RANDY “DJ WISH ONE” BERNAL, 33, San Jose, CA
I dance because: It’s my therapy.
What inspires me is: The music
Besides dancing, I like to: DJ and skate
Advice to aspiring dancers: Listen and become the music
KEVIN BREWER, 31, Sacramento, CA
I dance because: Connecting with people is something I enjoy, because life is fleeting. We should build each other up through fellowship and enjoy one another.
What inspires me is: I like to inspire and to be inspired.
BEN “B-TEK” CHUNG, 26, Mission Hills, CA
I dance because: It makes me happy, and I am inspired by music and my crew.
Besides dancing, I like to: Skateboard
Advice to aspiring dancers: Stay humble, stay hungry and stay committed.
CHRIS “CHRIS STYLE” GATDULA, 27, Las Vegas, NV
I dance because: That’s what I do.
Besides dancing, I like to: Read and do calculus
If I wasn’t a member of the Jabbawockeez, I would be: A body builder
Advice to aspiring dancers: Be humble and work hard.
SASO “SASO FRESH” JIMENEZ, 24, El Paso, TX
I dance because: It’s the only thing I know how to do best.
My role models are: Joe Pesci, Tony Montana, Rock Steady Crew, Electric Boogaloos, The Q6 Lockers
How would your parents describe you, now that you are America’s No. 1 dance crew? Muy chingon
Advice to aspiring dancers: Know your foundation.
GARY KENDELL, 37, Seaside, CA
I dance because: It is a way to be happy; it’s my life.
My role models are: The people I meet and I’ve taught and learned from.
JOE “EMAJOENATION” LAROT, 28, Sacramento, CA
I dance because: I’m just a guy who enjoys this god-given talent.
I am inspired by: My brothers, but most of all, God, for blessing me with the opportunity to rock the stage with my folks, fam royale.
JEFF “PHI” NGUYEN, 26, Phoenix, AZ
I dance because: It’s my therapy.
Besides dancing, I like to: Camp and wakeboard
Three characteristics of my success are: Love, passion, motivation
Advice to aspiring dancers: Stay humble.
RYNAN “KID RAINEN” PAGUIO, 27, San Diego, CA
I dance because: I love hip-hop.
What inspires me is: God, my family, my crew
What does it mean to be Asian American?: Know your nationality and where you come from.
Advice to aspiring dancers: Stay true.
EDDIE “EDDIE STYLES” RODRIGUEZ, 29, San Diego, CA
I dance because: It feeds my soul.
Besides dancing, I like to: Fix cars and teach
Advice to aspiring dancers: Keep your head up and follow your dream.
PHIL TAYAG, 23, Sacramento, CA
I dance because: I hustle to pay bills.
I am inspired by: My crew and family
Jabbawockeez: Upcoming Performances
July 12 St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ
July 13 Alonzo Benefit, Miami, FL
July 17 Honolulu, HI
July 18 Maui, HI
July 19 Hallfax, Canada
July 19 Summer Melee ‘08, Maui, HI
July 20 Toronto, Ontario
July 21 Blush Ultraclub, Winnipeg, MB
July 22 The Whiskey Nightclub, Calgary, AB
July 23 Plush Nightclub, Vancouver, Canada
July 23-24 Phoenix Center, Guam
July 24 Tonic Club, Montreal, Canada
July 25 The Guvernment, Toronto, Ontario
August 2 MTV Asia Video Awards 2008, Malaysia
August 30 Unplugged Video Concert, Reno, NV
For more information on the Jabbawockeez, go to jabbawockeez.com.
***Related Jabbawockeez news:***
Behind the Mask: The Jabbawockeez, America’s best dance crew
Jabbawockeez Update
America’s Best Dance Crew Season II
Letters to the editor: Jabbawockeez love
Jabbawockeez winz! America’s best dance crew
Jabbawockeez, Unmasked