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Blacka Di Danca is one of the most popular and innovative choreographers on the international dancehall circuit. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Blacka grew up in a Caribbean household in Crown Heights. Dancehall, reggae, soca and calypso music has always been a part of his life.
...Read moreBlacka Di Danca is one of the most popular and innovative choreographers on the international dancehall circuit. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Blacka grew up in a Caribbean household in Crown Heights. Dancehall, reggae, soca and calypso music has always been a part of his life.
In early 2008, Blacka was booked for the first time to perform professionally in Virginia as a dancer for a night party. In November of 2008, he won his first Dancehall King competition and title during Binghamton University’s annual Caribbean carnival. In December of 2010, he competed in New York City’s Dance-A-Rama dancehall competition and won his 2nd official title.
In 2011, Blacka left his full-time job as a doorman at Columbia University to further pursue his dreams. He started his first tour as a performer with Reggae artist Collie Buddz, and performed with him for almost two years throughout the US, Canada, and Bermuda.
Blacka was offered his first overseas contract in 2011, teach dancehall classes and judge a competition on Christmas day in Moscow. In early 2012, Blacka traveled to Moscow for his 2nd time and taught dancehall classes for one week. He continued touring with Collie Buddz until November of 2012. Finally, in February of 2013, Blacka embarked on his first solo world tour as a choreographer, traveling to Los Angeles, Poland, Russia, Italy, Germany, London and Belgium.
As a choreographer, Blacka tours regularly teaching dancehall workshops throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Russia, Central and South America. As a result, Blacka’s talent has led to work with some of the top names in the music industry. He was the choreographer for Major Lazer’s “Lose Yourself” music video and also a featured dancer in videos for Rihanna, Drake, A$AP Rocky, Shaggy and Davido, to name a few. He’s also made appearances with stars like Skrillex, Diplo, and Kiesza.
The New York Times, and The Source have recently published articles on Blacka’s classes and travels. Fuse TV and CBS TV have aired his dance performances on national television. Blacka’s vision is to spread the art and culture of dancehall dancing to global measures through love.
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Class Descriptions
This high-energy and educational class blends Caribbean dancing with Jamaican cultural influences.
This class starts with a group stretching session to calming Reggae music, and then progresses into the explanation of foundational Dancehall steps and movement. Blacka takes the time to explain the meanings/definitions of Dancehall steps and connects techniques from the mid 1980’s to present day dances.
Many Dancehall dances are derived from meanings, sayings, actions and the patois within the Caribbean community, and mastering this knowledge helps in the growth for every student interested in understanding dancehall culture. Understanding of this culture and lifestyle brings ease to the seemingly complex steps, and breaks down social stereotypes of the music and dance.
Blacka brings a well-rounded cultural experience in all of his classes, and makes learning fun. His classes are open-level that gradually intensify with occasional choreography, but at times, remain basic for foundational growth. If you want to understand the music, lyrics, language and influences behind your favorite songs and dances, while getting a great workout, then this is the class for you.