facts in fiction CHANNEL TOPIC - "When fans disagree with the judges"
Added 2023-12-12 19:58:15 +0000 UTCINTRO - 0:00
REACTION - 1:01
OUTRO - 32:09
Comments
Yes to this!!! It's such a tricky thing to navigate because yes, we want to have dance exposed more, but this is the natural result of it.... I'm hopeful more people will grow through discussions and videos like this!!
Jessica Holyfield
2023-12-14 00:59:15 +0000 UTCI had no idea this video existed and this is bringing me war flashbacks from September. I rarely comment on YouTube videos, maybe 2-3 times a year. But Suzanne vs Cera was the one video I decided I just had to comment on. People were being so rude to Suzanne, it was unbelievable. I do prefer the "new school" waacking that is dominant in Asia and danced by Ibuki, Waackxxxy, and Cera, for example, over the "old school" that is danced by western waackers like Ebony, Essence, or Suzanne. I think the "new school" waacking is more enjoyable to watch for the general public because of the precise angles, sharp technique, and the high speed of the hand variations. The more traditional approach to waacking doesn't look as flashy or complex - but I think that's the beauty of it. As you mentioned, waacking originated as a dance for the minority to express themselves and to be accepted by their own. For people who have no understanding of this to come in and disrespect the culture and tell someone that they're not even dancing had me seething. And it's not even an all-style competition or anything - it's a waacking festival whose whole point is to celebrate the waacking culture. There were four judges of various backgrounds (including a waacker from Korea), all of whom voted for Suzanne, and people had the audacity to accuse them of rigging the result. Another example of toxic fandom culture seeping into the underground dance scene.
Mini
2023-12-13 23:53:15 +0000 UTCWow! I love hearing all about this! Thank you so so much for sharing your perspective and insight regarding this culture specifically! and YES TO DANZEL... Such power and essence in his movement quality that showcases that ideal balance between theatrics and technique.. You make so many valid points and I'm appreciative that you are here to provide this perspective in ways that I also get to grow from!
Jessica Holyfield
2023-12-13 09:31:04 +0000 UTCI began diving in the battle scene after watching SWF 1 and found myself falling in love with Waacking. The lines, the precision, the moments of drama here and there and pure musicality of the waackers in the korean scene took my breath away. Then I excitedly began searching the style in the West and.. I felt deflated. Western waackers place less importance in technique and precision and more in the theatrics and expression - in some cases it can be really good (Mounia is one french waacker that has great understanding of music and is always great to see her rounds), but in most cases just makes their rounds seem pedestrian and non competitive. Too much of it reaches for camp which seems to me like a betrayal of the honest emotionality of disco. And the poorly developed technique, variations and athleticism unfortunately make it seems like you're watching your aunt dance. It doesn't seem to register that improving technique and physicality enhances expression and perfomance - it allows the dancer to reach new heights, just look at Danzel. As an aside I'd love to see you react and hear your take on the Lip J x Essence battle. They went four rounds and while Essence is definitely one of these rare western waackers that can hold their own against the asian ones I think that Lip J won cleanly all the rounds. She voluntarily conceded the battle out of pure grace and humility. It was a beautiful showcase of waacking sensibilities.
Caio Miranda
2023-12-13 04:09:32 +0000 UTC
