Olympic Athletes Take Over DWTS

Keira Whitaker
Dancing with the Stars

This coming season of Dancing With the Stars is going to be all athletes. But not just any kind of athletes - several are Olympic athletes (go Team USA)! Not to mention that three of these Olympic stars are figure skaters, who are sure to bring their A game.

One of the more well known stars is going to be Tonya Harding, who, thanks to “iTonya,” a new film about her life, is enjoying a second wave of popularity! She has a special talent for jumps, so she is sure to have a spring in her sock hop. The other two figure skaters are Adam Rippon, bronze medalist, and Mirai Nagasu, silver medalist. Both represented USA with grace and beauty at the 2018 Olympics, and both are sure to give Tonya a run for her money.

So with three Olympic figure skaters in the line up, do the other athletes have a fair chance at the title? It’s no secret that figure skaters have dance experience and are basically dancers on ice. They have flexibility, great timing, and excellent coordination. Perhaps the other athletes have a secret weapon up their sleeve, or a secret dance background, because with Tonya, Adam, and Mirai competing, they’ll probably need it.

This Crew Is Breaking The Mold

Ill-Abilities - photo by Raw Edge Photography

There's nothing better than when we stumble upon a group of truly unique and empowering artists doin’ their thang! That’s why we’re so excited to share a hip-hop crew that’s not only breaking onto dance scene, but breaking some stereotypes along the way.

Meet ILL-Abilites, a crew of dancers that’s made up of a variety of artists that are differently-abled. The dancers are: Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli from Canada, Tommy “Guns” Ly and Jacob “Kujo” Lyons from the U.S.A, Redouan “Redo” Ait Chitt from The Netherlands, Sergio “Checho” Carvajal from Chile, Jung Soo "Krops" Lee from South Korea, Samuel Henrique "Samuka" da Silveira Lima and Lucas "Perninha" Machado from Brazil.

Patuelli created the company back in 2007. Here’s how they define themselves on their website:

Definition
ILL-A•bil•i•ty [‘il-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē] –
noun, plural ILL-A•bil•i•ties~
» an adaptation of power, strength, and creativity.
» believing in yourself ~ to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
» creating advantages from disadvantages.
» exploiting your capabilities ~ to live life to the fullest potential.

The group was created to “inspire audience members with their positive attitudes and unique dance moves.” And these guys are some seriously incredible movers! Check out their amazing videos.

Follow them on social media: @ILLAbilities (Twitter) @ill_abilities (Instagram)

photo: Raw Edge Photography

Kida Isn’t Kidding Around

Keira Whitaker

If you watched So You Think You Can Dance: Next Generation, you probably remember winner Kida Burns! His unique hip hop style and choreography skills set him apart from his fellow peers early on in the competition. Now Kida has put forth a challenge for everyone to try, and we’re totally digging it!

@kidathegreat posted a video on Instagram with his buddy Jabari Timmons dancing to an unexpected tune… the Wii song! Yes, you heard correctly, the song that plays when you are picking out your avatar on the Wii, and they totally slay it. The two fellas hit the beat hard with a dynamic kitchen performance that would make your grandma want to dance. The best part? People are joining in on the trend and grooving to this funky song.

So, are you next? How will you take on the Wii song? Pop it and lock it with a buddy, or keep it smooth and cool with your contemporary vibes. Either way, post a video using the hashtag #thewiichallenge.

Watch This New Work Inspired By The Plight of Immigrants

We here at DancePlug feel strongly that dance - and art in general - is more than way to express yourself; it’s a form that can be used to draw attention to important issues and incite discussion and, hopefully, change. Today, we’re taking a look at a work that was recently performed at hip- hop’s VIBE Dance Competition in LA.

This piece is an emotional look at the struggles that immigrants all over the world face as they seek a better life for themselves and their families. Using projections, intense lighting, a creative set piece, and of course movement, it highlights the danger and fear that thousands have encountered. 

Side note - this piece was put together in only five rehearsals over ten days. Kudos to the creative team and performers! 

The piece was created by choreographic duo (and real-life husband and wife) Keone & Mari. You may have recognized them from Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself”, Mark Ronson, So You Think You Can Dance, the Ellen Show, or Dancing with the Stars. While they are both working artists and teachers, their "continuous goal is to share impactful art through storytelling and movement that can inspire others to do the same."

A note from the choreographers regarding the work: This is “a piece inspired by our grandparents who came to America to make a new life for their families and the many displaced humans around the world who are trying to do the same.”