I was watching a special on the news this morning, about students in Kenya competing for US scholarships to some of our best, scholastic establishments. My heart was touched as I witnessed the relentless spirit of these young people that come from poverty that many of us will never understand. I witnessed the remarkable struggles they faced in their daily lives and I was overwhelmed by their stories. It was such a joy to see the opportunities they were given –the fruits of their hard work. I really praise this organization KenSap (stands for Kenya Scholar-Athlete Program) that helps amazing, hard-working, individuals that were not blessed with our opportunities.
Then, my thoughts brought me to a friend I acquired on Face Book last year. Someone that shares his videos with me, and I have taken my time to critique & help him advance. Poppin JD is his dance name, also from Kenya, Africa. Above all the struggles these peoples face with poverty, oppression and adversity, JD somehow found the love for Popping. Every chance he gets, between studies and just “surviving” – he finds time to study this art form and those making it happen here in the states & worldwide. However, and unfortunately, there are no scholarships for Street Dancers in Kenya to assist him.
Among many of our own struggles (and I too have had my share) I often hear my own friends giving me excuses why they didn’t come to practice, or that they have no time. And here is JD, from Kenya - above the struggles of his challenging life - among the ample poverty of Kenya - he will find time to practice in a shadowy corner somewhere, wherever he can find a spot, with no support of his community.
So I felt as if his story could help us - help us really appreciate the opportunities that we have been blessed with, because everyone doesn’t have it like we do. And I hope that someday, I am able to fulfill JD’s dream of coming here to the states to train & compete and bless him with the opportunities of a Street Dance Scholarship. I have gotten to know this brother over the past year, and frankly folks, he deserves it. Against all odds, JD finds time to pursue this art form, and it makes me proud that someone so far away appreciates my skills and follows my progress - and I help him with his. May his story give you strength and hope - may it remind you to appreciate your own blessings.
I present
to you this brief interview with Poppin JD:
(1)
Aquaboogy:
How did you get into Popping?
JD: Well in Kenya there are no O.G’ s to inspire
someone. It all started with watching Michael
Jackson, Usher and Genuine dance. I would copy one move and do it all year as a
show off. I just couldn’t stop dancing. Then about 3 years ago I became serious
and didn’t dance for fun anymore and my passion grew bigger every minute.
(2)
Aquaboogy:
What are some of your daily challenges that people in other countries
may not understand?
JD: No place to practice. I mean there are no
dance academies so you practice in your living room (so small). No government
support especially if you are a street dancer.
No street battles, you will get caught and no one is willing to risk it.
There are so few dancers especially poppers. The list goes on…
(3) Aquaboogy: How do people in your country respond to your dancing?
JD: Most of them see it as waste of time,
it ain’t going to get me anywhere. Some say I need a good profession - but a
few say I am actually talented.
(4) Aquaboogy: What do you hope to accomplish with your dancing?
JD: Travel around the
world, get to inspire people, it really feels good to inspire someone that’s
for sure.
(5) Aquaboogy: How is it difficult for you to advance your dancing in your
country?
JD: Biggest difficulty is money, to be
an individual dancer with no support from anyone, you must have money or at
least be sponsored by someone, but there are none whatsoever. The only thing
you can do is just dance and wait for an opportunity.
(6) Aquaboogy: What message do you have for dancers around the world?
JD: Shut up and dance!!
Above all else, JD has a great sense of humor and is on point with his message to poppers worldwide! I hope one day I can assist this soldier of the dance to accomplish his goal: to come to the states, train & go compete worldwide & continue to inspire. As I am so fortunate to help inspire others myself, and spread this gift we call Street Dance, stories like his remind me why I do this. And when adversity knocks on your door and life makes it hard for you to dance and be free – remember - there are soldiers out there in harder places than yours friends – dancers that make time to pursue this dance & culture no matter if their main concern should be survival. As for JD, he’ll be a popping legend one day, and I will help him get there any way I can. In my eyes, he already is a legend for popping no matter what. Keep popping JD – your triumphs will make those struggles you are facing all worthwhile one day. Stay up friend, stay up Street Dance World, until next time.