Freak the Dream
The Beat Freaks blaze a trail for strong women in hip hop dance.
The Beat Freaks have something to say, and they’re not going to rest until they’re heard. That’s why this group of powerful, industry-leading female dancers got together. And that’s why they’re going to keep “Freaking the Dream,” as they say, long after their second-place finish on “America’s Best Dance Crew” buzz dies down. Dancer spoke with members of the group about their passion for hip hop, their groundbreaking run on ABDC, and what it’s like to be a woman in hip hop dance.
Doing Their Own Thing
Before the Beat Freaks were even an inkling of a thought, many of its members were leading successful careers in the commercial dance scene in LA. Teresa Espinosa danced for Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and choreographed for Miley Cyrus. Rino Nakasone-Razalan toured the world as one of Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls, and danced for Missy Elliott. Julie Urich, otherwise known as “Lady Jules,” was already considered a renowned b-girl. Yet as busy and successful as these dancers were, they still were connected to the raw, beating heart of hip hop dance: the jam session. Most of the women worked with LA-based hip hop troupe The Groovaloos, and they would get together for a weekly practice to hone their skills. The Groove Night became a meeting place for the top faces in hip hop dance. “They have this big room and a circle where people get down,” says Alex Welch, aka “Shorty,” the youngest member of the Beat Freaks. “I walked in and saw all the people from [the 2004 film]‘You Got Served’ in one room. I think all the girls were there that night, just mingling and dancing.”
Slowly Gelling
The Beat Freaks didn’t form overnight. As these talented dancers got to know each other, they began to collaborate on some projects. Nakasone-Razalan was hired for Missy Elliott’s “I’m Really Hot” video, and many other Beat Freaks joined her. Nearly every member of the Beat Freaks was featured in “You Got Served.” And when Espinosa was invited to choreograph a huge online dance battle between Miley Cyrus and the director and star of “Step Up 2: The Streets,” the Freaks were there to support her both onscreen and off. Soon, the collaborations became more organized, and the dancers became officially known as the Beat Freaks in 2003. “We were sitting around and thinking it would be really cool to start an all-female crew and just bust and go handle the guys,” says Espinosa. But these women were still staying busy in their solo careers, so there wasn’t as much time to dedicate to the group. Nineteen-year-old Welch was the last to join the Beat Freaks, but it wasn’t easy breaking into the ranks. Even though she had worked with them on a few projects, they told her they weren’t currently accepting more members. Then, in November of last year she got a call. “They all called me on the phone at once. It was all of the Beat Freaks,” says Welch. “They were like, ‘We’re doing ABDC and…we need another person.’ They asked if I was down, and I was like, ‘Yeah!’ Then, I was so in shock that I just got quiet.”
Revving Up
The Beat Freaks added a member because they decided now was the time to try out for the top hip hop dance show on TV. Knowing the competition was fierce, and the show required a lot of dedicated time, they passed on auditioning the year before. But this year, something felt right for them. “Rino was like, ‘What do you think about doing season 3?’ We all kind of paused,” says Espinosa. “Something clicked. Something felt right.” After adding Welch to the mix, they launched into a dedicated training schedule, working together at least 2-3 times per week, and taking classes on their own to sharpen up on a wide range of hip hop styles. But preparing for the show came with a bit of a learning curve. “We’re all individually choreographers,” says Espinosa. “You get seven people together in a group and we all have different ideas. That whole process was probably our longest, and we’re still going through that a little.” Still, with the wealth of experience between the women, there also came respect. “It was amazing to train with them because they pushed me to go that extra mile. I learned so much from them,” says Welch. “To look at the girl that I’m dancing next to is just ridiculous. I can’t believe I’m dancing with these women. They’re the best female dancers in the world, in my eyes.”
Show Business
When the Beat Freaks made their appearance on “America’s Best Dance Crew,” it was clear they were a poised and professional crew. Their routines were crisp and polished, and their execution was nearly flawless. Their experience in the industry was evident, especially to Shane Sparks, who had worked with some of the dancers in previous projects. However, Espinosa says the Beat Freaks neither felt nor expected any special favors. “I personally didn’t feel strange [with Shane as judge],” she says. “During the show, we really didn’t communicate because I felt he wanted to keep it fair. He didn’t want to show preference. But, we couldn’t escape knowing someone because we’ve been in the industry forever.”
