Jookin is “the Memphis flavor, the Memphis style.” It’s a type of hip hop dance that came from out of the clubs and off of the streets of Memphis. What started in the 80s with people bouncing around a crowded club has been honed by countless boombox-powered street battles into a flurry of footwork and slinky body moves. The grace and precision on display at the U-Dig Dance Academy’s studio is even more astounding when you realize that jookin is for the most part an improvisational dance.
But the U-Dig Dance Academy is about more than just promoting and expanding a uniquely Memphis dance form, it’s about enriching the lives of the kids through engaging after-school programs, shows, and community outreach. Many of the young dancers have few other opportunities to experience the performing arts first hand. There is also a documentary in the works about jookin’s past and present. As U-Dig’s mottos says, “This is more than dance.”
U-Dig Dance Academy
http://www.udigjookin.com
More about the documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adahztnSaq4
CREDITS
special thanks to
Tarrik Moore
Angel Fair
Joshua Weasby
Dara Chan
Marquez Alexander
Sherrie Alexander
Terrance Smith
Trent Dennis
Ladia Y. Yates
Marico Flake
Brandon Franklin
Antiochus McNeil
Brandon Young
Daniel Price
original music by
Alan Hayes
