Check out Shawn’s dance videos on his Instagram: @shawndedancer
A culture is made up of many people’s life stories. To learn about and understand a culture you need to learn from a variety of people from the culture. Listen to their stories. Feel and experience their different vibes. Learn their histories and perspectives on life. Support platforms committed for their voices to be heart and uplifted. This is what Global Connections is about. It’s the platform based in Vancouver, BC for you to learn and inspired from the people of the African Diaspora so we can thrive and elevate each other.
(Written by Judy Madarasz) – This September 2018, we’re flying Shawn De Dancer down to Vancouver. Real, ambitious, and always on his own vibes, Grenadian born and raised Shawn De Dancer is excited for this opportunity to share his culture with you. If you have not registered yet we highly encourage you to do so because his vibes and energy are out of this world amazing. 13 Workshops, and 1 Master Collab Class with Venom.
What you need to know about Shawn is that he is SUPER passionate about his culture and dance, and his vibes very positive, uplifting, and contagious. He never fails to make students laugh, smile, and feel hype.
Check out the video below of Shawn teaching:
You can check out our schedule of his workshops in Vancouver for September 2018 ( here ). If you need help registering for classes and customizing your schedule, just send us an email at info@ketchdivybz.com and we’ll guide you through the process.
What was life like growing up in Grenada?
Life growing up in Grenada is the best thing I know! It has harder days, but it has made me who I am.
When did you arrive in Canada? What are the similarities and differences you find between living in Canada and Grenada? Was there anything that surprised you coming to Canada?
I came to Canada in 2015 and currently reside in Toronto, ON. Living in Canada is very different from Grenada, from the culture to the weather. What surprised me coming to Canada was the snow and how cold it is. Regardless, no matter where I am in this world I always meet great people.
How has music and dance influenced you growing up in Grenada?
Music and dance have always been part of our culture in Grenada. It is everywhere and difficult not to be influenced by it.
How did you get into dancing Dancehall?
I started to take dancehall more seriously when I decided I want a better life for myself and to do something I love.
What do you like most about Dancehall culture, music, and dance?
Dancehall culture, dance, and music is that it’s in my blood since Reggae has been in my culture since the 70’s. It’s part of my history and who I am which is what I appreciate most about it.
You have created quite a few great Dancehall steps. What are they and what is your process like for creating steps?
Some of my steps include: Dyno-flow, Dash-it, Wrong turn. Dyno-flow, Reloaded, Buffinz, Spinks, Side-step, and Don’t Stop.
The process of creating comes naturally and is just a vibe I get, or a hot trendy song is going around that inspires me.
When you teach your dance classes, what do you want students to get out of the experience you give the? and what is your mission as a teacher?
When I teach I want everyone to feel the love for the music, dance, and culture.
My mission as a teacher is to see everyone learning, having fun, and expressing themselves the way they want to through the dance.
Who are your biggest inspirations in your dance career?
Mr. Killer, Bogle, Chris Brown, Venom, Craig Bain, Sala, Shelly Belly, Colo Colo, Bone Crusher, Card Unit, Orville Expression, and Stacy Fyah.
What is your dance motto?
Be yourself because there’s no one like you, and just vibe.
What would you like to say to all other dancers?
I would like to tell everyone that nothing happens overnight. Patience, passion, and love for what you do is key to success. Fame and hype are not the end-all-be-all when you want to be successful in something you love. Staying humble and putting in the hard work towards your goals and letting time be the greatest teacher. God will be your biggest protector once you put your faith in him.
If you have not yet be sure to check out Shawn’s dance videos on his Instagram: @shawndedancer
Have you registered for classes? Simply check out the schedule ( here ) and email us at info@ketchdivybz.com to register. We’d love for you to join us and not miss out on this unique and fun experience!