Beat Freaks
 |
 | This section includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (March 2009) |
Beat Freaks |
|---|
Beat Freaks is an all-female dance team from Los Angeles, California. Each of its eight members achieved individual success and decided to come together in 2003 to show the world that females can dance just as well if not better in what is perceived as a male dominated dance world. The Beat Freaks were also featured on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew (Season 3) and were the runners-up during the finale[1] after the champions Quest Crew. They are commonly featured on commercials, music videos, and movies.
The Beat Freaks spent much of their on-air time with ABDC encouraging young girls to dance and follow their dreams. Coming on to the show they came up with a campaign called "Freak the Vote."[1] Knowing that Freak the Vote would only apply on ABDC they decided to come up with something that would carry on even after the show. After discussing and collaborating as a group, they came up with "Freak the Dream."
History
In 2003, The Beat Freaks came together as a crew for the first time. The crew consists of Alison "Al*Star" Faulk, Teresa "Ragdoll" Espinosa, LindseyB "OUTTHERE", Lady Jules, Keeley "LockN' Key", Rino Nakasone, Maryss from Paris, and BGirl Shorty. They all were born and raised in the United States, except for Rino who was born in Okinawa, Japan and Maryss from Paris. They have achieved individual success in music videos and tours with world-renowned artists including Pink, Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, Britney Spears and Madonna. They have also individually been in movies such as "You Got Served," "Step Up 2," "Stick It," "Prom Night" and "B-Girl" starring Lady Jules. They are also in the upcoming movie Go for It.[1]
America's Best Dance Crew
Appearing in the third season of America's Best Dance Crew, Beat Freaks finished in second place, losing only to Quest Crew. They were the first all-female group to make it to the finals of the competition and received many praises from the judges JC Chasez, Lil Mama, and Shane Sparks. They are recognized by their large banner with the logo of a colorful boombox. [1]
While on the show they served to inspire young people to follow the dream using the phrase "Freak the Dream." This gave rise to FREAK THE VOTE!, a "3-month movement strategy" to gain support for the Beat Freaks from the official fansite. Recognized celebrities noted in support for the Beat Freaks in FREAK THE VOTE! include Avril Lavigne and Michael Duncan.
Members
Alison "Al*Star" Faulk
Alison Faulk, better known as Al*Star, hails from southern Florida. She was unable to participate in America's Best Dance Crew, because she was on tour with Pink. She does not specialize in one particular dance style, claiming she is an "all styles" dancer. She was also featured in the show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.
Teresa "Ragdoll" Espinosa
Teresa Espinosa was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in freestyle and is inspired by Michael Jackson among countless others. She has worked as a choreographer on the Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert and has worked with Janet Jackson and Britney Spears. [2]
Lindsey "LindseyB Outthere" Blaufarb
Linsey was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Lindsey started off in musical theater and athletics, then later started hip hop dancing at the age of 16. She is inspired by her own members, having admired them before joining the group. She has been on tour with Pink and Avril Lavigne.
Jules "Lady Jules" Urich
Jules Urich, commonly known as Lady Jules, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in Boulder, Colorado. She has many years of doing commercials, music videos, and much more. Some commercials she has worked with include Wal-Mart, GAP, Nike and Jolly Rancher. "B-Girl" is her latest project outside of the Beat Freaks. Jules is also an animal rights activist. She works closely with a charity called The Cat House on the Kings and is a strong supporter of PETA.
Keeley "LockN' Key" Kaukimoce
Keely was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Keeley specializes in locking. Her OG style fits perfectly with the Beat Freaks. After discussing it with her husband, Keeley made the ultimate sacrifice by doing the show and spending time away form her two year old daughter.
Rino Nakasone Razalan
Rino grew up in Okinawa, Japan and was inspired by Michael Jackson to search the world "to meet and dance with the best". She has a never ending passion and the drive to reach beyond herself to be the best. She performed with Maryss under the name "Geminiz," most recognized as one of Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls.[3]
Marie "Maryss from Paris" Courchinoux
Maryss was born in France and has an extensive resume in commercials. She has been a part of advertisements with Sprite, Pepsi, Old Navy, JCPenny, and iPod. She has also performed with numerous artists including Billy Crawford, Missy Elliot, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and the Black Eyed Peas. [4]
Alex "BGirl Shorty" Welch
Born in Orlando, Florida, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Shorty is the youngest of the Beat Freaks and gets her name "BGirl" from her strengths in breaking. Her parents were both ballet dancers causing the rebellious Shorty to hate dance in her early years. She fell in love with breaking while seeing her first ever headspin in a Christina Aguilera music video. Some of her accomplishments include being in "Step Up 2, "Prom Night", "Stick It", "Bring It On: All or Nothing" ,"Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards '06 dancing with Pink," and dancing with the "M&M Cru." She is also a dance instructor.
References
- ^ a b c d
"Beat Freaks Crew Bio". MTV Net. 2009. Retrieved 2/2/09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^
"Teresa Espinosa". Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved 2/4/09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^
"Rino Nakasone". 2009. Retrieved 2/26/09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^
"Maryss from Paris" (in English and French). lycos. Retrieved 2/28/09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)
External links