression.

JK-47

JACKIE "JK-47" AGUDO

Jackie Agudo, aka JK-47, is originally from Vancouver, Canada but is now based in Los Angeles, California. Representing Diamonds In The Rough & Supreme Beingz, she serves as a role model for multi-talented & hardworking artists from all over. A recognized international competitor, performer and workshop facilitator, she continues to encourage and inspire the generations with her love and passion for this culture.

She has consistently executed on the grandest of stages, culminating her victories from IBE - We Bgirlz in Heerlen, Holland to becoming the first winner of the USA Redbull BC One Bgirl Finals in Houston, Texas. JK-47’s eminent status has only been further solidified with her work off the floor with one of the well-known Hip Hop theater and tour productions. Standing as one of the members of the Award Winning Cast of The Hip Hop Nutcracker 2019. She now brings her cultural and competitive talents with UniverSOUL Hip Hop in Los Angeles through education and show production.

Nubian Nene

Nubian Néné

Nubian Néné is a Montreal native and a New York-based dancer/choreographer who weaves Street & Club dances to create her unique captivating style. Her resilience and hard work stem from her Haitian roots, enabling her to expand into a producer, a creative director, a curator, a visual artist, and a teacher. She’s a reliable asset to the innovative Montreal-based multidisciplinary collective: FRGMNT. Her mentors, some of the pioneers of the Street & Club dance cultures, support, encourage, and inspire her to identify cultural references, to be involved and engaged in community, and through pedagogy help carry the weight of legacy. Signature Verses Liberation (2022), an ode to architecture, dance, and drawing, is her first visual art installation, and proof of harmony. A hybrid context, with an amalgam of texture, layers, and patterns examined and imagined by the artist. She's the creator of Waack Bazaar, The Essence Experience, Glasses & Laces, and A Lady in The House Dance Company.

Zepol Rock

Marie-Pier “Zepol Rock” Lopes

Zepol Rock was inspired to dive into the world of Hip Hop after meeting Artistic Director, Choreographer and Bboyizm dance company founder Crazy Smooth.

She is a multidisciplinary artist who is very active in the worlds of visual arts and media. She has advanced training in Ballet and is currently focused on urban styles such as b-girling. She is also constantly nurturing her career as a visual artist.

Zepol Rock has taught students of all levels in Ottawa and Vancouver and, in 2020, brought her pedagogy as far as New Zealand. Zepol Rock is proficient in other dance styles such as Rocking, Hustle, House, Latin Dances, and has most recently started learning Pantsula, Lindy Hop and Jive.

She has been a member of Bboyizm Dance Company since 2009, and has toured Canada with the original cast of the company’s theatrical production IZM. She has had the immense pleasure of dancing for numerous commercials, as well as starring in and choreographing music videos for Quebecois singers Bernard Adamus and Ariane Moffat. She has enjoyed performing for the Juste pour rire Festival as well as Cirque Éloïze on various shows.

Melly Mel

Mélissa "Melly Mel" Flérangile

From contemporary to street dance, Melly Mel has been mastering her craft for years with passion and devotion. She has appeared in several Hollywood motion pictures, including Sex In The City 2, Honey, and the Academy Award-winning and critically-acclaimed Chicago. She has performed at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards and on the Jay Leno Show. Melly Mel performed with internationally renowned street magician Magical Bones in his 2020 Britain’s Got Talent semi-final and final acts.

In 2005, Melly Mel joined Cirque du Soleil, participating in the creation of The Beatles LOVE - a celebratory production honoring the legacy of the Beatles. She performed with the show until 2008.

From 2010 to 2012, Melly Mel toured with Cirque Eloize’s iD, including a performance on one of the most renowned TV shows in France, Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. She has performed in prestigious theaters worldwide, such as the Wang Theater in Boston, Marina Bay Sands Theater in Singapore and Theatre National de Chaillot in Paris. She recently began training and performing with Tentacle Tribe, a Swedish-Canadian based dance company.

Melly Mel has started a movement, working with youth in different communities around the world. She uses her passion for dance to motivate and empower young people to shape the course of their lives and transcend the ordinary. Find more details at mellymelinspires.com

Melly Mel has been a key member of Bboyizm from the very beginning and has acted as its Assistant Artistic Director on various projects. Her most recent masterwork is the 2017 birth of her son, Akintayo.

