Nice Premium: Nilton, you are a dancer with the Anormal Crew troupe. Can you tell us about it?
Nilton: It is a company composed of 12 dancers, 11 boys and one girl, ranging in age from 18 to 31 years old. The group was founded in 2002. Since then, we have been performing in the street. The pedestrian area and Place Masséna are our favorite spots, but not exclusively.
We are what could be called a semi-professional company. We participate in numerous events, competitions, performances, and showcases.
N.P: Why did you choose the street as your stage?
N: Because the hip-hop movement developed in the street. It also allows us more freedom in our movements and, consequently, in our choreographies. This freedom isn’t necessarily achievable in a dance studio.
N.P: In your performances, there are various steps from dances like rock. What are your influences?
N: Indeed, “rocksteady” is present in our routines, but not exclusively. Jazz, and so-called “Latin” music also feature in our choreographies. Of course, our steps are influenced by hip-hop, one component of which is break-dance. This involves a set of floor movements like the “freeze,” a kind of acrobatic step where the movement is sometimes held. Hip-hop has different facets. The so-called “standing” movements are also part of this foundation. Additionally, acrobatic gymnastics allows us to create figures while maintaining a certain balance.
N.P: Regarding competitions and showcases, has this split the group or fostered a spirit of competition?
N: The group is called Anormal Crew. It symbolizes friendship within the collective, different from other groups. While some aim to stand out due to their excessive ambitions, we just want to dance and convey a message of peace and tolerance.
Moreover, we have fun, we go crazy. We’re serious when needed. We dance to popular music from quite varied styles. We have a team spirit, that’s all.
N.P: What are Anormal Crew’s plans for the summer?
N: We will be dancing all summer in the city center, in the pedestrian area, and on Place Masséna. We hope to create a performance where we tell a story. There are also contests and performances in various clubs. And when we perform outside, people are always fascinated by the technical prowess of the dancers. As a result, some get interested in hip-hop! It’s a great way to promote this movement.
