Bobby Amamizu is not only a student at UC Irvine, but also a talented dancer since the age of five. You can currently catch him dancing in the new Cirque du Soleil show, Viva ELVIS, in Las Vegas, Nevada. From his beginnings as a dancer, Bobby has been under the direction of Monie Adamson of Focus Dance Center and began ballet training with Molly Lynch of Ballet Pacifica just a few years later. His television credits include Fiona Apple’s music video, Paper Bag; an Emmy Award-winning number for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, choreographed by Jason Samuel Smith; the United Television Broadcast; the Walt Disney music video, Your Library; America’s Most Talented Kids; and also Fame, a major motion picture, for which he performed as a feature dancer. This young, yet very experienced and humble dancer dances in a variety of styles, including commercial hip-hop under the direction of Definition of Creativity, based in San Diego, California.

If you ever wanted to embark on a journey through the diverse world of freestyle and hip-hop dance, snatching a ticket to The Groovaloos Show would be your best bet. What started off as a ritual gathering of street dancers in 1999 has turned into an off-Broadway tour across the nation. From their jaw-dropping dance moves, to the vibrant musical score, to the powerful spoken-word poetry, the Groovaloos are proof that dreams can come true and that dance can save lives.

After checking out the show in New York City, I caught up with Bradley Rapier, the original founder of the Groovaloos, and got the inside scoop on their journey thus far.

Mateo Magazine: Amazing show!! Word is that you are originally from Canada. Where were you born?

Bradley Rapier: Yes, I lived in Edmonton, Alberta until age six and was raised in Calgary, Alberta.

MM: So when did you move to Los Angeles?

Greatness as a dancer can mean countless hours of blood, sweat, love, and tears. With the latest trend on reality T.V. broadcasting the competitive world of dance, audiences get to witness a portion of the physical and mental struggles a dancer may face. Thanks to shows such as America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC), the recognition of dance has grown to another level.

I had the pleasure to speak with Mike Currasco “Murda”, a member of Supercr3w, an integration of three break dance crews. We talked about how a natural challenge with the unison of different crews is to remain strong as a whole and sticking together. Wanting the same things at the same time, and working hard on their art is a special connection they all had, which contributes to their success. On top of the mental connection that kept them together, there were responsibilities that had to be balanced, while striving to achieve great heights in the dance world.

"MATEO is an expression of our passion for life and determination to achieve our dreams.”  We have come to find that Luther Brown represents what we believe in. 

As one of the main judges and choreographers of “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” Luther has always been an intricate part to the show.  His role is to educate dancers, whether it is by choreography, or life lessons.  He wants them to succeed in their own craft, and make them understand, that nothing is achieved over night. 

“You have to pay your dues,” Luther states, “doesn’t matter how many things I’ve done...I still have to respect the guys that have been there for a while.  It doesn’t matter what your resume says, you need to have respect.”

Growing up in the Jane and Finch area, Luther has always had a great love for his community.