You can find Melly Mel currently touring for sold out crowds in the United Kingdom with her fiancé, Magical Bones.

As she aspires to inspire people from different walks of life, Melly Mel shares her purpose to “Live. Laugh. Love” through dance!

melly mel

bourrik

dirty D

miss
marie
monsta

soulStep

TASH

Wary the Warrior

strife

lynx

DKC Freeze

zepol rock

julie Rock

JK-47

Karyn Qiu

montuu

anyo

Vibz

nubian nene

jc fresh

ange

Tiff

mr mightyfresh

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NETWORK

We’re proud to be surrounded by a network of talented people who work with us as we continue to push the boundaries of street dance.

VIDEOGRAPHER AND ARCHIVIST

Toyi Soglo - videographer and archivist.

VIDEOGRAPHER

Yves Soglo is a freelance videographer and video editor based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. He’s responsible for Bboyizm’s excellent videos.
yves.soglo@gmail.com

DESIGNS OF COLLOR

Founded by Bboyizm Dance Company members (and brothers) Jerick, Jayson and Mark Collantes, Designs of Collor is a Multi-Media Design Agency that keeps Bboyizm looking good across social media platforms, through images and videos.
https://www.instagram.com/doc.collective/

COMPOSER & MUSICAL COLLABORATOR

DJ Shash'U is a Montreal-based DJ and composer, renowned for his tracks featured in dance battles across the world. DJ Shash'U is an integral part of the Bboyizm team as composer and musical collaborator.
www.djshashu.com

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FUNDERS

Bboyizm street dance company Canada gratefully acknowledges support from these funding organizations:

Canada Council for the Arts

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $153 million to bring the arts to Canadians throughout the country.
The Canada Council for the Arts is a federal, arm's-length Crown corporation created by an Act of Parliament in 1957 (Canada Council for the Arts Act) "to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts."

www.canadacouncil.ca

Ontario Arts Council

The Ontario Arts Council is an arm's-length agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. OAC's grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support arts education, Aboriginal arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Franco-Ontarian arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts.

www.arts.on.ca

Conseils des arts et des lettres Quebec (CALQ)

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec supports, throughout Québec, creation, experimentation, production and dissemination in the realms of the visual arts, the arts and crafts, literature, the performing arts, the multidisciplinary arts, cinema and video, the digital arts and architectural research.

www.calq.gouv.qc.ca

National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country.

nac-cna.ca

Ottawa Dance Directive (odd)

Ottawa Dance Directive is a contemporary arts space for dance. odd programs dance to nourish its resident artists and the local community while stimulating growth beyond its borders.

www.odd-cdc.org

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

As part of Bboyizm’s mandate to preserve and promote the foundation, authenticity, and essence of street dance, we offer a variety of programs for schools, communities, and corporations. We offer these programs in both of Canada’s official languages.

School Programs

We’re not just dancers – we’re also experienced educators who love to share our passion for dance and self-expression with young people, their parents and teachers alike.

Learn more about our SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Community Programs

True to the essence of street dance, Bboyizm works to preserve and promote authentic street dance within the communities we tour.

Learn more about our COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Special Requests

We’re creative to the core and love to entertain special requests for inspiring performances, outreach, and events.

Make a SPECIAL REQUEST: gilliancreid@icloud.com

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

“We were delighted to present the Evolution of B-Boying at the Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival. Bboyizm delivered a high energy, interactive show that had teachers, parents and kids of all ages groovin’ to the beat. Bboyizm took audiences on a guided tour of history of dance and b-boying that was complemented with a positive messaging about working hard for something you love and following your dreams.”
- Nancy Abrahamson, Festival Director of The Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival.

We’re not just dancers – we’re also experienced educators who love to share our passion for dance and self-expression with young people, their parents and teachers alike. Our school programs, offered in both of Canada’s official languages, includes a show and a workshop:

The Evolution of B-Boying Show

Born in the early 1970s, B-Boying (Breakdancing), now has a significant international following and reputation. In addition to its roots in contemporary black history, particularly Funk music, and African American culture, thedynamic acrobatic aspects of B-Boying make it one of the most unique dances in the world.

