Move It dance moved the Retox clan

Post by R.M. team, Photography by Lin Vitali.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Set over 3 days 11-13 March 2011 at London Olympia, Move It showcased a spectacular programme of live performances in addition to over 160 exhibitors presenting all the essentials of the dance industry to the professional and budding dancers.

The event staged a number of showcases bringing incredible styles and innovative fusions from across the globe and gave an opportunity for dancers to express themselves on the MAOAM FreeStyle stage, whatever the type of dance or dancing skills.

For those wishing to improve their dancing skills or simply wishing to explore and get a grip with the new styles Move It offered various dance classes and professional masterclasses from industry professionals of leading schools, institutes and colleges of performing arts.

The Big Dance Interview Sofa offered the budding dancers an opportunity to get insights and advice from industry stars and professionals, and the Fashion Show presented latest dancewear in action from the leading dance fashion brands Bloch, Anita Moore Designs, IDS/Grishko UK, streetdancewear.com, Fitnay Ltd and Capezio. The Chocolate Fondue Company stand was also thriving – it seems gone are the days when dancers would follow a rigorous diet!

Capezio dancewear modelled by Bird College at Move It 2011 dance event.

Every year Move It attracts thousands of visitors and although this year it wasn’t as fully packed out as we had anticipated, the crowd was certainly large enough to vocally terrorise the venue when cheering for some of the top acts seen on the Main Stage.

Dance stars at Move It 2011

Naturally, following our previous interview with SYTYCD star Tommy Franzen, the first point of action was to catch his performance on Friday – short but non-the-less good.

Within the spectrum of stardom, Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Akai – the winner of Sky’s Got To Dance, BBC SYTYCD Robbie White, the finalists of television programme Britain’s Got Talent and stars of Streetdance 3D Flawless, Got To Dance stars Cerebro, Animaineax – winners of BBC3’s Move Like Michael Jackson, England’s top professional ballroom couple Warren & Kristi Boyce, and of course, Twist and Pulse who rocketed to fame in Britain’s Got Talent likewise presented brilliant performances.

Dance students dance away to the top at Move It 2011

The enthusiasm to perform, however, lies within the fresh and eager student groups. Invigorating performances, superb contemporary choreography, eye-catching costumes and generally exhilarating presentations were seen from several dance training institutions such as the Bird College, Urdang Academy, Masters Performing Arts College, Mandy Ellen Performing Arts, Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, Performers College, Tiffany Theatre College and Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, just to drop a few names.

Street Dance XXL conflict against gravity

Street Dance XXL presented several dance groups - Masters of Motion, Protocol and Abyss – the winner of Street Dance XXL qualifiers. Technical skills, synchronisation, choreography, etc… lets face it, it was bloody good! Watch the video!

Note:
There was a chance to catch the latest trends from the Street Dance XXL Championships taught by Daryl Small from Abyss, at studio 6. Hope you haven’t missed that one!

Moving to other cultures at Move It 2011

Nina Rajarani Dance Creations presenting Foodball and Bharatanatyam combined with Srishti (bizarre!), Big Ballet from Russia and Beijing Dansgirls Arts from China were some of the groups bringing moves and traditions from beyond the pond, giving a great opportunity to understand and explore dancing styles of other cultures.

Nina Rajarani Dance Creations at Move It 2011 London dance event.

Youngsters on the move!

Whoever said kids these days aren’t fit and play too many computer games were obviously NOT talking about the kids we encountered at Move It 2011. Observing young people and children of all ages dancing together and demonstrating their technicality and professionalism was truly a pleasure. To give an example, Zoo Youth presented by ZooNation Dance demonstrated just that.

And, of course, Akai!

The kid is not only a great dancer but also an actor – have you seen his facial expressions? It comes as no surprise that during his performances the young crowd went just a little wild. Security had a hard time stopping the little beans from pouring in and clinging to the stage. Another few years and oh God, save the world from Akai! - Many teenage hearts will be shattered!

Yo! Are you a dance teacher?

So here’s the thing: we saw a great performance from Larondina Dance - special needs dance company and we were greatly impressed. Repeating the words of the Move It presenter, "they are always looking for teachers," so please get in touch!

Who’s heading to Move It 2012?

Move It delivered a fantastic event that takes place only once a year. As a result great energy and dance force ruled London and London’s Olympia for 3 days. London was on the move! You name it, dance moves were displayed on the Main Stage, on the Freestyle Stage, in classes, at exhibitor stands, in the venue foyer, on the street, at multiple tube stations, and believe it or not, extended all the way to a bar in Clapham Junction! Move It 2011 was infectious and even contagious.

See image report on Move It Dance 2012.

Visit Retox Magazine's YouTube channel to have a glimpse at Move It Dance 2012 performances.