Culture Shock San Diego

Alumni Spotlight—Anna Sarao

For the past few months of Culture Shock’s 20th year anniversary, we have been talking about this organization’s growth and evolution; as an innovative and emerging company, Culture Shock had the privilege of supporting the evolution of other successful dance organizations in southern California. One of the longest running hip hop dance competition, “Body Rock”, and one of the first collegiate urban dance crews “Kaba Modern”, realized great success from the momentum & prestige that Culture Shock brought to hip hop dance. Representatives from two unforgettable parts of the Culture Shock San Diego (CSSD) history tell their stories.

My company Consensus Entertainment, which produces one of the longest running hip hop dance competitions called “BODY ROCK”, actually has its roots in Culture Shock. We used to be called JALAN which was an acronym for our names (Jen, Anna, Liza, Arthetta, Natalie). I was artistic director for CSSD in 2000 and asked several of my friends who were non-dancers to help me organize this dance competition. We had little experience throwing events and what I knew – I knew from competing at these dance shows. Anyway, we called it “BUSTAGROOVE” and Angie gave me permission to throw it at the Culture Shock Training Academy as a fundraiser for CSSD.

We continued with great success for the next few years and brought it to actual [performance] theaters. Teams from all over California would travel to San Diego just to be a part of this prestigious event. The teams were the highest caliber of talent and we took care of them. It made for a home type of atmosphere backstage…just the way Culture Shock always felt to me. Angie was very supportive of us and also invited us to help organize “Choreographer’s Showcase”. We really enjoyed putting on these shows and looked forward to them every year.

As the years went on, we decided it was time to move on and venture into full time event planning. It was a hard transition to make since we were extremely closely tied to CSSD. Angie eventually understood and agreed to us separating to continue “BUSTAGROOVE” while CSSD would continue “CHOREOGRAPHER SHOWCASE”. The bigger our event “BUSTAGROOVE” became, [the harder] my friendships with the ladies of JALAN were tested. We fell prey to outside promoters who wanted to exploit our scene and drive to be successful. In 2004, we put on the last BUSTAGROOVE as we decided to rethink our plans for the future.

Three of us decided to continue BUSTAGROOVE, even if we made no money from it, as it had become such a huge part of our identity and what we loved to do. We changed the name to “BODY ROCK” in 2006 and with the support of major people in the dance community like Myron Marten, Arnel Calvario, Stacey Kuramoto and TK Nguyen, [we] found ourselves on top again. People flocked to the show and we attracted more and more people. Consensus Entertainment was the new name for our team … but STILL, the last and final blow was that one of our partners had been embezzling and stealing from us the entire time! What a hard lesson that was for me to learn! It was a huge blow for us. I reconnected with Angie after this and as usual, she helped encourage me to keep going and always had an open door for me to vent. My church “THE ROCK” offered to help us recoup the debt that hit us and also provided space for BODY ROCK to happen. Because of this huge blessing and the support of my dance community through Culture Shock we were able to recover. Thank God!

Now, BODY ROCK attracts teams and audiences from all over the world! We are proud to boast that we are one of the best dance competitions you will ever see. And I [now] have the opportunity to bring BODY ROCK overseas to GERMANY next year [having] been approached by several countries interested in producing their own version of the show. We are extremely grateful. We have also expanded to creating a youth division for BODY ROCK called “BODY ROCK JR” because of the explosion of the junior division dance crews. They are just as amazing as the adult crews!

[Today,] we really have the same vision/mission we learned from CSSD a long time ago—“We love what we do and the people we get to do this with…” So, thanks to Angie and Culture Shock for the opportunity and friendships throughout the years.

Love,

Anna Sarao

Published May 9th, 2012 in Alumni Spotlight, News

Alumni Spotlight—Arnel Calvario

Believing in using my time and resources to promote community outreach, positivity, diversity, artistic expression, and education, I have dedicated myself to the CA dance scene since my college days. January 1992, I founded Kaba Modern (credited with being one of the 1st collegiate urban dance crews in Southern CA) on the principles of cutting edge artistic expression, personal growth, and a family crew mentality. The dance company was initially created as a part of [UC Irvine (UCI)] Kababayan’s annual Pilipino Culture Night show, but it evolved to being a collegiate dance company that would perform for community showcases, industrials, dance competitions, and even on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew. Kaba Modern’s roots in the dance community were destined to connect with Culture Shock International.

