Acerca de

Jazz and Hip- Hop Pioneers 

 

Bob Fosse 

Bob Fosse is the name he is most commonly known by, although his full birth name Robert Louis Fosse, he was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1927. Bob Fosse was American dancer, actor, musical theatre choreographer and theatre filmmaker. Fosse took an interest in dance quite early on displaying unusual but impressive skills. His parents thought it would be a good idea to get him enrolled in formal dance training, which was ballet. When he was slightly older, he began dancing in local night clubs. This had an impact in his choreography making it more sexual ad provocative. At the night clubs he was exposed to themes of vaudeville and burlesque performances. After graduating high school, he joined the navy, he then graduated and settled in New York City. It was actually his second wife, Joan who encouraged him to start choreographing. He created musicals with a distinctive style of dance. His pieces included props frequently, his signature moves, and steps which were provocative.  

​

Matt Mattox  

Matt Mattox was born in 1921 and died in 2013. He was Ballet and Jazz dancer from America. He performed on Broadway and was a specialty dancer in several Hollywood musicals. ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ was what he was known best for in film. Matt Mattox moved to Europe after his career in film and Broadway. He became a highly respected and honourable dance teacher. Mattox is also known for the way he developed jazz dance into a style different from the energetic Broadway style that’s it was originally associated with.  

​

​

Mr Wiggles  

Mr. Wiggles was born in 1965, his real name is Steffan Clemente. He is a dancer, choreographer, actor, choreographer, music producer, teacher and graffiti artist. He is part of many breakdance crews such as ‘Rock Steady Crew’ and ‘The Electric Boogaloos’, Zulu Nation, Tribal Click and TC5, also known as The Crazy five or The Cool Five.  He is most commonly known for his popping skills. His career in dance began when he started battling all around New York City’s rough streets. He built up his reputation in battling until he was able to battle around the world. Including The middle east, Europe, Asia, South America, Asia, Canada. Mr. Wiggles has been credited for two substantial movies which pushed hip hop to where it is today. These movies are "Beat Street" and "Wild Style". 

 

References

​

Fitzgerald, T (2009) Hip- Hop and urban Dance, Chicago, Heinemann Library  

Franklin, M, (2021) Celebrate More Than 45 Years of Pippin on Broadway,New York City, Gainesville: Phil Bursh Pages: 1-2  

Variety Staff (2013 ) Variety { available at: Dancer, choreographer Matt Mattox dies at 91 - Variety} (30/11/21)