Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe ‘Danger’ Dang.
Gabe ‘Danger’, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I started dancing almost 10 years ago and have immersed myself in the street dance style known as popping. I showcase and battle with my craft under my artist name Danger. I was inspired by the rich history of Houston popping and it motivated me to pursue and develop my style of dance. Houston popping holds a unique flavor when compared with any other parts of the world. Poppers in our city are encouraged to pursue diverse styles by using traditional and newer approaches to build upon their foundation. I had the privilege of leading and learning from my dance organization FUSD during my time at Texas A&M University. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was able to direct a choreography team and perform at NCAA games, art showcases or competitions promoting a growing diverse student community. In 2013, I founded a crew with good friends named Item#Funk (pronounced Item Number Funk) which has quickly grown in reputation throughout the underground popping scene.
Through the years, I have battled individually and with my crew throughout the US. We have won three consecutive city vs city crew competitions to earn our respect in Texas. I have been fortunate enough to be an invited battle guest in Seattle and Nashville and participated in other competitions in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, Baltimore, and etc. Competing has enabled me to develop my craft and appreciate many different approaches to the style of popping. My crew is proud to spread the love of popping to our local scene by hosting an annual competition Who’s Fakin’ Da Funk. Through five installments, we have grown the competition to be a premier jam for popping in the US. With competitors and judges hailing from all parts of the US and abroad, we strive to bring inspiration to aspiring dancers in our own local scene.
I have grown as an artist greatly from being able to train with and learn from originators of popping and my own contemporaries. As I continue my path, I hope to continue to give back more to my own local community.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am competitive street dancer that specializes in the style of popping. My style of popping aims to highlight innovations in tutting and waving while still paying homage to traditions of pioneers. I gravitate strongly towards avant-garde approaches to traditional methods of movement. The message I intend to give to my audience is to show them unconventional interpretations of simple dance basics such as clean lines or progression of movement.
Ultimately, my crew and I aim to spread an appreciation of the constantly growing art form of popping that started in the early 70s. I am constantly in awe of my fellow poppers. I consider the art form to be a great equalizer. The nature of freestyle street dance and a large range of popping styles allows anyone interested an opportunity to compete, teach, learn, perform and express themselves regardless of background.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
While attending Texas A&M University, I would often wonder if it was sustainable to pursue my passion for dance along with my professional goals. One piece of advice that has personally helped me is understanding that artistic pursuits and traditional career endeavors are not mutually exclusive. Unlike flipping a coin that must clearly result in heads or tails, an artist can develop their craft and still pursue other avenues to achieve success. As an artist and working professional, this is something I have continued to learn over time.
In the competitive freestyle dance scene, the successful battle dancers are often the ones who train and create movement efficiently. The mental aspect of dance can be overlooked to those starting out. My advice to other dancers is to constantly evaluate and evolve your process of creating, developing, presenting your concepts and ideas. Effective practice is rooted in balance of physical and mental development.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Find out about future showcases, watch dance footage, and follow my journey on my active Instagram account, @GNDang. My dance crew, Item#Funk, manages a Facebook page and YouTube channel that promotes our battle and showcase dance footage.
There are many amazing street dance events spread through word of mouth. Connect with me or my crewmates through our social media platforms to be involved and support your local artists!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/itemnumberfunk/
- Email: GabrielNDang@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gndang
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabe.dang
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/ItemNumberFunk
Image Credit:
Chad Stoermer, Theo Graphics, Marc Nicer, Brandan Eldom, Anthony Rathburn, RTF Photography, Kien Quan Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
