The Groove Theory
By
Anthony "Neo" Tirado
The funky beat that made you move your feet. Your body would twist, and sway from side to side as if you were doing the humpty hump.
In that moment you've just experienced the "groove theory" and the sounds that vibrated through your ear drums just gave you your first 'eargasm.'
On his 40th birthday of June 24th, KS-360 had an epiphany. He and his wife Rokafella put together a roof top party at Seward Park High had an idea that later became what we all know now as Behind The Groove.
KS-360 also known by many as Kwikstep of Full Circle Souljahs. His talented wife Ana "Rokafella" Garcia and Turntable Annihilist DP-One bounded together and brought the world Behind The Groove monthly jams at Le Poisson Rouge or "LPR" located at 158 Bleeker Street in New York City, where the parties are a dancers' paradise.
BTG (Behind the Groove) where souls fly free and the music is the food for our bodies.
I had the honor to have a conversation with this talented master artist and get the exclusive ins and outs of BTG.
D4D: So who are the members that help organize the BTG experience?
KS-360: The official creator of BTG was me but I partnered up with Rokafella to host the parties and fellow brethren Dj DP-One to DJ the party with me.
D4D: When you created this monthly event, what was the purpose or goal?
KS-360: Plain and simple; it was to create a platform for all the dancers to shine in the community.
It's about giving the dancers the opportunity to let go of their emotions and express themselves on the dance floor.
D4D: How important is it to have a wide range of music and versatility? And how does it effect the flow of the party?
KS-360: It's extremely vital to have a wide range of music because, we have a wide range of emotions and people. I never plan my sets, although I do practice day and night. I feed off the dancers and in turn the dancers feed off me. It's what I need to keep the groove going. You see it's a full circle. We're all connected. BTG is a creative extension of Rokafella and myself. It's about bringing all elements such as: bboys/bgirls/lockers/poppers/waackers/house heads/voguers, MC, DJ, Grafitti (visual aspect) and knowledge.
D4D: Essentially all these elements including other genres like house, funk, soul and Latin are a direct link to who you are?
KS-360: Exactly! BTG's motto is, "getting behind you" to push you, to help you let go of your dance fears and get behind your groove.
D4D: How do you keep up with your expenses?
KS-360: Well it's a process. We do rely on the bar and what we make at the door.
We all know that most dancers are struggling artists. So I have to come out of my own pockets to pay for venue and performers. So we do fundraisers and BTG All Stars Angels who donate money to BTG.
D4D: That's brilliant where do we go to donate and how?
KS-360: We have created a go fund me account for those interested in donating for the BTG cause at www.gofundme.com/getbehindthegroove. So far we have raised about $1,675.00 and out goal is $30,000.
D4D: That's awesome I did notice artists like Strafe (Set It Off) and hip hop legend Marly Marl had left some positive feed back on the site.
KS-360: Yes indeed to quote the words of Strafe "Behind the Groove it's like a family and a family that grooves together can build together."
D4D: Interesting that you would say that because, if you do the math correctly; if you have a room with about 200 dancers and each have can invite 900-1200 people via Facebook or social network sites; and donate $10 to $20 each person per year, that can bring the BTG goal way passed it's year end goal of $30,000 by mid year.
KS-360: Exactly my point, I even give something back to those who donate.
1. $20 Authentic BTG bracelet
2. $50 Authentic BTG bracelet and mixtape
3. $75 Authentic BTG bracelet, mixtape and BTG T-shirt
4. $100 Authentic BTG bracelet, mixtape, T-shirt and entrance to all BTG events for a year
D4D: With all this going, what's next for BTG?
KS-360: Wow we have so much going on. We just recently performed at the New Victory Theater with Full Circle Crew and it was an awesome turnout! Our next event we'll have an "NYC meets Brazil" at Lincoln Center on July, 22, 2014. We will be doing a BTG collaborative with Passinho, which is a hybrid of Samba and Frevo with elements of breaking. This event will be the first in New York City.
(Video from last Lincoln Center event)
On July 24, 2014 we will have the official BTG party at LPR In the Main room located at 158 Bleeker Street. There will be an exhibition battle and live performance by legendary hip hop icon Slick Rick hosted by Video Music Box radio personality, Ralph Mcdaniels.
We also have a BTG live and direct block party on August, 19, 2014 at Marcus Garvey Park.
D4D: If you had a dream event for BTG, where would it be?
KS-360: I'd say Central Park Summer Stage that would be heaven for me. To have singers like Stephanie Mills and Janelle Monáe perform live on stage.
D4D: I can see it already happening. The crowd going wild, hands in the air and dance fever.
So there you have it, world KS-360, behind the groove and its groovlings will be dancing their way into your hearts. So bring out your hand towels and bottles of water. Prepare to sweat and bring out the "dancer in you."
Thank you KS-360 for your time and knowledge. To his amazing wife Ana "Rokafella" Garcia, and Turntable Anihilist DP-One for giving us the fuel for our souls.
To Full Circle Souljahs and Full Circle Kadets get on the good foot and roll out.