The Evolution of B-Boying show brings together the best local street dancers to amaze students and teachers alike, while educating them about the evolution of street dance and Hip Hop culture in a fun and stimulating environment.

Evolution is Bboyizm’s most versatile show. It can be custom-fit for 30-minute to 1-hour shows, and is ideal for school gymnasiums, malls, and similar spaces.

Foundations of B-Boying Workshop

Bboyizm’s dancers transmit their passion and respect for the history and art of B-Boying, educating students on the roots and different techniques of Breakdancing. This is a unique chance to learn B-Boying and Hip-hop culture in a safe way, from dedicated professionals.

Program Details:

Languages: English, French, Bilingual Ages: Grades 4-12; teachers; parents;
general public; youth at risk Options:Half day (two 1-hour sessions);
Full day (four 1-hour sessions) Maximums: audiences up to 300 for the show;
up to 30 participants per workshop Venues: school gyms, community centres

Study Guide

Download the Study Guide for this School Program (PDF)

Promotional video

Schools in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and GTA please contact:

MASC 613-868-6272 www.masconline.ca

All other inquiries:

Gillian Reid, Tour Manager 902-275-8819 gilliancreid@icloud.com

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

True to the essence of street dance, Bboyizm street dance company Canada works to preserve and promote authentic street dance within the communities where we live and tour. We have a strong presence in the Canadian street dance community and are equally active in local community centers and dance schools.

Our community programs, offered in both of Canada’s official languages, include:

Studio Programs

Many of our dancers are experienced, professional teachers devoted to sharing their passion for street dance with all levels and all ages of dancers. We teach technical foundations for these disciplines: B-Boying & B-Girling Rocking House Locking Hip Hop Pantsula Hustle and more. We also teach choreography performance skills conditioning and keep classes fun and exciting. Talk to us about: School shows and workshops by company dancers Master classes for dance studios and crews Residencies Judging dance competitions

Showcases & Demonstrations

Share us – and street dance – with your entire community.
We are available for: Short demonstrations (malls, festivals, community events) Lectures and motivational speeches –
the history of street dance, living and learning through hip-hop culture, the experience of becoming a professional dancer, and other topics Other customized activities to suit

Community Program Details:

Languages: English, French, Bilingual Ages: all Venues: community centres, shopping centres, outdoor plazas, festivals, stages, studios, and more

City of Kingston community project video

All other inquiries:

Gillian Reid, Tour Manager 902-275-8819 gilliancreid@icloud.com

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PUBLIC WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

We’re not just dancers – we’re also experienced educators who love to share our passion for dance and self-expression with people of all ages and dance levels.

We are experienced in teaching the foundations of:

Street dance styles including: B-Boying, Rocking, House, Hip Hop, Pantsula, Locking, Hustle, and more Choreography Performance Physical conditioning

Learn more about our Weekly Classes, Workshops, and Hustle Sessions.

Booking inquiries:

Crazy Smooth, Artistic Director & Choreographer 819-923-0454 info@bboyizm.ca

WORKSHOPS

Workshops are immersive activities during which Bboyizm’s dancers share their knowledge, skills, and passion with students. The power of dance enchants, and provides participants with an opportunity to express themselves in new ways.
We offer dance workshops and master classes in various street dance styles, adapted for beginner to advanced levels. Workshops generally take place in dance schools, elementary & high schools, and as complementary outreach activities in conjunction with company production tours.
Refer to our Calendar for upcoming workshops, or contact us to book regular sessions.

Dance Styles: B-Boying Rocking House Hip Hop Pantsula Locking Hustle Choreography Performance Physical conditioning

Booking inquiries:

Crazy Smooth, Artistic Director & Choreographer 819-923-0454 info@bboyizm.ca

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HUSTLE

About Hustle:

A unique three-count partner dance danced to four-count music, Hustle originated in urban clubs in the 1970s. From its inception, Hustle fused elements of various dances including Latin and disco, and was heavily influenced by popular music of the time, creating a unique social dance. To this day, Hustle is continuously evolving and is one of the few social dances born and cultivated in the U.S.

