The Real Future: Street Dance Conversations

My guest today is Madaline Riley. Like most people in the street dance community, I first knew her as Mad Linez, the angular mover who constantly challenged herself to integrate new foundations into her ever-evolving style.

Over time I learned that Madaline is a multi-disciplinary artist who works in both visual arts and performance production. She creates and collaborates on works that blend choreography, acting, fashion, and painting. I’ve had the privilege of seeing a wide range of her output;  it’s always compelling and never boring.  Her pieces may be challenging and rooted in multiple traditions, but behind all of this is someone who just wants everyone to f*¢k!ng dance!

We talked about her origins as a non-conformist, about  the evolving roles of women in street dance, and about where she’s headed as an artist. I’m pretty sure that  this won’t be the last time you hear from her, but for now, let’s get into The Real Future with Madaline Riley.

Reference Links

• Ghost
• Ryat
• The Corner Session
• Dread/Ultra
• Zheani
• 
  Emma Portner
• Am I Falling or Flying
• If I Was Your Body

My guest today is Keumsae Pae, one of the world’s best robot dancers. The robot style is not simply about imitating mechanical movement; rather, it embodies a philosophy of a robot trying to become human. This implies an emotional struggle, and Keumsae, with her subtle, detailed, movement,  creates narrative arcs that bring this struggle to the surface. She is, quite honestly, the rare dancer who can bring tears to my eyes.

She is also an essential member of the L.A. street dance community . When all of us were struggling during the pandemic lockdowns, Keumsae organized the legendary  Bridge Sessions. While everything else was closed, this pedestrian bridge on 3rd and Figueroa Streets became a vital gathering spot 2 nights a week, from 9pm until verrryyyy early the next morning. It started small but as things opened up, it became a required destination for anyone who was in town. Boppin Andre and Tabo started to come out, and it evolved into a place to learn from legends. 

We had a great conversation and concluded the with a drum and dance exchange. Let’s get in to The Real Future with Keumsae Pae.

My guest today is Darrel “Friidom” Dunn. Friidom is a dancer, and we’ll discuss how he got started in the Dallas-area krump scene. 

Friidom is a choreographer, and he’s in his first year as a MFA candidate at The California Institute of the Arts.

Friidom is a philosopher, and he’s innovated a movement philosophy he calls Epiic.

Friidom is a producer - he has produced countless improvisational narrative works that take dancers and audiences to new places in the context of live performances.

But what makes Friidom really special is his ability to bring people together. Artists join his productions because he puts them in roles that  maximize their abilities. And for audiences, his unique approach to staging creates connections that build community.

I’ve had the privilege to photograph many of these productions and whether they’re in a theatre or a parking lot, on a rooftop  or in a barbershop, they obliterate the 4th wall in a way that is more connective than it is confrontational. So let’s keep the connection going and get into The Real Future with Friidom.

Credits:

Production, Writing, Concept, Design, Video, Audio, Music. Photography: John Nyboer

My guest today is Dustin Payne, aka DPayne.

You might know him from SYTYCD15 where he made the Top 20, or from music videos with DaBaby, Kid Cudi, or Kurtis Blow.

If you participate in the LA dance scene you DEFinitely know D Payne, and near the end of 2024 you might have seen him win the hip hop category of Versa-Style’s 18th LTMMY battle.

CREDITS:

Production, Writing, Concept, Design, Video, Audio, Music, and ⁠Photography by John Nyboer⁠.

Son Lam Nguyen happened to be in town just as I was launching this podcast, and I was lucky enough to be able to book him as my first guest!

• 0:00 - 2:00 Introduction
• 2:01-49:14 Conversation
• 49:15 Drum/Dance Improvisation 

Son Lam came to Los Angeles in 2017 on the heels of winning So You Think You Can Dance Vietnam. His talent, commitment, and open personality have earned him a lot of love and respect in the L.A. street dance community, and that reputation has gone global.

He won the 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style U.S. Championship in Atlanta, which sent him to the World Final in Mumbai. To finish off the year, his all-Vietnamese team with MT Pop and Rufu won the Flava Of The Year 3 on 3 title.

Back home in Ho Chi Minh City, he co-founded Movement Art Research, a Yoga and Dance Studio.

CREDITS:

Production, Writing, Concept, Design, Video, Audio, Music, and Photography by John Nyboer.

Photographs of SonLam Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh City by Phu Thanh Tran.