Respect! DanceFest Weekly

SFIHHDF Founder Micaya and Board member Brandy Beazley talk to esteemed dance artists from around the world. Topics include performances in the SFIHHDF, choreography, artistry, challenges of being a dance professional, and other dance related themes.

Boogaloo Dana, co-founding member of the legendary crew Medea Sirkas, is a pioneer, historian, and activist for the Boogaloo style of dance—an art form that predates hip hop. Born in West Oakland, he began dancing in 1972, shaping a style influenced by icons such as Little Dion, James Brown, Derick Lovings, Alfred Jones, John Murphy, Tony Newsome, and the animated energy of cartoons.

As co-director of Medea Sirkas, Dana has spent decades pushing the boundaries of street dance while preserving its roots, inspiring generations with his precision, creativity, and electrifying stage presence.

His passion and discipline have earned him some of the culture’s highest honors, including the Minister of Culture Award (2019), a Lifetime Achievement Award for Demon of the Mind (2022), induction into the Hip-Hop Archives Hall of Fame with Medea Sirkas (2023), and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Medea Sirkas (2024).

A true innovator and cultural guardian, Boogaloo Dana continues to embody the spirit of street dance—always “keeping it street.”

RESPECT Podcast – Season 5, Episode 7! Tune in now as hosts Micaya and Brandy feature Stéphanie (SP Sunny) from Paris, representing Parados-Sal and Odasy! 🌍✨

Stéphanie shares her journey, training, and insight into O.D.A.S.Y. (Legacy), a tribute to Babson. Don’t miss it!!

RESPECT PODCAST Season 5, Episode 6 is here! Tune in as hosts Micaya and Brandy connect with the talented Marie-Neika Obas, a versatile artist, choreographer, and dance teacher, and a proud member of AMS Dance Company. 🌟

Born and raised in Montreal with Haitian roots,  Marie’s diverse experience has taken her to stages and TV screens both locally and internationally. As part of AMS Dance Company, a dynamic group of over 15 dancers founded by Andy Michel Shadari, she contributes her unique artistic perspective alongside fellow dancers from diverse backgrounds across Canada, Europe, and the U.S. 

In this episode, Marie shares her journey in the world of dance, the impact of her experiences working with AMS, and details about the piece they’re creating for this year’s DanceFest. 

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 

RESPECT PODCAST Season 5, Episode 5 is dropping now! Tune in as hosts Micaya and Brandy sit down with the legendary Raul "RJ KoolRaul" Navalta, a true icon in hip hop culture.

RJ KoolRaul is a world-renowned Bboy, known for America's Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance. He’s also a member of The Triple Threat DJs and the Managing Director of Creative Transit Agency LLC, where he connects brands and communities through curated design and experiences. 

Don’t miss this episode as we dive into his artistic journey and creative impact!

Join hosts Micaya and Brandy as they chat with the incredibly talented Morgan Williams, a versatile performer, choreographer, and creative director.

Morgan has made an impact in both the concert and commercial dance worlds, working with renowned companies like Chicago Dance Crash and Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and contributing to projects like So You Think You Can Dance and Empire. As the founder of Water Street Dance Milwaukee, Morgan continues to push the boundaries of dance with his unique and expressive choreography. Tune in now to hear about his artistic journey and creative vision.

RESPECT PODCAST Season 5, Episode 3 is here! Join hosts Micaya and Brandy as they sit down with the incredible Stuck Sanders — a Sacramento native and world-renowned street dancer. ✨Stuck has been pushing boundaries in the dance world for over two decades, blending styles like Turfing, popping, and krump. He is the director of Tribe Crew and the visionary behind productions like Hip Hop Nutcracker and the upcoming Hip Hop Halloween. Tune in this NOW to learn more about his journey and Tribe Crew.