Crazy Smooth is part of the resurgence of Hustle in North America and Europe. Come learn this dynamic partner dance from the b-boy who brings a unique street dance aesthetic to Hustle, and find out why it is captivating today's youth and street dancers around the world.

Refer to our Calendar for upcoming Hustle sessions, or contact us to book a private or group lesson.

Hustle session videos

Hustle Sessions promo

Booking inquiries:

Crazy Smooth, Artistic Director & Choreographer 819-923-0454 info@bboyizm.ca

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IN MY BODY

FINDING "OUT"

PATINA

MCO SHOW

SORRY

IZM SHOW

EVOLUTION OF BBOYING SHOW

THEATRE REPERTOIRE

“In My Body is a major accomplishment for street dance in Canada. Crazy Smooth and crew deliver jaw-dropping choreography while carrying a powerful message of intergenerational community and resiliency. Our audiences were as energized as they were moved by the high-level artistry of the production.
In My Body satisfies on every level: the dancing is exceptional, the production values are strong, and the message is uplifting.”
- Brendan Healy, Artistic Director, Canadian Stage

In My Body

In My Body is Crazy Smooth’s largest scale work to date, with investments from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, a CanDance large project grant and a two-year artist in residency at the CCOV. Crazy Smooth was named the 2020 Clifford E Lee Choreography award winner for this creation project.
Learn more about In My Body

Patina

First performed as part of the National Arts Centre's Dance Forth series, Patina explores the texture and character that develop when someone is lovingly worn out. Crazy Smooth and collaborator Saxon Fraser blend movements seamlessly in this poignant piece, taking from contemporary, breaking and hustle styles, to reveal the imperfections incurred over time to something that was once shiny and new.
Learn more about Patina

Finding “Out”

A digital performance commissioned in 2021 by the National Arts Centre for their pandemic series#DanceForth, Finding “Out” is a unique collaboration between Crazy Smooth and his mentor, Canadian dance icon Tedd Robinson.
Learn more about Finding “Out”

Sorry

SORRY was originally staged as a multidisciplinary live performance but with funds from the Canada Council’s Digital Originalpandemic initiative, it has been repurposed into a three-episodedigital series. Each episode is bookended with video of the artist collaborators in discussion with social bias experts to tease out the elements of implicit bias held within the story. An excellent educational module for students of many artistic and academic disciplines.
Learn more about Sorry

Promenade

Filmed in the beautiful forest surrounding Saint-Sauveur, Québec, PROMENADE is a partly-improvised meditation on dualities: togetherness and solitude, stillness and fluidity, action and inaction. The artists b-boy Crazy Smooth and clarinetist Simon Aldrich (with music composed by Marc Hyland) come face-to-face in this bucolic space, engaging in an expertly crafted dialogue on Self and Other.
Learn more about Promenade

Music Creates Opportunity

The company’s critically acclaimed latest touring stage production, Music Creates Opportunity, explores the intersection of rhythm, expression, and community in the making of music and dance. The 1-hour show features 7 of Canada’s most talented dancers performing Rocking, B-Boying, House, Pantsula, Hustle, and the Artistic Director’s innovative concept of Rhythmic Contact.
Learn more about Music Creates Opportunity

IZM

Bboyizm’s 2010, award-winning touring stage production, IZM, explores the very nature of artistic expression through the dialogue between the artist’s intentions and the viewer’s desires. IZM brings together 10 of Canada’s most talented performers in a 1-hour show that draws primarily from the first two hip-hop dance styles, Rocking and B-Boying.
Learn more about IZM

The Evolution of B-Boying

True to the essence of street dance, Bboyizm works to preserve and promote authentic street dance within the communities we tour. Our education and outreach activities leverage street dance as a tool for youth, educators, and parents to connect through a shared understanding of self-expression.
Learn how we can engage with your audiences & communities

Tour Activities & Outreach

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IN MY BODY

“Audience members who think that Bboyizm’s In My Body is going to be an evening devoted only to dazzling hip-hop dance tricks are in for a surprise. While there is certainly that element in the production, overall, In My Body is a serious show that deals with a serious theme. At the heart of the choreographic intent is the question of aging in an art form that we associate with the young.”
Paula Citron, The Globe and Mail

In My Body features an intergenerational cast of 10 dancers and an international creative team including original music by DJ Shash’U.