Because Kaba Modern was primarily affiliated with collegiate age events, when the founding members of Kaba Modern graduated, we sought out a new dance experience. We wanted something with the same positive, family aspect we grew to know and love, but with opportunity for artistic growth, diversity, and inspiration. Culture Shock was clearly the most respected professional, exhibition dance organization and many of us auditioned for Culture Shock San Diego in 1997. Foreign to Culture Shock SD’s dance style and quite frankly intimidated by the closeness of the SD dancers and their community, I did not make it. I then auditioned for Culture Shock Los Angeles in 1998 and joined several other Kaba Modern alumni there.

Ties between Kaba Modern and Culture Shock only strengthened as current members came to watch their alumni at Culture Shock events. Thus, when Culture Shock & JALAN hosted their first dance competition “Bust-A-Groove,” Kaba Modern gladly entered and proudly took home first place. That is a Kaba Modern moment that remains one of our most memorable achievements of our 20 year legacy! Culture Shock SD graciously invited Kaba Modern to Culture Shock Choreographer’s Showcase shortly thereafter and Kaba Modern has proudly supported Culture Shock International ever since.

While Kaba Modern is credited with being one of the first collegiate urban dance crews in the Southern California dance scene, Culture Shock is also well-respected as the first and longest running professional non-profit Hip Hop dance organization as well. In 2003, I became the Executive Company Director for Culture Shock LA and in January 2008, I transitioned to the role of President of the Board of Directors for Culture Shock LA. Then in January 2010, I was appointed President of the International Board of Directors for Culture Shock. Both Kaba Modern and Culture Shock are celebrating their 20thanniversaries this year and I couldn’t be prouder and more grateful of both positive-minded, talented and community conscious organizations. With both organizations being rooted in being a dance family, pushing for artistic innovation, and remaining committed to using their talents & resources to positively impact their communities, it is no surprise that both groups are not only connected, but still successful and thriving for over 2 decades and counting. Being a part of Kaba Modern and Culture Shock has blessed me with family friends and continues to give my art more meaning and I’ll always be proud & grateful for that.

—Arnel Calvario, President of the International Board of Directors, Culture Shock

 

Published May 9th, 2012 in Alumni Spotlight, News

Alumni Spotlight—Culture Shock Training Academy

Where did Culture Shock live before it became a nationwide and international influence? Where did they train before Culture Shock Dance Center? This month’s look back at our 20 year old organization will share some of that history. We went back to the days of the Culture Shock Training Academy and asked as many of the dancers, artistic directors, Master Class teachers and other collaborators, what can you remember about the days when Culture Shock got its first home, put on its first shows (that still run today) and first tapped into the regional demand for Hip Hop dance?

I never wanted a studio. A studio was never the goal. It was always about finding a home for Culture Shock. We fell into the Training Academy after years of dancing out of borrowed places. For awhile we were in Pacific Beach at The Limited Exercise Studio and, later, Fitness West. We moved to the Mission Valley YMCA, the San Diego Ballet and then back to the Mission Valley YMCA. One day, I got a call from the Peninsula Athletic Club in Point Loma at NTC, suggesting that I come see a space recently made available after the Navy had closed up shop and moved out. Upon arrival, I was presented with this cavernous, 9,000 square foot dump, or so I initially thought. But, after looking up into the rafters and seeing the natural light that came in, I saw the potential. I saw that it could be beautiful.

