It's been a while since I've last posted anything, but you know, with high school coming to an end there's lots to do. But I did recently have a chance to ask some questions to Greg Baja, a member of the crew called Heavy Impact from America's Best Dance Crew. He gave insight into his experience from the show, inspiration, and his future! Be sure to check out their bio and clips from the show: http://www.mtv.com/shows/dance_crew/season_5/crew.jhtml?personalityId=13384
1. So when did you start dancing?
A: I started dancing "choreography" when i was 17, but bboying and freestyling since about 15
2. What is your favourite style of dance?
A: I love doing hip hop, but I LOVE watching contemp/lyrical
3. Growing up, did you always have the support of family and friends to pursue your passion for dance?
A: Yes they were supportive. I think they appreciated the fact that I was being productive artistically as opposed to being rebellious and being wild.
4. How did you get started with Heavy Impact?
A: I danced with Isaac since about 2004 on Team Boogiezone BREED in Seattle. When he got the call to put a group together for ABDC, I was one of his choices.
5. Could you tell us the story of how you guys came up with the name of your crew?
A: It was actually Isaac, Leon, and CJ who came up with the name. It actually started as Heavy Hitterz, but due to copywright issues we couldn't use it. So the alternate to that was HEAVY IMPACT. Also I think the name really stood for who we were as dancers and what message we wanted to come across
6. How long have you guys been together as a group?
A: We've been a group since October 2009
7. So, before auditioning for America’s Best Dance Crew, did you have any expectations about what the show was going to be like? If so, was it different than you thought it would be?
A: I had no idea what to expect from the show besides the fact that we were gonna dance A LOT and that it was TV, so not everything was what it seemed on the screen.
8. Each week, you were given different challenges, so in your opinion, what was the hardest challenge?
A: I would personally have to say the Lady Gaga challenge was the hardest for us. There were a lot of stipulations to that challenge and we didn't get to work with our set very much throughout the week.
9. What was your favourite part about being on the show?
A: Meeting all the crews and being able to do what I love and share it with the nation/world! There were so many wonderful people on this season, we literally became one big family!
10. What was the most helpful piece of advice that you have gotten from the judges?
A: To stay true to ourselves
11. Do you have a favourite routine that you performed on the show?
A: Our regionals was probably our favorite. It was our first impression to everyone, so we tried to make sure it was as close to perfect as possible! Plus we were super pumped to perform on that stage for the first time!
12. So what were the benefits after being on ABDC?
A: The biggest benefit was inspiring others. We got a lot of emails and messages saying that we really touched them and helped them to get back into dancing when they gave up. Thats the best part. Being able to give back
13. Being a dancer myself, what advice do you have for teens out there who want to make it in the dance world?
A: Don't ever be discouraged. Keep working hard and keep your eye on the prize. The thing that will get you the furthest is a good head on your shoulders.
14. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
A: I get inspired by everyone who dances around me. My students, my teachers, my crew members, etc. We're all so talented amongst the dance community, it's hard to choose just one! But also anyone who has a passion (whatever that may be) and is pursuing it to the fullest.
15. Where would you like to see yourself in 5-10 years?
A: I want to be teaching all over the world doing what I love. As long as I'm able to do what I love for a living, I'll be completely content :)
16. So what’s next for Heavy Impact?
A: We're just trying to go everywhere and talk to everyone and teach everywhere and be friends with everyone!!! We love and support anyone who supported us, and we want to be able to give back to the world in whatever way we can. We're just normal people pursuing a dream just like anyone else!
Thanks, Greg!
Hopefully, I'll be able to come out to one of your classes one of these days :)
-Christinaaa
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