In My Body explores the multi-generational dynamic and the hardship and heroism of aging in street dancing. In keeping with hip-hop culture, b-boys/b-girls present a façade of confidence and invincibility as they engage in battles to prove their value and establish their dominance. The resulting vocabulary is one of the most physically demanding and visually impressive of the dance genres and leaves no room for the expression of vulnerability.

In this dynamic investigation into how street dancers persevere in the battle against time, In My Body links the culture of hip-hop with a multi-generational company of dancers. Writer Alejando Rodriguez provides a powerful backdrop of personal stories of survival, triumph, and defeat drawn from interviews that he conducted with the dancers including DKC Freeze, the oldest dancer in the company (born 1965), and Tash (born 1971).

Show Details:

Title: In My Body Length: 60 minutes, no intermission Choreographer: Crazy Smooth Assistant Choreographer: Saxon Fraser Original Music: DJ Shash’U Writer: Alejandro Rodriquez Multimedia Designer: Thomas Payette (mirari) Touring Information: 10 dancers, 4 technical crew, 1 tour manager

Funding Support:

Executive Producer: Centre de Création O Vertigo Developed with support from: The National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund Co-production partners: Bboyizm, The CanDance Network Creation Fund, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Brian Webb Dance Company, Yukon Arts Centre, dance Immersion, and Canadian Stage.

Promotional Material:

Press Kit: download pdf Promotional videos:

IMB Trailer

IMB Extrait

IMB Excerpt

Show photos:

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PATINA

“The first piece, entitled “Patina,” was choreographed and performed by Saxon Fraser and Crazy Smooth. A beautiful love story told through modern dance, including some break dance moves, Fraser and Crazy Smooth were mesmerizing. I loved watching them move together, how sometimes one would rest their head on the other as their body continued to dance. They were perfectly in sync when they needed to be and then moved beautifully on their own when it was their time to shine. It had such a clear story and it was told marvellously”
A View From the Box - Janine Marley

Patina premiered in October 2020, as part of the National Arts Centre livestream dance event, Dance Forth. It was then presented at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, participating in the 2022 installment of Moonhorse Dance Theatre’s nationally acclaimed performance series, Older & Reckless.

Show Details:

Title: Patina Length: 5 minutes 30 seconds Choreographers: Saxon Fraser and Crazy Smooth Performers: Saxon Fraser and Crazy Smooth Music Credit: Maggot Brain by Funkadelic

Promotional Material:

Promotional video:
Filming by: Yves Soglo
Video Editing by: Saxon Fraser

Patina Trailer

Show photos:

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PROMENADE

“L’effet provoqué pour nous -public de la vidéo- est double : une immersion complète dans cette nature luxuriante et, d’autre part un partage du parcours personnel du danseur aux qualités corporelles exponentielles.”
A View From the Box - Janine Marley

PROMENADE was commissioned by the Festival des arts de Saint-Sauveur, in collaboration with the Orchestre Métropolitain of Montreal, as part of the Festival's 2020 A Shared Solitude digital performance series.

Show Details:

Title: Promenade Length: 6 minutes 45 seconds Choreographer: Crazy Smooth Performers: Crazy Smooth (Dancer)Simon Aldrich (Musician, Clarinet) Composer: Marc Hyland

Video

Production:
Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur
Director:
Louis-Marin Charest

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FINDING "OUT"

What happens when you cross a performing artist and former zen monk with a West African-born self-taught B-boy, and situate them in an empty opera hall? The answer is greater than the sum of the parts as they realize a program of spoken word and movement, creating and performing together for the first time in their collective 64 years of practice. Two divergent dance practitioners combine forces in a work that features each of their unique aesthetics in unexpected ways.

