Luckman Fine Arts Complex - Intimate Theatre
Cal State L.A. February 1 -25, 2007

CAST


Bradley Rapier (SHOOZ)
(PRODUCER/CREATOR/WRITER)

Bradley "Shooz" Rapier was raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was there, in high school, that he joined StreetScape , the country's foremost street dancing troupe, introducing him to the magical qualities of street dancing that drive him to this day. After winning first place at the Canadian Talent Search , Bradley left his native homeland and ventured to the United States where he took top honors in both Los Angeles and New York at the International IMTA Awards . Soon after making Los Angeles his home he was nominated for a prestigious American Choreography Award, was honored with a Hip Hop Choreography Award and was nominated King of Hip Hop by the Dancers Alliance of Los Angeles. Bradley has choreographed key projects for MTV,  VH-1, NBC , and numerous corporate industrials and was a talent coordinator for Star Search on CBS. His commercial work includes Jeep, Lincoln, McDonalds , and Skechers and he's worked with such artists as Queen Latifah, Brian McKnight, Diana Ross, Fat Boy Slim , and Cameron Diaz . Bradley is constantly motivated to share the creativity and inspiration of the street dancing and hip hop cultures with the world.


Charlie Schmidt (VZION)

Charlie was born August 24 sometime last century. My father Charles Sr. was in the Army when he met my mother Eiko Minami on the beautiful island of Okinawa. I am a military brat! I've spent my life traveling and in doing so I have gained a deep respect for other cultures. I believe I've acquired my love for dance through my mother and my poetry through my father. Acting may be my own. Whether through movement, in character or on the page, life is my stage. Strange and Familiar.


Alison Faulk (AL STAR)

I was born in South Florida where I grew up in a musical household with amazing parents. I've dreamed of being a dancer since I was a little girl. I'm so blessed to be living that dream! I've had the opportunity to work with artists such as Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Pink, and Missy Elliott and in films such as American Beauty , Along Came Polly , and You Got Served , and Save the Last Dance Part 2 . Most recently I assisted on Madonna's Confessions Tour. Thank you to all of my teachers and friends for all of your guidance, love, and knowledge.


Edmundo Loayza (POE ONE)

I was born in Mountain View, CA, but raised mostly in Puerto Rico. In the 80's my NY cousins introduced me to bboying and the whole hip hop culture. I've been in a number of crews, most notably the Floor Rockers and Stylelements. I've had a lot of great experiences like traveling the world and meeting a lot of beautiful people, like the Groovaloos. Without this family in my life, I don't know where I'd be. They've kept me inspired. They've kept me sane. Just the dance itself... it's freedom.


Steven Stanton (BOOGIE MAN)

Steven was raised in Detroit, Michigan by his, mother Irene Stanton. She moved him and sister Tara out to LA in hopes of giving them a better future. Eventually making his living as a choreographer and dancer, his unique style put him in a league of his own. With his amazing since of musicality and soul, he not only dances to the music but becomes one with the music. He credits growing up in Detroit for that soul. He's worked with such artist as Michael Jackson, Prince, Snoop Dogg, and J.Lo just to name a few. Although being blessed with a wonderful career, it wasn't until he joined a group of talented artist with the same passion and reason for dancing, that he felt his greatest since of satisfaction. They're known as The Groovaloos. But Steven's biggest blessing is his greatest gift from God, his best friend, teacher of patience, and the love of his life... his daughter Taniesa!


Julie Urich (LADY JULES)

Lady Jules was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in Boulder, Co.  She has been dancing professionally for over ten years, from New York to Philadelphia to L.A., and her list of credits are miles long! Some of Jules career highlights are dancing on the Oprah Winfrey show, performing alongside Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker on consecutive Gap campaigns.  She has been seen in several major national commercials from Coke to I-Pod, Nike to Wal-Mart, and Jolly Rancher to Gap.  Jules has also performed alongside such artists as Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Missy Elliott, and Run-DMC.  Now, she is set to star in the upcoming motion picture, B-Girl, filming this summer.  Jules would like to thank some of her mentors, Dove Rose and Tracy Aziz for their constant inspiration and generosity to her growth as an artist.


Keeley Kaukimoce (LOCKN'KEY)

Keeley discovered her passion for singing, performing, and street dance at age 10. That passion lead her to learn most of the street dances through the years by watching music videos. She moved to LA to pursue a singing career, and found her Groovaloo family.   Lockn'Key has been privileged to train with original locker, Greg Campbellock Jr., along with Loose Caboose, Flomaster and other talented lockers. Her dance career has allowed her to do a variety of work, including Wrigley's, Pepsi, Legally Blonde , & You Got Served . She traveled to Fiji on a mission's trip in 2003 and unexpectedly met the man of her dreams, Osea Kaukimoce. She tied the knot in 2004 and started 2007 with a bang by having her first baby, lil princess, Kalia Marie Kaukimoce on January 10th, 2007.

