Rize is a documentary that covers the new urban dance culture emerging from South Central gangland. The documentary makes some interesting parallels between the new, angry, identity-driven street dancing with riots from the past, and African tribal dance culture. Rize starts with something of a disclaimer saying that none of the footage was sped up in the making of the film. It’s exactly the impression you get, watching the fast paced dance movements from the dancers. The actions are powerful, dynamic and almost spiritual at times. In some ways, it depicts the dancing, in the same way that spray-paint cans are used for art. Grafitti is loose, understood and respected by an exclusive minority. In a way, this is what Rize represents for dance. South Central youth are tired of living in fear, and being segregated by the colour of their gang. Why must they submit to the gangs just to be a part of their own culture? If they aren’t in a gang, what subculture can they subscribe to? The answer is clear and simple for all adolescents growing up in the ghetto. No matter whether you’re 4 or 30, 40kg or 120kg, there’s a place for you amongst the Clowns and the Krumpers.
This urban dance culture has really taken off, and instead of promoting violence it represents a non-violent expression of their inner rage. Pushing and violent gestures are merely used to enhance the subliminal message and it’s all self-expression in the spontaneous movements and contortions of the dancer’s bodies. They crowd in on the display, and each dancer has a turn to conjure up their artwork through their bodies. Others join in, support or reinforce the movement as they have their own turn. Backward flips, splits, torso swirls and power slams all have their place, with each group giving their own flavour to their fluid style.
Rize shows how “Tommy the Clown” a hip-hop street performer started a revolution. He began by entertaining children at their birthday parties with magic tricks, and street dancing. Now the man is like a saint in his community, despite his blatant attention-seeking, easily recognisable car and multi-coloured clown wig. He tells the audience how prison cleared his mind, and how it changed his view on life. His mask allows him to express his feelings. Now as “Tommy the Clown” he can be himself, and make others happy too. He doesn’t earn buckets of money, but people treat him like he’s the richest man alive.
His following developed from his kind-hearted, anti-gangland demeanour, and soon he was able to open a Hip-hop Clown Academy (unimaginable). Most of the breakaway styles and groups in the Clown/Krumper groups originated from Tommy’s Clown students. Face paint is essential, and is probably the easiest way to recognise these youths. Their vibrant, expressive, hip-hop, high-intensity dance moves are outward expressions of their inner turmoil and angst.
Rize is an excellent documentary, but you’ll know whether it’s something for you or not. If you have any interest in hip-hop African-American culture this will impress you. If you have no interest in new culture, and dance as an art medium - you should steer clear. The documentary is uplifting, empowering and restores hop(e) in the human spirit.
The bottom line: Unreal.
