Get To Know The Fiery Dance Group Icons: Interview

Icons are already living up to their name, since opening up for Afro B and Nailah Blackman through a connection to DJ Power, they are making their name known across Canada. Made up of 5 group members, Icons are pushing a message of female empowerment. Some advice they have received that helped them to get where they are today was  “stick to something that you like and focus on strengthening it” and “getting out of your head and dance.” After watching any of their performances the passion they have is very evident.

What first got you into dance? 

We first got into dance because it was storytelling through art and an opportunity to reach others. Individually we found dance through different mentors in our community but as a group we got into dance because of the strength and empowerment we felt through movement. 

Who inspired you to start dancing?

We each have various reasons we started dancing, from a passion developed through childhood, to a middle school teacher, to watching women move through life everyday. We  started dancing as a group through Urban Arts. 

How would you describe the routines that you typically create?

Dynamic and powerful. Dynamic in the sense that we try to reinvent ourselves by adding components from different cultures, with a focus on Afro-Caribbean movement. Powerful, because we are women and as such we bring those flavorful power moves

What is your creative process like?

We each work on choreography separately  with a focus on our individual style of dance whether Afro, Funana, Soca, Dancehall and then collaborate together to create a fusion of our individual routines.. 

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

There lots of artist in the city doing big things  we would love to collaborate with Black Stars, Dynasti, Zahra Moves, Tome in the future

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

BEYONCE,  it would be amazing to open for the queen B herself.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your dance career?

If it wasn't for dance we couldn't decide as a group but individually Beth and Lina: Figure Skaters "Something always dreamed would be amazing .” Sulaire, Frances and Kristen: Traveling and Humanitarian work. " dance is something  that connects us to the city without we would be travelling , living abroad , community outreach"  

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the dance business?

The internet has impacted the dance world in a positive light , giving a platform for dancers to be seen however the downside is a lot of people are doing videos or dance styles for the visible on the internet neglecting the history and culture behind the movement . 

What is your favorite song to perform?

Power by Beyonce  - We feel that the audience received our message behind the choreography. We are powerful women, we want to be seen, heard, felt and command the space. 

Which famous dancers do you admire?

Galen Hooks, Kaelynn Harris, Paris Campbell,and Cookie monster

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

We would want more inclusive space for women of colour and body shape and greater access to teachers with knowledge or technique and history of dance. 

What’s next for you?

Doing more community outreach using dance with youth especially young women, commercial gigs and campaigns.Explore our artistry by showcasing different styles of dance and getting more creative with routines. Start incorporating other cultures in our style of dance.