To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the JOAT International Street Dance Festival is presenting an indoor show for the first time: Groove, Dutch companies The Ruggeds and Ghetto Funk Collective. An idea that had been long in the mind of the event’s instigator, Handy Yacinthe, who was waiting for the right moment to launch, and an “honor” for the artists involved.
“I was delighted to receive the invitation to participate in the 10e anniversary of the JOAT festival. Montreal and Canada hold a special place in my heart, so the opportunity to be a part of such an important event was really exciting,” says Virgil “Skychief” Dey, performer in Groovebut also participating in the battle of the festival breaking.
The Ruggeds and Ghetto Funk Collective are unique in that they combine music and dance. The show features eight dancers, three of whom are also musicians. “This combination of dance and music live adds an extra layer of depth and creativity to our performances, making the show an immersive experience for the audience,” he adds.
Acclaimed at Summer Dance Forever 2023, one of the festivals of street dance the largest in the world, the group quickly became “an obvious choice” for Handy Yacinthe, the founder of JOAT. “It’s a show which made a lot of noise, which had excellent feedback. They are very strong in locking and breaking. Their concept is super solid,” he says, happy to finally be able to offer a “360° experience” to festival-goers.
In fact, when it started in 2014, JOAT only offered a battlecentered on the popping style. Barely two years later, JOAT became a multidisciplinary festival and then, in 2017, was exported internationally. Other artistic practices related to street dance were then added, such as visual arts and rhythmic design. In 2020, the renowned presenter Danse Danse embarked on the adventure to present JOAT at Place des Arts two years later, in 2022. A major step forward for the festival. “Ten years ago, we barely filled the Fairmount Theatre, with about 300 people. Last year, over 30,000 visitors participated in JOAT,” the organizer rejoices.
Ten years after his debut as the festival’s instigator, Handy Yacinthe is proud of several accomplishments. “Offering battles concept, it hit the industry here, but also elsewhere in the world. We inspired a lot of communities, people who wanted to build their own JOAT, he says. I think we also helped change the sphere of popping in the world, to return to tradition by dissecting the different styles. Finally, I am extremely proud of our expansion, of the co-production with Danse Danse and Place des Arts. The level of production is now grandiose thanks to all of that. Even if there is always room for expansion, the JOAT model is increasingly becoming an international reference.
For Virgil “Skychief”, JOAT was still unknown. However, he is delighted to be able to participate as a guest artist on stage, but also as a dancer during the battle break. “Not knowing the festival is a positive for me. It means I can experience it with a fresh perspective, without preconceived ideas. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the atmosphere and with the people. I am really looking forward to discovering what the festival has to offer and being part of its unique energy,” he shares.
Funk, hip-hop, breaking and locking
The show Groove is characterized, as its name suggests, by funk music. Hip-hop elements also punctuate the sound performances. On the dance side, we mainly find breaking and lockingtwo of the oldest dances in hip-hop culture. “The blend of these styles creates a unique and high-energy experience that stays true to the roots of street dance while exploring new artistic expressions,” says Virgil “Skychief” Dey. To create his dance, he draws inspiration from many elements of hip-hop culture, but not only. “My Ghanaian roots play a big role in the creation of my dance and my creative process. The rich cultural heritage, rhythms and movements deeply influence my style,” continues the winner of the national BC One Cypher competition in 2013.
For The Ruggeds and Ghetto Funk Collective, hip-hop culture is therefore inseparable from their artistic practices. “It’s at the heart of everything I do,” says Virgil “Skychief.” This culture shapes my approach to shows, from the music selection to the dance moves and the overall atmosphere of the show. I seek to embody the essence of hip-hop in each show, staying true to its roots while pushing its boundaries.”
With Groovethe musicians and artists hope to “inspire” the Montreal and international audiences who came for the occasion. “Our goal is to show how, through dedication and love for what you do, you can create something extraordinary. We also want to emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, and how that can elevate your art to new heights,” he concludes. “Our shows are a celebration of creativity and unity, and we hope that this will touch everyone who watches us.”