Ansley Jones

As a bgirl, community activist, dance historian, writer and researcher, and always a student of hip hop culture and dance, going to Snap, Pop & Lock is a must! Coming from the South, the opportunities to learn about hip hop dance are scarce, especially first-hand. I came to New York City for a semester as a graduate student and no where have I seen the history of hip hop dance integrated so well into a movement class as Snap, Pop & Lock!
This class begins with a warm-up that combines common forms of exercise with hip hop movements, strengthening the dancer’s technique by building endurance. In the second part of class, students learn the various forms, techniques, and styles of hip hop dance (which are integrated quite beautifully). Learning these foundational forms strengthens the movement quality of any dancer: from the commercially-influenced to the old school rocker. Finishing with a meditative cool-down, Snap, Pop & Lock is designed to work the mind, body, and soul.
Personally, Snap, Pop & Lock continues to teach me about my body and ways to progress as a dancer and educator. I love the incorporation of freestyle and the way it is utilized in the class setting. Freestyling is the way I (and many other hip hop dancers) communicate and allowing students to hone their freestyle within class is wonderful. Students are asked to freestyle during large or small breaks in class together, facilitating a comfortable and stable environment that encourages growth. This concept is good for dancers experienced in freestyling and it’s great for dancers who may be shy about beginning. The structure, in addition to the positive energy of Snapshot and WandeePOP, allows for a level of spirituality in class. In the past, it was hard for me to freestyle fluently in a four walled studio with mirrors, let alone other people. However, the musical vibe, the invitation to freestyle as a group, and the angelic instruction of Snapshot and WandeePOP creates the feeling of going to the club or freestyling in my room to manifest right in the studio!
Having our elder generation of women hip hop dancers inspires me to the very core of my being. Having these two phenomenal women as teachers inspires me to keep going through all the challenges I have faced as a bgirl. I would recommend this class to dancers and non-dancers alike, people looking to work out and have fun at the same time, or anyone interested in movement. Snapshot and WandeePOP’s backgrounds in fitness, health and wellness make the class experience all the more worthwhile.
From Snapshot and WandeePOP’s number one fan, I thank you so much for the wonderful experiences time after time and for being the true teachers of hip hop dance and culture that you are!
Ansley Jones
Jukeboxx

Nikki Geismar (London)

*Nikki Geismar (London)

Having studied Hip Hop dance styles for the last 15 years, my interest in these dance styles extends beyond “the steps.” I am interested in the history, tradition and story behind the mechanics of the move. What I experienced at Snap, Pop and Locks class is exactly the depth of social history that lives beyond the snap, pop and lock. Pow. These dance styles have become so popular nowadays that the average “street dance class” will fail to cover aspects of where and how these dance styles actually originated from. Snap, pop and lock is a dance class with a TRUE street style twist.

As a continuing student of hip hop dances and always diggin deep, I felt this class provided a unique insight into the origins of these dances and their evolution. Through the careful and thoughtful structure of the class, you get a taster for the funk and rockin party times of the 70s, 80s and 90s. The teaching style is playful but don't be mis led as you will have to do your drills too!

As I know from my experience, these dance styles require practice, dedication and enormous commitment. It is up to you to practice what you learn from these inspiring ladies so that you too do your bit in preserving the integrity of hip hop dance styles and be true to their origins.

Snap, Pop and Lock is a dance class oozing with flavour, knowledge and integrity, hard to find in another studio in NYC.

Peace

Al Boogie

*Alyson 'Al Boogie'

Snap, Pop and Lock is one of my favorite dance classes in NYC. Snapshot and Wandee Pop provide a warm, structured environment and yet take no shorts. They are gracious and welcoming but you betta work while you're up in there! Not only do you get a solid foundation of history, vocabulary, and social commentary for and about Hip Hop dance and culture, you get a great boot camp workout. Whenever I'm in the mood to sweat, burn those calories, or get re-connected to the Hip Hop roots of what I do, I stop by their class on Saturdays at Ailey. It is worth every bead of sweat.

Love,

Al

Alero Barrett

*Alero Barrett.

After years of procrastinating when it came to getting in shape, 6 months before my 30th B'day I decided I wanted to get in better shape and start way new way of life, with everything from changing my eating habits, to exercise with the hopes to flatten my stomach! As I was determined to wear a bikini for the first time in my life! I finally broke down and contacted Wanda "Wandeepop" Candelario just 4 months before my b'day.

She worked with me every step of the way and helped me to set realistic goals... cause in theory 4-6 months seems like a lot time but it isn't when it comes to your health. So now I'm working out three times a week with Wandeepop and I have homework on the days I do not see her (40 mins of cardio, and a full day of rest) as I am getting into the swing of things understanding my sleeping, eating habits, and exercise all work together to balance each other out.

I finally started to understand the importance of eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with little in between snacks! the importance of preparing my meals and covering my food groups (veggies, protein, carbs, fruits juice water...) Yes I did find myself hungrier more often but at this point I was actively exercising and burning a lot more calories.

Not only did she come to my house, regardless of weather (she actually sat on my front steps one day waiting for me in the rain), but she sent me emails regarding my diet, called and checked in to be sure I was doing daily workouts and brought healthy snacks from time to time. I often joked that she was "the workout devil" but after my first month my stomach had gone down so much, and I was feeling more energetic physically, I couldn't deny her talent.

