Mr. Wiggles
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Steffan "Mr. Wiggles" Clemente is one of the more well-known street dancers, particularly for his popping skills. He is a member of the "Rock Steady Crew","The Electric Boogaloos", Tribal Click, and Zulu Nation. Wiggles has been active as a dancer, actor, choreographer, dance instructor, music producer and graffiti artist.
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[edit] Biography
Mr. Wiggles first developed his performance skills doing the Robot. During his early days he was influenced by his older sister Wanda before being introduced to breakdancing after meeting a neighborhood kid who asked if he was a B-boy. At the time, he didn't know what a B-boy was but after the young kid showed some freezes Wiggles was inspired and started learning breakdancing. Mr.Wiggles was originally a BBoy in the Bronx in the late 70's but eventually he transitioned his style to Popping which was referred to as "Bionic Boogie/Electric Boogie" in NY at the time.[1]
He was given the name "Mr.Wiggles" from a well known underground Graffiti writer named SEEN TC5 from his popularity in dancing at school. From then on, he has mastered his skill and achieved a global status as one of the greatest street dancers in the world.
Mr. Wiggles has enjoyed a diverse career working with, among others, Graciele Danielle, Savion Glover, Bill Irwin, Lynne Taylor Corbett and Anne Marie D'Angelo. He has been commissioned to produce a musical piece for Kurt Weill's September Songs with musicians Elvis Costello, Iggy Pop and Betty Carter. He has been a featured artist at the Apollo Theater, performed at the Kennedy Center honoring the Nicholas Brothers and appeared in music videos with artists including Missy Elliot, Usher, Madonna and Limp Bizkit.
Wiggles performs as a solo artist and with the Electric Boogaloos and Rock Steady Crew. He is also committed to participating in outreach programs teaching youth about the positive aspects of hip hop culture[2].
[edit] Awards
Wiggles was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for the Ghettoriginal production of Jam on the Groove. He won a Bessie Award for Best Choreography for the theatrical production of So What Happens Now, a play dedicated to Buck4, a deceased Rock Steady Crew member.
Recently, Wiggles along with the members of Rock Steady Crew was acclaimed at the first VH-1 Hip Hop Honors.
[edit] Reference
- ^ Interview with Mr.Wiggles by Westcoastpoppin
- ^ LatinRapper Interview - "Mr. Wiggles, Hip Hop Pioneer"