With $20,000 in the bank donated by Nike Inc. we signed the lease and proceeded with the metamorphosis. With our own hands, we (dancers, friends and family) got to work renovating our new home. When you hear people describe the black gunk in their nose, eyes, mouth and under their fingernails, they’re referring to the industrial strength mastic glue that had been used to attach the carpet to the wood floors. After pulling up carpet, strand by strand, and scraping up glue, we decided to leave the remaining ⅕ of the still-existing carpet alone and (gloriously) designated that unfinished area our “lounge”. The finishing touch was the magnificent, massive graffiti art murals painted by Ronald Recaido, Romali Licudan, Isauro Inocencio, Joel Zales and Joel Favor, incorporating the 4 elements of Hip Hop culture—Graffiti Art, Turntabling, DJ’ing and Breakin’, with the prominent San Diego landmarks and the cityscape as a backdrop.

—Culture Shock Founder and Executive Director, Angie Bunch

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I remember my very first class I took at the Center. It was taught by Malcolm and it was to Redman/Method Man “Da Rockwilder” I was nervous and super excited!

My battle “attempt” against Belle in the locker room which resulted in a shoulder dislocation hahaha that was the best! For some reason I screamed out “Sammie!!” and we had barely just met?!

Who will ever forget the Christmas party where me and David thought it would be cool to wear our new CSSD gray long sleeves and sweats because we just knew that everyone was going to wear theirs too?? And this is also the party where Mario ate ALL of the chicken wings.

The numerous times we counted Mario touching his hair during a performance (sorry Mario but we did).

Popsicle stick outfits!

The ice breaker game where we had to take off one of our shoes and guess who it belonged to.

My first rehearsal where it felt like we learned the entire medley in one day! I thought to myself, geez will I survive?

When we did an exclusive on KUSI’s “Turko Files” to save the Center. That was a good day.

The Center was our home away from home and I will forever remember it!

—Jazmyne Jenkins

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I walked in a spectator and left a member of the troupe. The gleaming wooden floors were a giant jungle gym for dance. We soared, we played, we fell, we DANCED. I never imagined that I would walk in those doors as one person, and walk out of them another.

—From BGirl Chyna, (Stacey Poon)

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I remember pulling up the carpet and thinking this won’t be so bad. Wrong, had to pull up one string at a time since the carpet was glued down! Having blisters on my hands by the end of the day from pulling so hard. Having nothing but black gunk in my nose from all the dust and dirt in the air from pulling up carpet. Spending hours at it thinking will we ever finish? In the end loving every memory knowing we did this with our own two hands, along with the other outside people Angie had to hire to finally finish the job. Haaaha, thank God for outside help :-)

Two really big things that come to mind after the center was complete was the first showcase with that stage that would move every time you took a step, but loving every minute of being up there. The second is when Angie gave me my own class, then I was late to one class, got chewed out and never did that again! :-)

Angie thanks for believing in me and never letting us get away with anything. It was hard at the time, but it has made me a better person and showed me how to be the leader I am now.

—Love you, Margareta Chughtai CSDC

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It was home… my most favorite memories: Rainen trying out for the first time and seeing him dance / breakdance was amazing…staying late nights to session with the Mindtricks guys, all the dope master classes back then where it seemed like everyone from San Diego was there…the first BUSTAGROOVE!!!! So dope there and having Kaba Modern help us hold the stage together for the show…And yes of course ripping up the carpet with everyone…and the last masterclass I taught there – Christopher came with his oxygen tank and stayed the whole night to watch.

—Anna Sarao

 

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Those were truly the glory days! Although I’m glad that the whole dance scene has exploded and I’m positive that Culture Shock had a major part in that, it was nice when there weren’t 50 teams out there and CS was THE place to be. There was an eliteness about the people from that era that made you so proud to make the team and share the stage with them but so humbled by it as well. Good or bad there will never ever be a time like that again. I’m so honored to have experienced that time and will be forever grateful!

Thanks Ang! You’re one amazing lady!

—Jimrod “Jim” Gonzales

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Congrats on 20 Years!!!!!!!! I hope this isn’t stupid, but I must say for that time I can remember my 1st performance in the CSSD Training Academy with CSLA. It may have been the grand opening, it was a great feeling. Another time was when Bloc Agency came to not just SD, but CSSD Training Academy looking for dancers, dancers that have turned out to be innovative and awe inspiring to the world. And always the many, many late nights my son slept on that couch preparing for the Amazing BustaGroove shows. Thank you, most of all, for giving me a place to raise my son in his influential early days….