Show Details:

Title: Finding “Out” Length: 30-minute video Choreographers: Tedd Robinson (10 Gates Dancing) Crazy Smooth (Bboyizm Dance Company) Music/Sound: Charles Quevillon Writer: Alejandro Rodriquez Videographers: Yves Soglo Assistant: Mathieu Brunet

Promotional Material:

Promotional video:

Finding "Out"

Show photos:

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SORRY

“We left the performance feeling that we had experienced something not only artistically excellent, but socially relevant.”
Ronnie Brown, Marketing & Development Coordinator, The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

At its core, the story of SORRY reflects the collaborators’ deeply held belief in issues of social justice and the difficulties in communicating across the divide. To them the question of how to create, how to communicate, how to love across differences — be it racial, political, or artistic — remains at the heart of all our flailing and fumbling as a species. SORRY is an attempt to articulate that divisive divide through spoken word, dance, and projection.

Show Details:

Title: Sorry Length: In 3 digital episodes, approximately 45 minutes running time each Choreographers: Cindy Salgado and Crazy Smooth Writer: Alejandro Rodriquez Projection Designer: Yazmany Arboleda Sound Designer: Will Stone Director: Mauricio Tafur Salgado Set and Lighting Designer: Paul Hudson

Funding Support:

Canada Council Conseil des arts et des letter du Québec LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Promotional Material:

Promotional video:

Sorry Excerpt

Show photos:

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MUSIC CREATES OPPORTUNITY

“Music Creates Opportunity is an engaging and intelligent journey of spirit, of dance, and of life. This is a smart new presentation of heart and humour.”
Tedd Robinson, iconic Canadian choreographer, performer and educator

With its 2014 stage creation, Bboyizm dance company continues to explore themes of personal expression through authentic street dance, and to push the art form at its edges. While Bboyizm's first stage piece, IZM, challenged audiences' expectations of both street dance and the stage, Music Creates Opportunity considers the intersection of rhythm, expression, and community in the making of music and dance.

Music Creates Opportunity explores how music is a critical link between dancers. In coming together, dancers realize personal expression, individualized interpretation, and explore their own inner music. Their environment becomes a theatre of meeting – sometimes harmonious and gentle; sometimes antagonistic and in conflict; always transformative.

The show features traditional street dances including Rocking and B-boying, as well as newer forms such as House Dancing, Hustle, and – rarely seen on North American stages – Pantsula, a street dance from Soweto, South Africa. It also introduces the innovative concept of Rhythmic Contact as Crazy Smooth and his dancers mix traditional forms of dance contact with music and rhythmic patterns, much like tap dancers, always within the context of street dance.

Show Details:

Title: Music Creates Opportunity Length: 55 minutes, no intermission, plus optional post-show discussion Choreographer: Crazy Smooth Touring Information: 7 dancers, 2 techs, 1 touring manager

Funding Support:

Music Creates Opportunity is a co-production between the National Arts Centre Ottawa, Canada Dance Festival, and Bboyizm.
The creation of this show also received funding support from the City of Kingston and funding from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.

“The show [MCO] derives so much of its accessibility from simply presenting talented people who are doing something they love with people they enjoy being around. Their onstage rapport is disarming and can easily sweep you up for the duration of show.”

– Chris Marchand

Promotional Material:

Press Kit: download pdf Promotional videos:

MCO creation

MCO teaser

MCO pitch video

Show photos:

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IZM

“Crazy Smooth and his nine b-boys and b-girls have crafted a dance show that is witty and polished and absolutely belongs on the mainstream professional stage….IZM raises the bar of how hip-hop can make an artistic statement that it is more than just b-battles and dance-offs.”
Paula Citron, The Globe and Mail

Bboyizm’s 2010, award-winning touring stage production, IZM, explores the very nature of artistic expression through the dialogue between the artist’s intentions and the viewer’s desires. It was the only show to sell out at the 2010 Canada Dance Festival, altering and elevating preconceived notions of B-Boying and Hip Hop.

Choreographer Crazy Smooth presents street-dance tradition within the theatre performance setting. But rather than juxtaposing old and new, traditional and modern, street and theatre, he instead pushes the current boundaries of the dance spectrum. The show draws primarily on the first two Hip Hop dance styles, Rocking and B-Boying, to develop interplay between the artist’s intentions (which influence the viewer), and the viewer’s desires (which affect the artist).

IZM is a challenging piece for both the dancers and the audience. It brings together 10 of Canada’s most talented performers and, while the composition is acutely aware of its stage setting, the vocabulary of movement is improvised.

