Fil-Am crews take star turns at hip hop dance concert in LA’s Little Tokyo

Culture Shock LA performed “4 All People: A Tale of 4 Brothers,”to a full house at the Japanese American Cultural Center’s Aratani Theatre, in Little Tokyo Feb. 11. INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

LOS ANGELES – The Aratani World Series Performance’s season opening event was held last Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Japanese American Cultural Center (JACC) Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo here, with a pre-show in the outdoor plaza.

Judy Mitoma, director of the Aratani World Series, explained that the performance night was part of the World Festival of Sacred Music: “You may not yet know how the hip hop artistry of Culture Shock LA and Versa-Style fit into my view of the sacred, but by show’s end, I think you will understand. It is my wish that many hearts and minds will be opened by this show, stereotypes melted and tastes expanded.”

The evening dance concert started with youthful Culture Shock LA crews dancing in the JACC plaza, with many Fil-Am faces among them.

Serving as board president of the non-profit Culture Shock LA is Arnel lvario, who while a student at UC Irvine, founded the popular KABA Modern Hip Hop Dance Group. He explained that Culture Shock LA as part of Culture Shock International has a very large Filipino American membership: “About 60 to 70 percent” of the approximately 200 local cast.”

Also performing was Versa-Style, which seeks to “empower youth though the movement and culture of hip hop dance and for young artists to fulfill their passion in the dance community to educate audiences on the positivism and roots of hip hop culture.” INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

Culture Shock serves “as a nonprofit arts organization that utilizes, hip hop and urban dance culture to cultivate meaningful education, enrichment and entertainment programs to inspire positive change in the communities it serves.” As dusk settled in, Calvario joined proud parents and supporters as the next generation of dancers went through their movements.

Josenia, the mother of Kevin Casasola, came with the family all the way from Temecula to support her son. “If dancing is their passion, I’m all for it, you know you need to follow your heart. It’s not just all about academics and school, there should be a balance,” she said. Kevin is also an active member of UCLA Samahang Pilipino and will soon graduate with a degree is statistics.

Joey and Phil Orocio, both UC Irvine Kababayan alumni, watched as their daughters Angelia and Gialana stepped to the DJ’s music as members of the “Future Shock” group (ages 13 to 18). When asked as Fil-Am parents why hip hop instead of Philippine folk dancing, they said it was more a matter of local convenience; but if there was a folk dance group in their area of Torrance, they would have encouraged that as well. They encouraged their children to participate in community events that promote positivity and cultural awareness.

Before “Future Shock” performed, the very youthful, cute and talented “Mighty Shock” (ages 8 to 12) group showed off their dance moves. Alison De La Cruz, JACC director of Performing Arts & Community Engagement (formerly with Fil-Am ARTS) introduced the groups and encouraged everyone to proceed indoors to the Aratani Theatre for the night’s main entertainment, featuring Culture Shock LA performing “4 All Peoples: A Tale of 4 Broth” and the Versa-Style Dance Company with its “Box of Hope.”

Mother Earth and her sons (4 Brothers) danced with their motto in mind: “We are a troupe of individuals who, through the power of music and dance, cultivate self-worth, dignity and respect for all people.” INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

The performing crews depicted engaging storylines with dance suites utilizing contemporary music, Latin rhythms and taiko drums and hip hop movements. Performing the first half, Culture Shock LA’s story was narrated by the Filipina/Okinawan actress Tamlyn Tomita. The dance portrayed Mother Earth and the four brothers of Air, Water, Fire and Earth in Conflict (Civil War) and Unity (Light Awakens).

Following intermission, Versa-Style’s “Box of Hope” story recalled the myth of Pandora’s box, and expressed how “The language of hip hop brings into focus conflicts we face at this difficult time in history.” In seeking an answer, Artistic Director Jackie Lopez says, “Hope is one of the most important things we have in this life.”

Versa-Style demonstrates freedom of expression, individuality, hard work, self-discipline and dedication to form. Both stories were performed with deep passion and style, not unlike one would expect at a ballet or modern dance performance.

After enthusiastic applause, the audience enjoyed after-show desserts and congratulated the very culturally diverse artists.