Mumbai: This 'Krumping' group in Kandivali is breaking dance stereotypes

A unique form of street dance, Krumping that originally started in the USA, is increasingly becoming popular among the Mumbai youth. 

More aggressive and expressive, compared to the normal street dancing, Krumping brings out the inner emotions, and helps in expressing oneself at a deeper level, believes the founder of the 'FAMOUS Crew’, Abhishek Das.

"When we started around 3 years back, it was just 8-10 of us. Slowly we spread our wings and have reached to almost 250 people with some real talent," said Abhishek. 

Krumping originally started in Los Angeles in early 2000, as a way of expressing or releasing anger and frustration in a non-violent way. "People say it's aggressive. But I would say it is expressive. No matter how you feel, you should be able to express those emotions and I think Krumping does exactly that," informed Abhishek.

The group that started out with Skype sessions from the UK, to learn the art has come a long way. "We had a friend in Yorkshire, UK named Arun Nadarasa. He used to teach us on Skype. After some time, he himself came down and even got German artists for our workshops," said Subhankar Ghawde, another member. 

Shubhankar, Abhishek and their other friends met at Thakur College and after realising that they had similar passion, they decided to form their own group. The group has its members mostly from Borivali, Kandivali and Mira Road and has set up an office in Kandivali. 

The crew's only female dancer, Tejasvi Patil, who also handles the management and financial part of the group, says she has found a second home. "It doesn't feel like I'm the only girl here. They treat me just like any other member. They even bear my mood swings and tantrums. Krumping has changed my life for better," said Patil, a BMM graduate from Thakur college. 

The group believes it is high time people break the stereotypes associated with dancing and use it as a medium of expression than anything else. "I feel Krumping has helped me come out as my own self rather than pretending to be what I am not. When you see the dance, you will understand what it means. There are no barriers," said Shubhankar.

In 3 years, the group has almost taken part in 40 underground battles and even entered the semi-final of India's Got Talent (2015). “In one of the underground battles, a judge asked a group member to become a judge. Can you imagine? That's the greatest honour that we have achieved till now," said Abhishek.

The group is hosting the Indian Krump festival, which will include a conference, workshops and a battle for three consecutive days from February 19 to 21.

Registration for the festival:

Toes n Tunes Studio,1st Floor, Raghuleela Mall, Kandivali (West), Near Poisor depot, Timings: 4pm - 8pm. 
To collect passes or to know more, contact the group at these phone numbers: 09920030561/9920984883

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