Gainesville, it’s time to groove. Groovaloo, a 28-member dance company known for throwing caution and choreography to the wind, is performing tomorrow night at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The company head-spun its way into America’s hearts after jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “Superstars of Dance,” as well as on the live finale of this season of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
But when you catch a performance by the Groovaloos, expect the unexpected. Traditional choreography is considered a foreign concept, and the dancers aren’t afraid to test the laws of gravity.
Based out of Los Angeles and founded in 1999, the Groovaloos have created an artistry that sets powerful beats to the personal stories of the performers. The shows are themed around trust and courage, as the performances are directly based on the struggles and triumphs the dancers have experienced.
“The best way to describe our show is visually stunning,” said Bradley “Shooz” Rapier, the founder of the Groovaloos. “We break the stereotype of what people think hip-hop is.”
Rapier’s own entrance into the hip-hop world was unexpected. Growing up in Canada, he was the only African-American in his school and was never really introduced to the concept of formulaic dancing. Rapier finally discovered a passion and skill for movement in 11th grade at his high school dance when he was invited to join a street dance group.
Originally on a career path to becoming a doctor, Rapier decided to move to Los Angeles and find dancers who shared the same fire for movement. After holding ‘weekly jams’ at his house and bonding with fellow dancers, the Groovaloos were born.
“I formed the Groovaloos so I could be surrounded by dance at all times,” Rapier said. “I wanted to create not only a dance community but also a dance family.”
In 1999, the Groovaloos found success after winning first place at the American Street Dance Championship and have since found national fame.
The group is now touring nationally in order to share its street dance culture. The group’s performances use voice-overs to share the personal experiences of the dancers and integrates words with a unique form of movement. When the Groovaloos perform, you hear what you see.
“It’s a true story of our group and how we journey individually,” Rapier said. “The spoken word of our show explains what you’re seeing. It might be funny, touching or traumatic, but you see our experiences lived out on stage.”
In every movement or action, the Groovaloos use a mantra to help explain their inspiration to the audience: “Life isn’t always choreographed...sometimes you have to freestyle.”
“We use this as a metaphor for life,” Rapier said. “You don’t always know what is ahead of you, but you have to keep going and find a purpose. That’s what we try and share with the audience.”
The Groovaloos will spin into the Phillips Center Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Phillips Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location. Student tickets can be purchased for $10.50.
