Leslie’s choreography is an organic hybrid of various traditions: drawing on movement from Modern, Jazz, and Lyrical dance, he seamlessly blends them with street and club trends to capture the multifaceted characteristics of Hip-Hop and distills them into his own inimitable style.
Known for his unflagging intensity in class, Leslie’s teaching is informed by his Dewbee Jammin’ philosophy, which he describes as “the force that kicks in when you have no energy—when the body shuts down, your Dewbee kicks in and you do everything with bold energy.” Most importantly, however, he believes that having fun in class is paramount: “It doesn’t work if you don’t smile!”
Leslie teaches:
– Stage Presence
Facial expression, Freestyle and the transition/cue from your freestyle to continue with Choreo on stage.
– Class etiquette/stage direction
Knowing your placement in a class setting will prepare you for direction when you are on stage. When taking a class for the first time, don’t get right up front. Find a place where you can see and take it from there.
– It’s better to get a little bit of a lot than a lot of nothing
This is something I tell my students so they can understand that class is a learning process that is different for everyone. So when taking class focus on you and not onhow the next person is doing. I also say, did you know you can come back?? Which means you don’t have to get it all today. Remember, class is to learn not to know. Come learn and ask the questions you need to for your progresses at your pace. That will make it better for you and you will get your money’s worth when you’re in class.
– Know your lane and you will enjoy your progress
Know/understand why you are doing what you are doing in dance. Is it for the fame, to be glorified, Teach, be a choreographer? The point is to do it for your own reasons not for the reasons of the dancer/teacher or choreographer next to you. Stay in your lane!
– No Passe In Hip Hop, Ever!
Learn the Heel Toe technique to turn in this Hip Hop class without the passé