IN
the summer of 2004, hip-hop artist Albee Abigania
decided he was done with dancing to his own beat.
After realizing the big impact that dance and music
have on the community, he decided he could wield
more influence by teaching.
In
his efforts to share the hip-hop culture with people
of all ages, he formed the group Kontagious. According
to its website, www.kontagious.net, Kontagious’ mission
is about unique and creative innovation and helping
individuals realize their potential through their
talents. As people’s performing skills evolve,
Kontagious Performing Company shares and expresses
the meaning of art by combining all their creative
styles into one collaborative, while still maintaining
a successful, professional and positive environment
for everyone.
“[Kontagious]
is also a way to display something positive since
there are so many things out there that are negative,” says
Abigania, who lives in the Lynnwood area. “I
know by starting this group I have not only been
a teacher to my members but also a student, because
we all learn from each other.”
Through
performances and community work, Abigania says, “We
contribute, help, and inspire the community by
showing that we care. By this I mean, we help raise
money for good causes by performing at things such
as benefit shows, charities and we also donate
to good causes and to those in need.”
In
past years the group has performed at events such
as Pista Sa Nayon, Tour de Terrace, Seahawks half-time
show, Bite of Seattle, Bumbershoot and the Chad
Surdi Benefit Show.
Kontagious
is a growing group in itself. It now has sub-groups
within the company to give members opportunities
to specialize.
KM
(Kontagious Movement) is a crew of not just “ordinary
hip-hop dancers” but break-dancers of not
only Kontagious members but also individuals from
another group, Art of Movement.
A
younger group within Kontagious is SICK. SICK is
for kids and teens age 8 and up and also involves
students from High Impact Dance Academy.
“I
wanted to be apart of a close-knit group and I
have always wanted to dance but never had the opportunity,” says
16-year-old dancer Kristie C. on a profile that
appeared on the Kontagious website.
An
opportunity to see hips gyrating, feet stomping
and bodies moving in unison is coming on Nov. 11.
Kontagious Performing Company, in cooperation with
One Philippines and Century 21, will present the
Renditions Concert, featuring Rica Peralejo, Sam
Milby, and Piolo Pascual, at the Renton Ikea Performing
Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available
at Casa de Manila, 3219 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle.
Ticket prices range from $50-$125. Call (206) 322-7050
to reserve your tickets now.
Kontagious: Infectious hip-hop
Dara: Sultry powerhouse
Jonard Yanzon: Flying solo, flying high
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