Posted 9:15 pm Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tyler Dance Troupe Fly Kids Camp Scheduled
By Coshandra Dillard
Staff Writer
What do Johann Sebastian Bach, James Brown, the Flamingos, Michael Jackson and Nat King Cole have in common? Their music collides in a theatrical hip-hop performance by Tyler's FLY KiDS, called "Cool Pops."
Staff Writer
What do Johann Sebastian Bach, James Brown, the Flamingos, Michael Jackson and Nat King Cole have in common? Their music collides in a theatrical hip-hop performance by Tyler's FLY KiDS, called "Cool Pops."
FLY KiDS, established in 2010 by Mike and Kathy Wood, is made up of dancers ranging in ages from 9 to 15. They meet twice each week at the Glass Recreation Center for two hours to rehearse a repertoire of eclectic routines.
During a rehearsal last week, 10-year-old Karmya Roberts mimicked Brown's moves and lip-synced the lyrics to "I Feel Good," following a few seconds of a Bach piece. The remainder of the routine featured solos and ensembles by the 16 dancers in attendance.
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"You've got to get serious about this," Mrs. Wood said in between songs, noting that their audience at an upcoming performance would be critiquing them.
"Stay in character!" she insisted, as she instructed them to take cues from the songs.
Mrs. Wood, 67, demonstrates a cool strut during the "I Only Have Eyes for You," portion of the performance. The kids follow her lead, with dark shades.
"My love for performance is right up there with my love for teaching," she said before rehearsal.
Performances such as "Cool Pops" combine classical music, doo wop, pop and old school R&B, while others are infused with hip-hop.
No matter the music, the dances are all hip-hop inspired. The b-boy style of dance has the kids break dancing, spinning on the floor and popping into athletic movements.
Mrs. Woods also teaches theatrical techniques. She stresses to them the importance of eye contact and "faking out the audience."
"Acting and keeping that character is also a requirement. It's not just the dancing," Wood said, who watched rehearsal nearby.
life lessons
The Woods said in addition to helping children appreciate theatrical dance, they hope to instill excellence, respect and confidence. The dancers have a chance to shine by developing their solos. It helps to overcome shyness.
"They love to do it and I get some inspiration," Mrs. Wood said of the kids' choreography. "They have to push to do all of that."
Naomi Amani, 11, a homeschooled fifth grader, maintained a big smile throughout most of the rehearsal. She loves to work hard at dancing but understands the importance of connecting with the audience.
"You have to have a lot of confidence, not that you don't have to have talent, but you can't be shy," she said.
July Minnick likes that her son, Miles, participates in FLY KiDS. He's always danced around the house and loves the MTV show, "America's Best Dance Crew." She watched him proudly as he robotically moved around the dance floor during his solo.
"It teaches him responsibility because he has a commitment to the team," Ms. Minnick said.
During an ArtWalk downtown about two years ago, Mrs. Wood noticed Miles dancing while he listened to music. He was asked to audition and since then, he's been dedicated to his craft.
"You have to go out there and perform and let people know dancing is what you want to do," he said, noting that his favorite dancer is Michael Jackson. He also said dancing helps him feel good when he's upset or angry.
A PASSION FOR THE ARTS
Mrs. Woods is not who most people would envision as a hip-hop choreographer, but the white, 67-year-old veteran dancer knows her stuff. She choreographs the pieces, sometimes with input from the kids, who also come up with their solo numbers.
Her career in dance encompasses most of her life, including stints as a Kilgore College Rangerette and a Dallas Tex Ann, a dance group that traveled with the NFL team, the Dallas Texans.
"The only performance outlet for me (in school) was twirling baton in the high school band," she said. "I continued in college with the Rangerettes. After college, I wanted a drill team."
After graduating from Houston Baptist University, she directed high school dance teams, winning numerous awards. She was a founding member of the Texas Dance Educators Association before working with young street dancers, forming groups that traveled the world.
The first concept of FLY KiDS came from FLY Dance Company, a company the Woods started to give hip-hop street dancers a chance to display their talents.
"It was fun, clean-cut fun and delightful entertainment," Woods said.
Mrs. Woods first saw the dancers during an outdoor festival in Houston. She felt their talent should be put on display in front of larger audiences.
"I saw some guys dancing in the street and it was very fascinating," she said. "They were very athletic."
Her first group's performance was set to classical music, although the movements were strictly hip-hop. The concept was well-received.
Through the years, varying groups of young men toured until around 2006. When settling in Tyler, the couple decided to begin FLYworks, LLC to promote dance as an activity for physical health and life skills while providing low-cost dance training to area children. About 50 dancers have participated in the dance group so far.
Mrs. Woods is the creative hand while her husband runs the business, "policing" everything from the kids' stage presence to the group's public relations.
Participation in the dance group is free, but members must purchase a $10 annual membership at the Glass Recreation Center, where rehearsals are held. Summer camp costs $95, but is not required. Auditions for the group occur at the camp and in January.
The Woods will hold this year's camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25-29 at the Glass Recreation Center. Four professional dancers -- Chris "Colcutz" Gamez, Corey "Spidmon" Greene and Armanado "Boy" Alejandro -- will be on hand to provide intense dance training.
Dancers at least 8 years old, from beginner to advanced, are welcomed at the camp. The camp, the Woods said, pushes kids even harder to become great dancers.
"They are 100 percent better after summer camp. The intensity of the camp helped a lot so we're hoping it will do the same this year," Mrs. Wood said.