“IZM…These dancers work! The show is an engaging and intelligent journey of spirit,of dance, and of life.”

- Tedd Robinson, Artistic Director, 10 Gates Dancing Inc

Show Details:

Title: IZM Length: 60 minutes, no intermission, plus optional post-show discussion Choreographer: Crazy Smooth Touring Information: 10 dancers, 2 techs, 1 touring manager

Funding Support:

IZM received funding support from Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Conseils des Arts et Lettres du Québec.

“A daring and explosive confrontation between audience and artist that pushed the boundaries of theatrical expression - through dance - to the edge of post-modern consciousness.”

- Bateman Reviews

Promotional Material:

Press Kit: download pdf Promotional videos:

IZM teaser

What is the IZM show

Show photos:

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THE EVOLUTION OF B-BOYING

“The Evolution of B-boying delights audiences with vibrant, energetic performances and has inspired literally thousands of youth across the nation.”
Wendy Hartley, Program Director of MASC (Multi-Cultural Art for Schools and Communities)

Born in the early 1970s, B-Boying now has a significant international following and reputation. In addition to its roots in contemporary black history – particularly Funk music and African American culture – thedynamic acrobatic aspects of B-Boying make it one of the most unique dances in the world.

The Evolution of B-Boying brings together some of the best street dancers in the nation to present the history of b-boying/b-girling over three decades. The show that will amaze students and teachers alike educates and entertains, giving the audience insight into authentic street dance culture, with a real street dance battle and genuine interactions between the dancers and the audience, while educating them about the evolution of street dance and Hip Hop culture in a fun and stimulating environment.

Evolution is Bboyizm’s most versatile show. It can be custom-fit for 30-minute to 1-hour shows, and is ideal for school gymnasiums, malls, and similar spaces.

Show Details:

Title: The Evolution of B-Boying Length: 30 – 60 minutes Choreographer: Crazy Smooth Touring Information: 5-10 dancers

Promotional Material:

Study Guide: download pdf Promotional videos:

Evolution of Bboying promo

Evolution of Bboying promo2

Evolution Of B-boying show - A brief look

Show photos:

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ACTIVITIES & OUTREACH

True to the essence of street dance, Bboyizm dance company works to preserve and promote authentic street dance within the communities we tour. Our education and outreach activities leverage street dance as a platform for youth, educators, and parents to connect through a shared understanding of self.

Our outreach activities include:

Post Show Talk Back
School &Workshop Programs
Showcases & Demonstrations
Dance Parties
Promotional Support

Post Show Talk Back

Company dancers canengage with your audience during after-show discussions from the stage and dancersare usually found circulating in the lobby for photos and casual interactions with theatregoers.

School &Workshop Programs

All of our dancers are experienced, professional teachers devoted to sharing their passion for street dance with all levels and ages of dancers. We teach technical foundations for these disciplines: B-Boying & B-Girling, Rocking, House, Locking, Hip Hop, Pantsula, Hustle, and more. We also teach choreography, performance skills and conditioning, and keep classes fun and exciting.

School shows and workshops by company dancers
Master classes for local dance studios and crews
Residencies
Judging local dance competitions

Showcases & Demonstrations

We are available for:

Short demonstrations (malls, festivals, community events)
Lectures and motivational speeches – the history of street dance, living and learning through hip-hop culture, the experience of becoming a professional dancer, and other topics
Other customized activities to suit

Promotional Support

To help local presenters promote the shows, we are available for all of the following activity in both official languages:

Media interviews
Local TV demos
Local media filming of short segments during our tech rehearsal

See the company on tour

In My Body National Tour 2022 (Recap) - Edmonton

In My Body National Tour 2022 (Recap) - Whitehorse TOP

MEDIA COVERAGE

Here’s the buzz about Bboyizm

2023

Radio-Canada ICI Télé
CAPACOA Blog

In My Body Fall Tour
Telepácifico (Calí, Colombia)
Black Ottawa
Castanet
Vernon Morning Star