 


Richard Vazquez (STEELO)

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, I later moved to Puerto Rico where I started performing in 1998. I came to L.A. in 2000 to dance as a b-boy, but I never imagined that I could live off my dancing. A big factor in the advancement of my career was meeting The Groovaloos. They gave me opportunities to dance, guidance, and support. I've been able to perform with Missy Elliot, Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, Will Smith, and have worldwide bboy titles. My most recent credit is touring with Gwen Stefani. I thank God for the doors that have opened for me. All the glory to my Lord Jesus Christ. Peace.


Teresa Espinosa (RAGDOLL)

Free as a bird. That's me. Dancing free as a bird... I'm blessed to have found this gift. It's allowed me to achieve dreams that I didn't know were possible, like dancing for Prince, or going on tour with Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, or, one of my proudest moments, receiving an Emmy Award nomination for "Outstanding Choreography." And the only thing I can say to that is - Thank You God! Thank you for the career I am continuing to experience, the people I've met along the way, and the amazing love and continual support I receive from my family.

 

Rynan Paguio (RAINEN)

started dancing at the early age of 12 as a bboy. He was inspired by crews from the early eighties and nineties such as Rock Steady, Battle Squad, Air Force, and NYC breakers. He started dancing professionally at age 18. Since then he has danced and competed with some of the best bboys, and hip hop dancers in the world & has danced for artists such as Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliot, Chingy, Ludacris, Blaque, and Gewn Stafani. He has also worked with Adidas, Nike, Pizza Hut, Mitsubishi, Anhieser Bush, and Skechers & is in such bboy/ hip hop crews as The Footwork Fanatix Crew,   Killafornia Crew, the Groovaloos, and his freestyle group called the Jabbawockies Crew. He always remains a student. Hip hop dance is an evolving dance that has a foundation but leaves you free to make   your own style. Without foundation a house will crumble. Without style you have no soul.

 

ENSEMBLE

Lindsey OUTTHERE Blaufarb

At age 13 I started freestyling in my living room and shortly after, took on musical theatre. At 17, following my dreams, I moved from San Antonio, Texas to LA and was accepted into The Edge's Scholarship Program. After completing the program, I was blessed to start working professionally. My credits include: LL cool J, Butch Walker, Pink, Missy Elliott, Omarion, Cristina Milian, Limp Bizkit, Jurassic Five, You Got Served , Love Don't Cost A Thing, and Beat Freaks . I am pleased to be part of the Groovaloos. There is nothing that compares to dancing on stage or off with the most loving, inspiring and talented people I have ever met. I am currently on tour back up singing and choreographing for Avril Lavingne. Thank you to my family and friends for your constant love and support!

Ivan FLIPZ Velez

Helllooo... Everybody... My name is "Flipz", and the reason? Well, I think it is self-explanatory. I am from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and proud of it! I want to thank each member of my crew, Skill Methodz, for always supporting me and keeping my style on its toes; to my loving family, friends and b-boys for all their unconditional support; to the Groovaloos for this wonderful opportunity & acceptance into their closely knit family. Thanx a lot! I most recently had the opportunity to work with Janet Jackson and in films such as Spider Man 3, Stomp The Yard, and Chicken Little (as his dance reference). Last, but not least, I want to thank God for every countless blessing he's given me since birth. Much love and respect to all.


John David JAEDEE McElroy

I am from Colorado 303 bayba!!! Before dance I played sports. So, when I started dancing at 14, it was a big change for me and my parents. People would always say "man who's that Asian dude? He's clownin' everybody," which encouraged me to dance in the industry.  Some doubted me and I was out to prove them wrong. When I was 18 I moved to LA. Three months into living in L.A. I booked my first job, a Pepsi commercial, and have been working ever since. Some of my credits include: Beyoncé, Usher, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Omarion, Destiny Child, Nelly Furtado, You Got Served, Collateral, Right Guard, and Mcdonalds. Overall, dance has changed my life. It's not only my job but it's my passion and my love.


Jon DO KNOCK Cruz

Do Knock grew up in the city of Moreno Valley, CA. At age ten, Do Knock wanted to learn how to bboy like his older brother Jake. He co-founded a crew named "Sent From Above" that later changed to "Battle Monkeys". Do Knock experienced his share of wins and losses, but his spirit would never give up. Through it all he developed his own style and the opportunity arose to try out for Star Search. All the battles he lost prepared him for his greatest win, $200,000 Star Search Finale Champion for 2003. He continues to encourage others to pursue their own dreams. Jon has met so many people and continues to enjoy the challenges that are before him.



Randy DJ WISH Bernal

Randy has been a product of the hip hop culture since the tender age of 10. He grew up djing and dancing with various crews like Jughead Tribe, Culture Shock SF, and Jedi Clan, but most known for representing the Mindtricks. He is currently dancing with the Jabbawockeez Crew. Originally from the San Jose bay area, Wish relocated to L.A. to learn the true foundation of bboying, locking, popping, and house. And what better source to obtain the knowledge than The Groovaloos. You can catch Wish djing at the Choreographers Carnival held once a month showcasing works of the hottest choreographers from all over.

