A Thrilling Night of Hip Hop at Sincerely Ophelia
Behind the curtains of Sincerely Ophelia’s back room, a crowd cheers as dancers spin across the floor, balancing their entire body weight on one hand. Fast-paced music bounces across the packed dark-lit venue, where, if you were lucky enough to be there, you could enjoy the performances up close.
Seek brought in local performers for a “Night of Hip Hop” at the East Village speakeasy on Tuesday, June 27, with Seek CEO Shanna Liu as the MC. Four hip-hop and rap acts, including Linda, the Dynamic Rockers, Vonny, and Chi Products, electrified the crowd of around 40 in the intimate venue, each performer showing off their unique style and skills.
Linda (@lindasara.redemption) began the show on a high note with choreography that covered a range of styles from salsa to ballet, hitting us with a total of three impressive outfit changes. Her energetic performance fired up the crowd as she danced to hits like Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Pregunto” and Bebe Rexta and David Guetta’s “I’m Good.”
Three members representing the Dynamic Rockers (@dynamicrockers), a legendary breakdancing crew from New York City, took the stage next. With group member Eli taking the mic to rile up the crowd, the three dancers each showed off their jaw-dropping breakdancing skills on the floor, taking a break to call up five audience members to the stage and teach them a quick sequence.
To finish up the dance acts, Vonny (@theoriginalyoungvonny) performed choreography to a mashup of songs, which the crowd recognized and danced along to. He awed the audience with his popping, tutting and krumping moves, changing up the style with each new song that played. The energy in the room was not the same without the Chi Products group hyping Vonny up in the back with their cheers.
Chi Products (@chiproductsteam), a multi-disciplinary collective of artists bringing Chicago style to New York City, performed three original songs. They had the audience holding up their drinks with their song, “Hibiscus,” letting each of the five member’s individual voices shine.
At the end of the performances, the audience voted for their favorite dance act. The Dynamic Rockers emerged victorious, coming back to the stage to impress the audience with an encore.
Judging by the cheers from the audience, it was safe to say that they enjoyed the show. And for the artists, getting to perform in front of a live crowd was just as thrilling.
“I love being able to do my thing and showcase to the people who I am,” Vonny said, “Making them smile through my talent.”
Eli and Rinto from the Dynamic Rockers felt a similar way, as Rinto said he thrives upon the live audience’s reactions to his dance moves.
“Hearing the oohs and ahs and seeing people impressed with our life’s work is always really reassuring and very rewarding,” Eli said.
Chi Products, who joined the lineup last minute, were excited to share their passion for music, which group member Killz described as “fun, upbeat, something to start your morning.”
Chi Products found out about Seek through a friend and said Seek’s values and mission resonated with them.
“We’re also trying to make locals find out about new stuff and have a good time, so we’re all aligned with that,” said Kim, the founder of Chi Products.
This event was a continuation of Seek’s Showcase Series in New York City, which highlights local talent and gives them a chance to show off their passion. In the past, Seek has put on shows featuring jazz, comedy and burlesque. Catch us at our next event, “A Secret Jazz Show,” at Sid Gold’s on July 8!
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