—Love You, Karmen with a K (Karmen King)

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My memory…….:-) Pulling together through hard work and dedication with one focus……and that was to pull the carpet, which was heavily glued to the floor…lol:-) I remember our hands being so RAW!!!!!

—Vanessa Andrada

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Where to begin….

I remember the first time we walked in, we were all excited that we FINALLY had a home!! Being at the YMCA seriously limited our rehearsal time & creating time.

Pulling up the carpet and going home to take a shower with black in our noses?!?! Haha!

One time we were “in the lab” with the guys from Mindtricks (at the time), it was late at night and Sherman played a song that had a dog barking. I remember it being so loud it scared the crap out of me and I ran clear across the studio and jumped on that high ass stage!! They did NOT let that go for years!

Spending hours in the locker room teaching Chris Gatdula how to count to 8 not 20!!

Jazmyne learning how to break dance, dislocated her shoulder and felt the need to call out my name…I ran! haha! It freaked me out!

Anna Sarao making me and David Ross dance together in the mirror forever to match our movement!

Having the first Busta Groove and Lovers Rock there!

I performed with Culture Shock for the first time at the Training Academy.

Making fun of Jazmyne & David Ross all night at our Christmas Party the first year they made the team!!! It was the day after auditions, (we received shirts back then when you made the team) they were SO excited, they thought that everyone would be wearing their shirts to the Christmas Party?!! Their faces when they walked thru the door was classic!!

—Sammie Cross

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Culture Shock was my family and home. I have so many fond memories of CSSD and the Training Academy! Fortunately, my first year on CS was right after the center opened so I didn’t have to rip up the carpet and clean up the place…HAHA!  But you know I would have if I was there! I remember Tina yelling at us, pointing her two fingers at us like a gun! I remember Vanessa working us like a drill sergeant, in a good way. I remember finally feeling like I found my place and passion in the world. Mesa College and Culture Shock is where I found my passion for Hip Hop dance and culture. I NEVER thought it would lead me to a career as a professional dancer (most recognized as Angel, one of the Harajuku dolls and Gwen Stefani dancers) for over a decade! I am extremely thankful to Angie for believing in me and creating the worldwide organization of Culture Shock. I remember being on the planning committee for the very first Bust-A-Groove! I loved it and I felt such a sense of teamwork and accomplishment after the event was such a success. I especially liked when the Mindtricks boys would come teach us choreo and hang out. I can’t even express how much fun I had with everyone! BK Lounge! parties! Raves! HAHA! I don’t know how I would go out partying all night and kill it at Sunday rehearsals. I definitely cannot hang like that anymore. I remember when Jazmyne dislocated her shoulder in the locker room! That was scary, but her screaming was funny, I must say! At least we could laugh about it after! Oh, and the IDEA convention in Vegas when Mario broke Krista’s toe and dolphin-dived on my head! Oh Geez! I made some of my bestest friends on CS and will ALWAYS consider them family. I never knew such a sense of unity, community, and family before…I truly miss those days. I remember driving to auditions in LA with KJ, Alfredo, Sherman, etc…and since I usually had to drive, I’d listen to No Doubt and scream the words at the top of my lungs to stay awake during late night commutes…it drove the guys crazy. On Culture Shock was the first time that I experienced the death of someone close to my age and dear to my heart. May Chris Braswell RIP and his memory live on forever. Angie Bunch, thank you so much for creating the opportunity of a lifetime that shaped my entire life and who I am today. I am forever indebted to you!

—Jenny Kita

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I would not have gotten to do any of the awsome things in my career if there was no Culture Shock! It is truly my foundation. Culture Shock SD gave me so many thing’s o gosh were do I start. I got to host my very first show at Rockin Summer Night’s at Sea World:) I got to teach master class and my own classes and summer camp’s. I also got perform at some of the biggest show’s in LA and all over SD. I will always have a special place in my heart for Culture Shock!!!!!!!!!!!:) I love you Angie Bunch Thank You again For beliveing in me:)

—David Ross

 

Published April 6th, 2012 in Alumni Spotlight, News