When Celebrity Parents Magazine went to the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Battle a few weeks ago, we were blown away by the young crews performances. One kid, though, caught our eye, and that was 13 year-old Kyle Brooks, from the Spot Stompers crew from Boston, M.A. With his Mohawk, great dance moves (including an awesome belly roll!), we just had to interview him.
How did you become involved in the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Battle?
Clearasil contacted Reia and Rick, owners of Phunk Phenomonon, and asked if they would want to enter an eight member crew to battle. So they picked the eight oldest kids out of the 35 kids that make up Lil Phunk, (which is the official Boston Celtics NBA junior dance team), of which I’m a member.
How much practice did you do before the event?
We practiced twice a week for two weeks. We had been asked a couple of weeks after everyone else started preparing. Our crew, Spot Stompers, only performed for Clearasil but as Lil Phunk we perform at two Celtics home games a month. We’ve also performed at numerous commercial events and fundraisers throughout the Boston areas.
How many crews are you involved in?
I have 2 break-dancing crews; Phunky Phantoms and Swift Charekterz. The first one is three boys and the other is mainly adults. We only performed for Clearasil as Spot Stompers.
As Lil Phunk, we perform all over Boston and the surrounding areas. We battle and compete all over New England and the tri-state areas. I’m going to Las Vegas in July to compete in Hip Hop International with an all-boy crew.
Do you choreograph your own routines?
I choreograph my own solos and then I compete throughout the year. For the Clearasil event, Spot Stompers was choreographed by Reia Conner and some of her assistants.
Were you always into dance?
Yes. When I was 3 or 4 years-old, I was dancing tap, jazz and ballet. After awhile, I got embarrassed that I was dancing ballet and then I started doing karate. I missed dance, so I went back to dance. I also train at 6 schools/gyms.
What’s your favorite type of dance?
I love to do hip hop, break-dancing and popping. I still like doing ballet.
What did you think of the event?
We did really good considering that we got the music two weeks before the show. I was really proud of my crew. That day was my birthday!
Now, let’s talk about that Mohawk.
I love it. I think it’s really cool! My school doesn’t let me wear it up, though.
What does your mom think of the Mohawk?
My mom actually helps me to put it up! It used to take a couple of hours to get it right, and now it takes about 15 minutes.
How do you get it to stay up like that?
We only use hair spray. Then my mom takes a hair dryer and she smoothes it up with her hands.
You’re in 7th grade. What are your favorite and least favorite subjects?
I love math, gym and science. I don’t like social studies or reading!
What are your dance plans for the future?
I hope to continue to excel as a uniquely diverse performer. I’ve been signed to MSA-NY. It’s a talent agency in NYC, so I hope to branch out in this direction while focusing on my formal training with Tara Pereira. She invited me to train at her new studio in New Bedford. I’ve really grown as a dancer in this past year and hope to continue to train, compete and battle in all the styles of dance that I love.