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?UESTIONS: Bruce Wayne

    Professional dancer B-Boy Bruce Wayne is widely known in the world of breaking. In 2007 he joined the internationally renowned group, Total Feeling Crew and his journey began. His musicality and artistic approach has earned him numerous titles.


    Bruce Wayne righteously teaches breaking to young people who are out of the school system, as well as taking dance into prisons. He continues to develop a dance programme with children from the National Institute for Young Blind People in Paris.



    How would you describe your dance style?

    My dance style is the traditional US B-Boy style combined with the French technique. I'm influenced by martial arts, popping, tap dancing to say a few. My style is free form, my mind is always open.


    Describe the best performance you’ve ever put on. What did you learn from it?

    It was when I won the 7ToSmoke in 2017. It was a solo battle, amongst the best in France, I was ready but I never could imagine that I would have this fire in me. I took 4 points straight, putting out each dancer one by one. I learnt that day that it is important to have confidence as a dancer and also I learnt how important it is to prepare yourself for a battle: workouts, stamina, strategy...


    What are the most important traits a dancer should have?

    Musicality, originality and authenticity.


    Who was your most influential teacher and why?

    Karim Barouche. I wouldn't be who I am today without him as a dancer and as a human being. I had the chance to meet him back in 2011 and get into a close relation with him as student and master and friend before all. I was very lucky because people would say it was quite difficult to get along with him and have his respect and acknowledgement.


    The Man was a myth, a true legend, a person that people were either afraid of or too shy to approach. I know some great talented dancers that refused to dance in front of Karim out of fear. Simple as that, but when you had his trust, the man had a huge heart for you. I'm glad to say that we built together and I will be forever grateful for all he taught me. May he rest in peace alongside the great legends of our time.


    What message do you want to give to your students?

    I want them to have fun with it and be free in their dance. I tell them to stay open minded when it comes to other dance styles. It doesn't matter to be"great","excellent" or "the best", most important is to release the desire to have fun and be happy.


    What gives you inspiration?

    It can be everything. A place, a landscape, a situation, a feeling first of all!


    Also my passions, my crew and the people I'm surrounded by. Music of course, art in general!


    What philosophy do you live by?

    In the past I thought the philosophy of "everything happens for a reason/nothing happens by chance" but I think this tricky... I prefer to embrace the philosophy of life appreciation by doing what you love the most, as much as you can, in the balance of positivity and lucidity of moral.


    C*LTURE: In My Blood it Runs



      Dujuan Hoosan, a 10 year old Arrernte Aboriginal boy growing up in Alice Springs, Australia. A good hunter, fluent in three languages, his intelligence clearly shines through. However Dujuan is 'failing' in school, with growing scrutiny from the police and welfare.


      Made in close collaboration with Dujuan and his family, it follows him as he dreams, shares his truths and navigates through the inequality of the education system.


      Directed and produced by Maya Newell in collaboration with a long line of First Nations initiatives, organisations and filmmakers.

      ?UESTIONS: and Words

        Brooklyn Born MC Words aka Wordsworth, freestyle lyricist, MTV series producer and all round multi talented person talks to Culture is Free about his passion to mentor.


        Like a true superhero, Wordsworth teaches TV, film, and music production to middle school students in Florida. Drawing on his experiences of being an artist and touring, he has adapted and created a curriculum to educate the next generation.

        What inspired you to become a teacher?

        I was going to teach because my daughter’s grades were suffering because of the lack of adequate substitute teachers. Once I went to register, I was informed that I would be valuable in the district as a positive reflection for minorities, especially young black males. It took me less than 3 seconds to change my life’s direction. That was the biggest calling I’ve had, to help change the outlook of the youth.


        How would your students describe your style? 

        I think they would describe my style as balanced. I talk to them about how things will be beneficial to learn and why and then I’m able to relate to them on a pop culture level. Sometimes the fact that I know about what they’re into, it shows them that I care about what they may care about outside of school. You have to find those moments of bonding when you can.


        What does it mean to you be a role model? 

        I think it’s important to be a role model because there aren’t many active rappers that are teachers. The students can say to themselves that it’s okay to be cool and a teacher. They can understand a rapper has many layers to them. As a male role model, it’s extremely important to show that you have alternate routes and backup plans. Entertainment can be your dream from another angle. If not the athlete, be the coach, if not the singer, be the vocal teacher, if not the actor, write the script, find alternatives.


        Which is more useful, intelligence or wisdom? 

        They’re similar, in which being able to make decisions based on projections are very helpful. Many of us fell victim to that being young. You did bad in school because you didn’t see that it may affect a job later. Having these traits will assist in looking down the line, and not to be so caught up in moments of satisfaction, but continuous satisfaction.


        How can we help nurture the next generation?

        We can help nurture them by being in the classroom and giving them examples of alternatives. I can’t complain about the music or shows if I have the power to contribute and change things. Find your power that can alter something you dislike and provide the example. Inspiration changes generations, no one can read your mind, manifest your book of thoughts so they can read them in reality.

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