This year marks the tenth anniversary of krump, an energetic and expressive street dance created by youth in South Los Angeles. This freestyle hip hop dance form was the subject of David LaChapelle’s 2005 documentary Rize and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. In celebration of krump’s tenth anniversary, choreographer and “queen of krump” Miss Prissy, who has danced with Snoop Dogg, the Game and Madonna, will premiere The Underground, a live theatrical experience on the art of krump. This original production will also feature the choreography and talents of krump pioneer Lil' C, a guest judge on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. Join us as some of the best krump dancers on the planet captivate you with their dynamic and unique styles and illustrate the emotional, spiritual and physical impact of krump in the streets, in studios and in spaces around the world. The show will explore the roots of krump and issues like gender, fame and space, and will reveal the connections between krump and community dance rituals that have existed throughout history.

To watch the trailer for The Underground, click here.

About the Artists:

Dancer and choreographer Christopher A. Toler, best known as Lil’ C, began his career in 2001 and has appeared in music videos for Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, Christina Milian, Gwen Stefani and Madonna. He was one of the dancers profiled in Rize, a 2005 documentary following the rise of krumping. He has choreographed performances for the Teen Choice Awards, American Music Awards and NAACP Image Awards. Lil’ C has appeared in the films Stomp the Yard and Be Cool, but is perhaps best known as a choreographer and guest judge for FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. He can also be seen acting in You Got Served: Beat the World and StreetDance 2. (Twitter, Wikipedia)

Marquisa Gardner a.k.a. “Miss Prissy” is trained in all areas of dance, from ballet to hip hop, and has vocal abilities that have been compared to the likes of Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill. She was featured in the 2005 film Rize, in which she is called “the queen of krump.” She has toured with such artists as Snoop Dogg, the Game and Madonna. Classically trained, Miss Prissy started lessons at the age of four, learning everything from ballet to jazz to tap. She discovered hip hop dancing at 13 and enjoyed its expressiveness, but didn’t really begin to take her art seriously until after high school, when she began teaching it to kids. It was at one of these lessons that a student introduced her to krump, the new form of dance that was becoming popular in L.A., and brought her to a session. Miss Prissy was struck by its wild energy, and soon joined in on the performances and competitions herself, her natural talent and creativity making her one of krump’s stars. Miss Prissy is currently running her own production company and working on her second mixtape, entitled Da Stronger Side of P. (Twitter, YouTube)

Related Events:

Journalism Director’s Forum—Krump on the Screen and Stage
A Conversation with Miss Prissy, Star of Rize, and Journalist Jessica Koslow
Tuesday, September 11, 12 p.m.
Annenberg 207
For more info, click here.

Krump Dance Workshop with Lil’ C and Miss Prissy
Wednesday, September 12, 5 p.m.
North Gym, Physical Education Building
For more info, click here.

Organized by Sasha Anawalt, Taj Frazier and Jessica Koslow (Communication and Journalism).

Co-sponsored by Program Board Special Events Committee.

For further information on this event:
visionsandvoices@usc.edu