The Smash Bro’z are a hip hop dance group, based in Birmingham, West Midlands. We are currently seven members strong and are ranked 1st in the Midlands region, after having won in the “Battle Of The Shires” on Sunday 22nd February 2009 and then went onto qualify for the UK Hip Hop championships; in which, we received: 2nd place in the preliminary rounds, 2nd place in the freestyle solo’s and went onto receive 3rd place in the Adults Division final, in The Colosseum, Watford on Sunday 1st March 2009 – meaning, that we are the first group from Birmingham ever to make the finals in Watford and also, the first group from Birmingham to qualify for the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada 29th July 2009. As one of the three co-founders to form this group, we have only been officially established in January 2009. Each of us, coming from different backgrounds, both creatively and culturally have other creative outlets, other than dance which helps to define our uniqueness and individuality. Take myself, for example, I am a vivid actor/dancer who has starred in many performances, including the “Chasing Fate” musical, (in which I co-choreographed) which sold out at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Aundre Brown, who is also co-founder, is a talented poet/spoken word artist, who has performed some of latest work at various venues, most recently The Yardbird, a popular Jazz club, networked in Birmingham. As well as this, Aundre Brown is also a skilled Fine Artist. The third co-founder, Jahmai Jones is a technical graffiti artist who is also, learning the art of DJ’ing and has high hopes of uplifting the hip-hop movement in Birmingham, positively. Collectively, The Smash Bro’z, has a wide knowledge in different dance styles, such as: Bboying (Break Dance), Popping, Locking, House, Krumping, Nu-Style Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Physical Theatre, Hip Hop Theatre and Tap, all of which are self-taught. Our dance experience, ranges from 3-6 years; however, our skill levels/dance ability surpass this. I’m creating this blog to improve publicity for the group and help us get to Las Vegas =]
Kashmir – this is a direct note to you. I am your uncle (Ernest Leese), residing in Maryland USA. I last saw you as a kid 1+ year old when your mom and dad visited Gambia. I am very proud of your achievements and would love to re-connect with you and see what I can do to help getting sponsorship for your group here in the USA. Your cousin Edward Leese (my first born), was a US Marine and now in the Entertainment (Hip Hop, Rap) industry, writing and performing as “Eddie Brick”. Please contact me at your earliest convenience via the email posted and we can exchange contact information. Very proud of you and the group. Much luck and success – Uncle Ernest…
Hi Ernest,
i really was expecting to see this message today but i’m glad that you have contacted me! how did you find me? i think i remember something about you because i’ve always know i had an uncle on my dads side who lived in maryland! but i dont know any of the leese family as you may already know and that includes my dad! so you could say i’m pleased you have contacted me =]
my contact details are below, look forward to hearing from you.
Email: knyne@bboysattic.com
Mobile: 07549442634
Dear Kashmir,
I am writing on behalf of the Aston Wild Katz. We are the dance society
that represents Aston University in the styles of Contemporary, Jazz and
Hip Hop, situated in the heart of Birmingham.
During the academic term we offer one paid lesson per week to all members of the society. We are therefore doing research into Hip Hop/Street instructors in the west midlands region, for the month beginning October 2009. We are looking for someone who is fresh, innovative and very self-motivated in their target to make us one of the best dance societies amongst all Universities. We have a variety of different members who all have a differing degree of skill and ability when it comes to dancing.
I came across your page and was fascinated by the accolades you have achieved and the high quality of dancing, from your videos on YouTube. As you are ranked 1st in the midlands region I can see hip-hop culture is well represented.
Our main dancing event that we hope to attend and win is the Loughborough Student Unions Dance Competition. From December onwards, this is what we will be working towards alongside our instructor. We also hope to make appearances at different clubs and events in order to promote the awareness of our dance team.
If you could recommend us some choreographers from your group, who would be suited for this role, this would be very helpful. I would really appreciate it if you could get back to me as soon as possible so we can attempt to work something out.
Thank you for your time and help in this matter. Look foward to hearing from you.
Yours truly,
Mayur Dabasia