SWING CAST
Cristina Benedetti was born and raised in Verona, Italy and moved for her passion for lockin', poppin', house and freestyle dance to Paris, where she became (with lots of training and dedication) one of the top dancers in Europe.
Nevertheless, Cristina knew that she had to take it a step further if she wanted to learn even more about the various dance styles. LA became her new home. Once The Groovaloos saw her talent and performance during a freestyle session at Groove Night, it was right there when they asked her if she would like to fill in for LockN'Key while she was out on maternity leave. A chance in a million. All the hard work made Cristina's dream come true and possible for you to see her incredible dance moves. Enjoy!
John "JRock" Nelson grew up in Los Angeles, California and has spent most of his dance career training and specializing in the dance style known as Poppin. Over the years JRock has won countless underground battles from coast to coast, and all through the midwest U.S. proving himself to be one of the best young Poppers in the world today.
JRock also formed the internationally known Poppin
group ABM (Animated Beat Mechanics). ABM has spent the last 10 years preserving and spreading Funk Styles and Poppin all over the world. My goal is to do everything in my power to show people that Poppin is a legitimate artform.
Pei Pei “Peppa” Yuan
My earliest memory of bustin in a cypher was at my parents dinner party when I was 3 to "Stayin Alive". I used to be able to lift my dad and mom up at the age of 10. I started feelin it in the 80's with party dancing styles. B-girlin is the artform, the culture, and the true love that I was always searching for. When I saw the Groovaloos show 4 years ago, Jules' solo reminded me that Breakin saved my life. I am truly inspired by all the amazing dancers who have blessed me. BREAKGIRL.COM

Penelope Abrantes was born in the Philippines and raised in Northern California. She was inspired to dance by her mother who was a ballerina for sixteen years. Penelope came to Los Angeles to pursue her dream over four years ago. She has had the opportunity to tour with artists such as Britney Spears, Toni Braxton and Paulina Rubio. Meeting the Groovaloos has been one of the biggest inspirations to her in her career. This opportunity has allowed her to grow not only
as a dancer, but as a person. Her journey has been nothing but a blessing and this is only the beginning of what God has in store for her.

Katie Orr, a native Angelena. I've always danced, but at some point I let fear suffocate the Freedom I felt in my Dance. The people of The Groovaloos are the smelling salts that God used to start waking my Spirit up.   What they represent consistently challenges me to stop being intimidated by Life's opportunities. Fear is being replaced with the Hope of a better tomorrow.   I am blessed and honored to be dancing with the same people who helped remind me that dreams were created to be listened to, worked on, and realized. I am forever changed and I pray that you will be too. Credits: Frickin' Everything!


Ashlee Nino (Lady Shiva) was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She was enrolled into her first dance class when she was 5. By the age of 13 she had taken every style from jazz, tap and ballet to clogging and irish step. Ashlee got recruited onto a professional hip hop team when she was 15, and knew from this point on, that she would make dance her career. Ashlee graduated High School in 2003 and moved to Los Angeles the following year. She met a man by the name of Mr. Wigglez who introduced her to popping...and it has since become her forte'. As far as the industry goes she has worked with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Mya, and The Roots. Many recognize her from FOX's hit show "So You Think You Can Dance". While still very knew to the industry she is rising fast..."I never let anything stand in my way," states Ashlee,   "dreams do come true...watch out world, here I come!"
Meisha Lee was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She received her training in New York, studying all mediums of dance.  She has had the pleasure to assist the International Dance Festival, Calabria Arte Danza in Italy. Performing in the musical, "Applause", Meisha was honored to be casted with legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph (original Dream Girl). Some of her credits include K Swiss, Guiding Light, MTV and choreography for NBA Toronto Raptors. She is featured in the upcoming movie called "Kickn it Ol' Skool" starring Jamie Kennedy. Meisha Lee was also a principle dancer in Capezio print.

Janet Langer has known Bradley and the early Groovaloos since around 1997. She remembers being so inspired by GROOVALOO the first time it debuted and making it a goal to one day be on stage with her most prominent role models.  It is a surreal honor to now be a part of this incredible production where everyday is a surprise and definitely an experience.  Janet has been dancing since the age of four and has trained in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern, tap, and breakin'. She is the proud founder of The Funkanometry Dance Company with branches in La, San Diego and San Francisco.  She is very passionate about teaching and does master classes and workshops locally and internationally.  Janet has also graduated UC Irvine with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior and loves candlelit dinners, dragonflies, rock concerts, being with kids, HGTV, and laughing.


Chris "Cris Style" Gatdula versatility as a dancer has given him many opportunities within the dance community. He began his dance career training as a b-boy in 1997 with his B-boy crew Full Force located in Las Vegas, NV. He is known for his very abstract unique style.  After training for a good seven years in b-boying he ventured into the realm of choreography based hip hop dance with the professional dance troupe, Culture Shock San Diego. Cris Style, influenced by freestyle dance mixed with the foundation of b-boying helped him create his own style. In turn his unique style caught the attention of the Jabbawockeez, a crew recognized for their immense capabilities of freestyle dance incorporated into an abstract dreamlike theme that is present in every Jabbawockee show. He recently graduated from UCSD with a degree in New Media and a minor in Communications and now lives in L.A. to pursue his dance career.


Daniel "Cloud" Campos

Davinia Tornero

Luigi Rosado
Jaime "Venom" Burgos