For those of you who haven't taken SNAP POP & LOCK!!!! It is one of the best classes designed to get you fit and strong while learning how to truly understand the concept of dance and fitness. It is a beautiful mix of energy and movement!!!!

By the way, get used to hearing this, "You want fame, well fame costs, and right here is where you start paying in sweat..."

Colleen 'Miss Twist' Moore-Soto

*Colleen 'Miss Twist' Moore - Soto

Snap Pop and Lock is the perfect fusion of all hip-hop styles...it focuses on old school hip-hop dance incorporating popping, locking, and every dance I can think of and more from back in the day (only the right way!). Not only is the class a killer workout (and I am not out of shape), but it teaches the history of all the dances as well (while we are moving of course...don't come to this class to be lazy!) I don't know what is more challenging: the warm up, the drills, or the killer closing routines...even the cool down at the end isn't easy! Anyway, Snap Pop and Lock is an experience that can't be duplicated...CHECK IT OUT!!!

Michelle Amosco

*Michelle Amosco

Why do I LOVE Snap Pop and Lock? Snap Pop and Lock is more than just another hiphop dance class, IT IS THE HipHop dance class. They not only teach you dance steps but where the steps came from, which gives you a better understanding of the movement and helps you learn faster. From the Fresno to Popping to the Shamrock, and of course, my personal favorite: The French Fry!!

Snap and WandeePop not only break down all the movements so everyone can learn them, but they also keep the class challenging with their high intensity warm-up and drills. They're always changing it up so no two classes are ever alike. Whether you're a professional dancer or just someone who's taking class for the first time, you will definitely take something away from this class. Not to mention Snap and Wande's contagious positive energy!! They make you feel like you can do anything!! And that is why I LOVE SNAP POP and LOCK!!

Jamee Schleifer

*Jamee Schleifer

Hey! I have been a public school dance teacher in Brooklyn since Hip Hop was a little kid. I have seen the dances come and go and I have searched for hip hop classes since hip hop's infancy. As a teacher of hip hop culture, I always wanted to make sure the information I was giving my students was accurate, even though I was an outsider looking in. Deena (sister of my other mentor Mr. Wiggles) and Wandee possess the information, intellectually and physically, of true hip hop. They were there growing up in it Terand know the names, the people and the history first hand.

Their classes are non-stop high energy. You walk away pumped up, exhausted and with a feeling of accomplishment. They will always build you up as you take the class and are positive in their approach. The steps they teach are the real deal, folks! They do it all, from power moves to being as sexy as a B-girl can get! All the while they will throw in information about the music, and the true pioneers of the dance that few people are familiar with (but should be) because the books just haven't been written about these un-sung pioneers of hip hop dance. There are many places to learn hip hop, Snapoplock is one of the best.

I know a lot of public school dance teachers who want to incorporate hip hop into their curriculum are worried about "suggestive" dances that are seen on music videos, worried about lyrics of songs and clothing. Sapoplock will show you that there is more to true school hip hop than what the media presents to you. They will help you choose appropriately based on your class or audience and break it down for you.

I hope to see ya'll at class.

Peace.

Wanda 'WandeePop' Candelario

*Wanda 'WandeePop' Candelario

A few years ago I looked in the mirror and noticed that I looked out of shape! I remember thinking when did I gain all this weight and why was my backside and hips getting so big? To most that is good thing (Especially in the Latino community) but for those who know my family, know the more weight I gained the bigger those areas would become. I could not have that! It simply wasn't on the list of things to do getting thicker and possibly endangering my health could have been an issue and a key factor.

So I started monitoring my calories and began doing high-energy cardio, with moderate weight training! I found myself to be bored… and at the same time I was getting some results. But not the results I wanted because I surely wanted instant gratification.

It was hard and challenging because of my work schedule but I was able to figure something out and continued to work out while monitoring all my meals which were most helpful with my overall-well being and the full understanding… it is a lifestyle and I was making my way towards it slowly.

It wasn't till the birth of Snap Pop & Lock that I truly started to notice the difference in my body! I was leaning out with no effort other than teaching class beside Snapshot!

The class was created to challenge every part of your body as well as overall health and wellness which is what we truly envisioned! To me that was the best feeling I was happy and proud all the same time. I am a true product of it… the formula for the class works especially if you are consistent with the class and all it has to offer.

So much so I called her one-day and thanked her. I thanked her for our class, our baby (SPL) and the fact that I am true living product of Snap Pop & Lock and that everything works well together.

The hardcore warm-up, which consist of cardio endurance, strength training, mobility, and agility to the IRON MAN (Mr. Wiggles) popping drills! Fused with choreography, not just any choreography, party dances from the 70's, 80's, and 90's with some of the original organic party dances including the Latin-Hustle, Outlaw and Patty Duke.

Straight rocking from beginning to end with a nice cool down to help get your heart rate and breathing back down to a normal rate and level.

I Thank God for allowing us to give birth to Snap Pop & Lock and feel very blessed/grateful to able to share our vision with all of you.

See ya'll in class

Peace!!!!!!

Wandeepop

Snap Pop & Lock

Tru Essencia Dance Wellness, LLC.