Volume I: Along Came a Spider
By: Starla (Werdwerk)
Hip Hop High Society is going global. Our very own traveling contributor, Starla (aka Werdwerk), recently set sail on the MSC Grandiosa for the legendary Juste Debout Gold—a dance tournament that takes the culture from the streets to the open ocean.
While navigating workshops and battles, Starla sat down with the enigmatic dancer Spider. From the controversial politics of French dance diplomas to the raw energy of the next generation, Werdwerk brings us an exclusive look at the state of the culture abroad. Read on for her recap of the cruise and her deep dive with Spider.
Once upon a time, this lady—Miss Muffet—was sitting around eating something nasty. A spider crept up to her and scared the wig right off her head. Crazy, right? This nursery rhyme is a simple metaphor explaining how situations will jump up out of nowhere and disrupt your life.
What do you do when that unexpected thing comes up?
I attended the Juste Debout Gold dance tournament last December. The event, held on an MSC cruise ship, had many unexpected moments for me. I attended the workshops conducted by some of the judges for the dance battle on the second day of the cruise. A surprising event occurred when I discovered that the dancer, Spider, was also on board.
I caught up with Spider after Majid’s workshop, and he graciously allowed me to interview him.
I asked him about the ongoing situation involving Hip Hop dance teachers, schools, and the French government. French politicians have attempted to usurp the culture by requiring Hip Hop dance instructors to have a diploma, despite the government having little knowledge about how our world works.
“It’s not Hip Hop to have a diploma.” — Spider
Spider got right to his roots, mentioning that he is from Guadeloupe and describing how he moved to France. He says that dancers are independent, and I understand exactly what he means. Hip Hop culture self-governs. We decide who the leaders are using ritualistic practices. We also honor who we want to honor once we know what they contribute to the culture. What do politicians know about it?
“They want to put structure on something that’s free.” — Spider
Spider continued, noting that Hip Hop is everywhere. “Some people don’t recognize themselves when at war.”
Whoa, that’s deep. I’m considering how profound his statement is. War gives people permission to break protocols. If your life and livelihood are on the line, you will do things you normally wouldn’t do. I rarely view politicians as moral people. Most will say anything to hold their position, but what’s happening here? Are French lawmakers at war with Hip Hop?
Hip Hop continues to rebel against control; it always has. But what happens to the segment of future dance instructors and students if the authority comes from outside the house?
“We learn from conversations in dance. Social media is one way to connect with people, but it’s not the only connection.” — Spider
I am thankful for social media because it does help me stay connected. It’s challenging for me to get to events as a disabled writer. I’ve spent limitless hours consuming dance and music on YouTube. It’s how I found out about dancers like Spider, who capture my attention in competitions I have yet to attend. Social media also doesn’t have the censorship to gatekeep; those who aren’t truly Hip Hop artists can easily slip in the door.
“I was good in school.” — Spider
Our conversation continued, and I learned that Spider has a background in boxing. It makes perfect sense when I think about his footwork, which is quick and light. He is also a fan of Michael Jackson, which led him to dancing.
Lastly, I asked him about what’s in his future.
“I want to recover good things for the future. The world is going crazy. People are not connected. Dance is a message. I want to be there for people.” — Spider
He says that he’s thankful for connecting with other dancers who taught him to be himself. He’s a changed man.
Spiders can symbolize fear for those who don’t consider their usefulness. But spiders are masterful weavers. They are patient and persistent. I learned many unexpected things talking with Spider. He has a gentle spirit that makes him easy to talk to, yet a tenacity that makes him a formidable dance battler.
The most unexpected moment came a few days later when I saw his daughters battle the world-renowned Les Twins. These girls share their father’s fearlessness. They competed at a level far beyond their young age. I definitely look forward to seeing them compete in the future.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy my other writings. I have just finished a trilogy series of novels that speak to the heart of Hip Hop through the lens of sci-fi. The novels are my contribution considering this dystopian world we are living in. The Gods of Hip Hop series is inspired by my favorite Hip Hop artists, and you can get into the vibes by checking me out on Amazon.
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