I’m going to buy lots of Hindi film DVDs...

... Says B-boying artiste, Richard Colon aka Crazy Legs, who is coming to Delhi on June 29
B-boying and hip-hop artiste Richard Colon aka Crazy Legs, who is coming to India for the first time on a six day tour starting June 25 to July 1, is impressed with everything Indian – food, movies, people and of course, dance. “The best part about India is that it accepts every culture with open arms.People here have true love for various forms of art and culture and I find that fascinating,” says Colon, adding, “Also, I’ve heard so much about the craze for dance forms like hip-hop, B-boying and breakdance and I felt that it is a good time to come over for an exchange of ideas and establish relationships.”
Since this is his first visit to the country, is he coming with any preconceived notions or expectations? “See, with expectations come stereotypes and I’m dead against stereotypes. I’m a Puerto Rican you know, and I know what it is like to get stereotyped. It’s the worst thing ever. So I’ll never want to make any judgements or come with any set expectations,” says Colon, who started dancing at the age of 10.
Ask him if he is familiar with the term Bollywood, and he quickly responds, “Of course, who isn’t? I know about the song and dance routine that’s followed in Hindi movies. I have seen that on stage shows and reality series. I’m excited to see and follow it more closely when I’m in India. I love dance and I’m always eager to learn a new dance form. If you can introduce me to any choreographers back in India, I promise I’ll learn and do those interesting moves. It looks so much fun.”
But has he seen any Hindi movies or does he have any favourite actor or dancer? “You know I’m just going out to buy a lot of Hindi movie DVDs and watch them. I know about Bollywood and all, as I’m surrounded by the Indian community in NYC. But I’d like to prepare myself and do my research work on Hindi movies before coming. Next two days, I plan to get my dose of Hindi movies,” says the 46-year-old, who will be accompanied by his Rock Steady Crew as they promote the street dance form in India by conducting dance workshops in colleges in Delhi and Mumbai.
“B-boying is just like throwing a punch. The way you punch someone shows your true character. If you are not confident about your punch, it is useless, the other person will not feel it. It’s just the same with B-boying and hip-hop. It is very high on music and emotions. If you don’t have an attitude and you are not confident, then its useless,” says Colon about the dance form that came to be associated with African-American’s in the 80s.
Point out this fact to Colon, and he snaps, “That was a media generated thing at that time. But I never really faced any issues. We are all different coloured people and we all are brothers and sisters, and dance is not limited to any ethnicity. In India, I’ll help people learn more about hip-hop and its history, the way things were back then and how it evolved. I’ll do the best that I can to share my perspective and in the process, stand corrected too, if someone shares a different viewpoint.”
In India for almost a week, is he worried about spicy Indian food? “I love Indian food and I’m perfectly fine with the amount of spices that are used. Maybe I’ll get some snacks for night time, as I love snacking, but I’m cool with Indian food,” Colon shares.
Achievements
Crazy Legs won a 1992 Bessie Award for choreography
In 1994 he received the Hip Hop Pioneer Award
Was honoured as the National Godfather of the 2003 Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade
He was nominated for an MTV Award for Best Choreography for his work with Wyclef Jean