In My Body Summer Tour
Le Soleil
La Presse
Radio-Canada II Restera Toujours la Culture
FTA Blog
Le Devoir
Urbania
Vancouver Guardian
The Georgia Straight
Vancouver Sun
STIR Vancouver
Vancouver Presents
Global News Edmonton
St. Albert Gazette

2022

In My Body Winter Tour
Critics At Large
Radio-Canada ICI Ottawa-Gatineau
Radio-Canada Sur Le Vif
Radio-Canada Téléjournal Ottawa-Gatineau
Ludwig Van Toronto
Intermission Magazine
dance Immersion
Caribbean Camera
Toronto Observer
Edmonton Journal
Canadian Stage
CBC Radio - Q with Tom Power
CKUA - ALBERTA
Espace Perreault - Interview with Crazy Smooth
Espace Perreault - Interview with Alejandro Rodriguez
Espace Perreault - Interview with Crazy Smooth, Anyo, Julie Rock and Tash of In My Body

2021

SAVOIR Media
Radio-Canada ICI Ottawa-Gatineau
Ottawa Citizen

2020

Apt 613

2017

CBC News PEI
KawarthaNOW

2016

Independent
Standard

2014

Fall Tour 2014
Jay Minter
Review Vancouver
Straight
The Peak
Vancouver Presents

Spring Tour 2014
Dance World
Now Magazine
The Globe and Mail
Critics ar Large
Radio
CBC
Blog
danceworks

2012...

2012

Spring Tour 2012
CBC
Castanet
Straight.com
The Vancouver Courier
Maple Ridge News

Interview
In Converstion with the Grand Theater

Review
Bateman Reviews
Globe and Mail
Maple Ridge News
Fun Fun Vancouver Blog

APA Tour
CBC News

Children's Festival
Metro__NEED LINK

2011...

2011

20 August 2011
Le Droit, Danser Au Masculin

24 May 2010
Get Guerilla, In a hip hop mood at Canada Dance fest

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VIDEOS

Hustle session videos

Hustle Sessions promo

IN MY BODY

In My Body trailer 1

In My Body excerpt 1

In My Body excerpt 2

PATINA

Patina Trailer

SORRY

SORRY Excerpt

Music Creates Opportunity

MCO creation

MCO teaser

MCO pitch video

Highlights of our show in London England at Breakin Convention 2016

IZM

IZM teaser

What is the IZM show

Evolution of Bboying

Evolution of Bboying promo

Evolution of Bboying promo2

Evolution Of B-boying show - A brief look

ACTIVITIES & OUTREACH

The Move Collective

TOURING

In My Body National Tour 2022 (Recap) - Edmonton

In My Body National Tour 2022 (Recap) - Whitehorse

Bboyizm All day i dream about dance

Bboyizm Rehearsing before the tour

Bboyizm Toronto tour clip

Bboyizm Kingston tour clip

Bboyizm National tour - Burlington

SHOW AND PERFORMANCES

Bboyizm Shows

Bboyizm Shows and Performances

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CORPORATE OFFERINGS

Bboyizm street dance company offers custom performances and teambuilding workshops for corporate and private clients.

Corporate Performances

Whether it is a custom-designed performance or a company show, Bboyizm adapts to any setting, providing an entertaining and impressive show in a festive environment. Examples of private performances we have delivered include:

Contessa Awards STRUTT Wearable Fashion Loréal Canada Christmas party Ontario Tourism gala shows Tim Horton’s corporate events Flash mobs

Leadership Development

Our leadership-development workshop uses street dance as a means to develop leadership skills, confidence, creativity, and self-expression in an organization’s high performers. We collaborate with the organization to establish the duration, focus, and location of the leadership development experience.

Team Building

Our team-building workshop uses street dance as a platform to facilitate communication, problem solving, trust, and appreciation between individuals. We collaborate with management to establish the duration, focus, and location of the team-building experience.

Clips of our shows & performances

Bboyizm Shows

Bboyizm Shows and Performances

All other inquiries:

Gillian Reid, Tour Manager 902-275-8819 gilliancreid@icloud.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

CONTACT US

Gillian Reid

Tour Manager

gilliancreid@icloud.com
(902) 275-8819

Crazy Smooth

Artistic Director/Choreographer

crazysmooth@gmail.com
(819) 923-0454