Kaba Modern is a street dance group from Orange Country, California. The group was established by Filipino dancers at the University of California, Irvine in 1992. Kaba is actually a shortened term for Kababayan, a Filipino word which means compatriot. After the group’s performance during a college cultural night, they immediately became a recognized name in the field of dancing and have also moved on to perform around Bay Area and San Diego.
Tony Tran
Tony Tran started dancing at the age of 16, under the influence of break dancer Steffan "Mr. Wiggles" Clemente. Tran is just one of the many others who are awed by Mr. Wiggles’ popping skills. Now at age 20, he hopes to have fun while being on the Dance Crew. Tran is from West Covina, California. Aside from dancing, he is also skilled in cutting people’s hair. He admires Lando Wilkins, Mike Song and Jed Florano. He is constantly in search for learning new things and is curious in studying other dancers’ styles on the dance floor.
Mike Song
Twenty-one-year-old Mike Song comes from Torrance, California. He started dancing when he saw a bible study teacher pop during their church retreat. In high school, he and his friends entered a talent contest in LA and that marked the beginning of his career as a dancer. Song is currently enrolled at the University of California, Irvine and is taking up Business Economics. He teaches dance classes at the UC Irvine gym and uses the money to put him through school. Song also takes interest in mixing music, filming, video editing, cooking and in writing. He admires Salah, J Smooth, Marty Kudelka, Expressions Crew, Poppin' Hyun Joon and tight Eyez. His source of inspiration comes from his family, especially from his dad. He is also thankful for the constant push and motivation given by his roommates. When he was fourteen, his first freestyle dance in front of a big audience ended up as one of the most viewed video clips online.
Yuri Tag
Twenty-two-year-old Yuri Tag took up Social Ecology from University of California, Irvine. Her course is a combination of Psychological and Social Behavior, Environmental Analysis and Design, Criminology, Law, and Society. Tag started dancing at the age of five but only took it seriously as her passion when she was 20. Aside from being a performer, Tag’s daily schedule includes being a production assistant for a young contemporary woman's clothing line, a marketing staff for a street wear company and a sales associate at Zara South Coast Plaza. She considers all her close friends as inspiration for her to work harder. She also has a goal on inspiring others to discover self-expression through dance.
Lawrence Kao
Lawrence Kao comes from Hacienda Heights, California. This 22-year-old started his dancing career during his freshman year in college. He went to Vibe, a collegiate scene competition, and was instantly enthused into becoming a dancer. Aside from dancing, he is also gifted in acting. Kao is currently taking up a Drama Major in UC, Irvine. His sources of inspiration are his fellow crew members. Simply watching them grow as dancers and as individuals already gives Kao a sense of encouragement and motivation. For Kao, any dancer who passionately explores the art form despite their capabilities or lack thereof is worth idolizing. In joining Dance Crew, he is counting on having fun and is intent on milking out the experience as much as possible.
Cindy Minowa
Cindy Minowa hails from Michigan. This 22-year-old woman was originally interested in acting during her younger years. It was her father who suggested that she took up dance classes so that she’ll be a well-rounded actress. She didn’t enjoy at all during the first year, but in the second year, she started to love performing on the dance floor. She currently juggles teaching hip-hop at Jimmie Defore Dance Center, being a barista for Starbucks 17th and Grand in Santa Ana, and working as an administrative assistant/secretary at Assured Performance Network. Aside from dancing, she is also into cosmetology, interior design and fashion. Minowa idolizes JP San Pedro, a Kaba Modern Alumni, and all the thirty people on Kaba Modern past and present. She also admires Tiffany Boney for her versatility. Her inspiration comes from her family who are also her biggest fans and supporters. She considers her mom as the hero of her life.
Jia Huang
Jia Huang, from Arcadia, California, started dancing ballet when she was 10 because her best friend was doing it. This 24 –year-old graduated from University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Dance. She works as a professional jazz dancer for Rhetoracle and teaches dance classes at Aracadia High School and at small dance studios. Her other interests include cooking, sketching and playing football. Huang looks up to Rino Nakasone, Teresa Espinosa and JP San Pedro for their style and musicality. She claims that whenever she hears a funky beat, her body can't help but start moving to the rhythm. Being on her feet makes Huang feel free and alive. A horseback riding buff, Huang admits that if she will be given a large amount of money, the first thing she will buy is a horse.
Kaba Modern is a finalist for MTV’s 2008 reality talent search Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew; where hip-hop dance groups from all over US compete for the prize money and for the opportunity to be given a touring contract.
(Photo courtesy of MTV)