The Beat Freaks stood out from other all-female crews who had been on the show with consistently strong routines week after week. But, all of the women point out one week as their favorite: the magic week. “From top to finish it was inspirational, powerful, clean, funky, and very spiritual for us,” says Keeley “LockN’ Key” Kaukimoce. “We were feeling the mid-show slump that week and started to lull. We got word that our dear friend Tiffany was back in treatment for cancer. We spoke to her on the phone and she was so strong and so positive. We decided she would be our inspiration to go hard. We always shouted her name. In fact, we did right before we performed live.” Throughout the show, fan favorite Quest Crew had been neck-and-neck with the Beat Freaks, but in Sparks’ opinion, there was one week that they faltered and the girls stepped up. It was possible the Beat Freaks could take the title. But in the end, it was Quest Crew who bested them. “I’m going to be honest,” says Espinosa. “There are two sides. One is that I love them. They did their thing and people really enjoyed it. Two is that, wherever we go, people say, ‘You all should have won!’ so we wonder how come we didn’t. But, I think it might even be a better thing that we didn’t win. There’s an emotional connection to us, now. It’s almost like a reverse effect where we didn’t win, but people are still routing for us.”
Experience of a Lifetime
For women so experienced, the show proved to be the biggest challenge of them all. The women were, on average, older than the majority of the other contestants. They felt the toll on their bodies and the emotional tug of other, more serious life responsibilities. “I never lived through anything like it before in my life,” says Welch. “It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but at the same time the most fun. That show consists of no sleep!” Still, for all the sore muscles and long hours, there was a bigger payoff than other jobs where the women weren’t front and center. “It is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of,” says Espinosa. “We weren’t dancing behind an artist. We were in control of the creative process—what we looked like, what we wanted to showcase. There were parameters every week, but it was us.” Despite placing second, the Beat Freaks left their mark. “I think you’re never going to find another crew like Beat Freaks,” says Sparks. “If we get anything like the Beat Freaks ever again, we’d be really lucky.”
Female Authority
Although the Beat Freaks didn’t win “America’s Best Dance Crew,” they did cut a path for future female hip hop dancers. Many women in hip hop have had to struggle with gaining respect in a male-dominated industry. The Beat Freaks hoped that showing they could compete with some of the best male hip hop dancers in front of a national television audience put any doubts to rest. Yet, the women were not impervious to some of their own challenges before taking ABDC by storm. “I remember going to jams when I was young, and there were barely any girls at all,” says Welch. “It was a world that you didn’t see girls in that often. And you definitely have to prove yourself more as a woman. But I wanted to be seen equally as everybody in the room. I’m here to get down and dance, no matter what sex you are.” And although the show broke down some barriers, it certainly hasn’t put a stop to sexism in the industry. “I would say that the only downfall is when I want to work, I’m personally limited because I won't do choreography that is sexually provocative and that’s what most hip hop women are expected to do,” says Kaukimoce. “If I think the job will require that, I won’t even audition. The great thing is that I’ve [found] a place in this culture.”
Living the Dream
“America’s Best Dance Crew” was not only a platform for the Beat Freaks to show off their talents; it was also a place to speak their mind. Over and over, the Beat Freaks told their fans to “freak the dream,” meaning to do what inspires them without fear or hesitation. “We do have a message and we believe we have a lot more to give,” says Welch. “We want to tell people to go after their dream. Nothing is easy. If it feels uncomfortable, then you’re doing it right.” Crew member Marie Courchinoux, aka “Maryss from Paris,” interprets the message as, “Let go. Let the music take you. Don’t think and dance. Just dance and let the music, beats, instruments, melodies and rhythm guide you.” As for their own future, the Beat Freaks are committed to their crew status 100 percent, teaching on the Monsters of Hip Hop circuit, filming DVDs, and even discussing their own book deal—proving they’re continuing to freak the dream, and staying true to their word.