NU FLOW

"IT'S NOT A HOBBY, IT'S A LIFESTYLE ..."

Hollie Robertson

INSPIRED MOVIES

There have been numerous films based around the urban subculture that grew from hip hop and street dance. Most if not all of these are romanticised versions of the culture living today in the capital city's of most countries.  But the basic elements are true to real life; competition and rivalries,  pack mentality within crews... "my second family"(BEN DAVIES: SURGE DANCE), OBSESSION with dance, congregating in urban environment, a distinctive and strong sense of style based around the practicalities of their hobby (comfy) and the constant need to stand out or show off (bright colours).

STYLE ICONS

Trend setters in the nu flow dance scene are mainly lead dancers and choreographers of the largest and most successful companies, SISCO GOMEZ (LONDON) and LUAM (NEW YORK) designer and owner of clothing range wildchild nation. 

MUSIC  plays a massive role in the styling within the nu flow dance culture as both the style of moves and dress revolves around the music that is mainstream at the time. Lady gaga has had a huge effect, instead of the girls always dressed in mens clothes to adapt to the masculine style of movement, men are camping it up with abstract and more feminine steps and tighter choice of trouser and top... before it was the dance was a way to express anger now its about sex.

THE CLOTHES

Everything worn by nu flow dancers has a purpose, baggy clothes such as track suits, basketball shorts and hoodies make it easier to move.. simple as that.. and because its a lifestyle and not a hobby they live everyday in it.. seeing themselves as athletes as well as artists mainstream fashion is always combined with sportswear (normally american).

TRAINERS play a huge part in someones identity and status. The better the trainers the better the dancer 

Long socks have always been are mostly always in the mix - something practical becoming a statement - basically its so your massive trousers don't get messy or trip you up.

BEING PART OF A TROUPE

 - PERFORMING AND COMPETING -

Under ground dance events in london are put on about 4 times a year, at which the top 20 crews perform  their new sets... including set4set (each crew is paired with another to compete against each other, rules are you can take the piss out of the other crew as much as u want within your piece).

 The biggest competition of the year is GWI street dance weekend diversities original platform.

Leading up to the new set.. a photo shoot is normally undertaken in costume and posted  on facebook to let the other  troupes know they're ready, building suspense and a hype around the group and what they have produced.

Showing up to these events is a practically a fashion show, crews normally turn up in the same hoodies or t-shirts with their group names merchandised everywhere (boys have been known to have their crew names shaved on their heads) Each group has their own colours and are instantly recognisable, this is a form of intimidation while also giving the group a sense of unity.

IN THE STUDIO, IN THE STREETS OR ON THE STAGE

This is where you'll find them.

RHYAM DANIELS

FLY n FRESH

Rhyam has been in the dance scene as a choreographer dancer and fashion designer for years. Here is some of the merchandise he produces and sells including logos he's designed for various crews.