Interview with Angel

Tags: Angel, Interviews with Lockers

Angel’s first debute was in February of 1977 on an International dance contest held in Mexico City. He continued thru out the early 80’s representing with his trade mark/image of the 40′ and 50’s and is recognized as also one of the most versatile dance entertainers of the modern era. He has been creating dance exhibition numbers of the 40’s and 50’s era and also is contributing to the Soul Funk and Disco Dance movement.

What is your name?

My stage Name is Angel

Where are you from originally? Where are you now?

I was born in 1958 in Guadalajara Mexico and Raised in Los es County since the age 5. and I still live in the Los es County area.

When did you start your journey as a dancer?

my first exposure to dancing was at 5 years old my parents would have me dance for friends and Family member at huge parties we had.

How was your family’s reaction to your interest in dancing?

The reaction of my family toward me dancing was of no shock when I decided officially to be apart of the mainstream in 1977, here in Los es what pulled my curiosity was a International television show that came out live here in Los es on a Spanish channel at that time Kmex Channel 34 show that came out on February of 1977 Live from Mexico City.

How was the dance scene back in the 70’s and early 80’s

how was it like in the 70’s I cannot really put it in word of how exciting it was but let me tell you this. There were people from all walk’s of life filled the Night club from all levels of society got together to have fun!!! To dance to let go People from different origins back ground it was a multicultural scene that had never been since or that had ever happened in that magnitude the movement brought people from different nationalities together that made entertainment History. I learned of the existence of A Dance Culture with sub cultures of street dancing which were dominating the Clubs and Television scene which were Lockin” Poppin. Know Punkin’ was considered a club style dance but was done by street dancers in the clubs and couples dancing I brought into the mix Mambo and Cumbia which in the modern age dance movement I pioneered in.

You were heavily involved in the dance/entertainment industry in the 70s, how did that come about?

Yes I was very heavily involved in the dance movement in the 70’s I Participated for the first time on Fiebre del dos Fever on 2 which is the Show that was televised from Mexico City a solo International male dance contest I was 19 years of age at that time I took a plane to Mexico City to compete I Place first and was invited to go back this time Acapulco Mexico at the Famous Le Jardin Club the show was hosted by Chela Braniff and Fito Heron I won the Grand Final I was very fortunate remember this was my first exposure in the mainstream of the business it was an unforgettable wonderful Experience. After that I came back to L.A. and my mother told me that the Radio station kiis Fm. Was having auditions for a promotional dance group called the Kiis Fm Dancers the audition would be held a Chippendales, and on March of 1977 I was chosen to be an Original member of what became a very popular dance company.

What were some known groups and dancers at that time?

The dance group that where Popular that were making notice making a difference show stoppers that I remember or that had heard of in the Main stream of the Industry. Starting from the late 60’s to the Early 80’s I would say where the Fabulous Locker 33rpm, Captain Crunch and the Funky bunch, Jeff Kautach’s Dancing Machine, The Kiis Fm Dance company Cat Man dou, The Nostalgics, The Original Electirc Boogaloos, The Blue City Stutters, El Pachouco dance Company Shabbadoo Dance Company, Chain Reaction, The L.A Lockers, and Elcipse. And Also I want to give respect for there contribution to the dance movement Group from San Francisco The Bay area, That had a huge influence in the Poppin and strutting Subculture Where Poppin and all the other variation style within the sub Culture of Poppin Like Strutting, Fillmore Ticking, Boogalooing, which influence S.California and was popularized when Electric Boogaloos move to Long Beach California from the Bay area in 1977 and with the Blue City Stutters who also came from The Bay area and Heckle and Jeckel Two Samoan Brother that also arrive here in S.California in the Late 70’s staying in the City of Carson, Strutting Master, my respect also to those Group which are: Close Encounter of the Funkiest kind, Live Inc, Demons of the mind, Criminons, Risergents, Dr Grave and the Cemetery Slaves, Midnight Persuasion Cuasualtistics And Medea Circus who is still performing along with the GroveMexanics which is a group formed by Doc Lock which is currently performing demonstrating Lockin’ Poppin’ and Strutting,

Now what was the name of well know dancers Free style street dancers that Immerged as solo dance and Group members, artist of that time period that where mainstream entertainers and that belonged to the completion dance circuit also that originally started in South Los es and Grow as the dance movement evolved thru the years that I recall were. Dino, Master cane dancer, Gino, T.C Diamond Master Cane dancer. Jeffrey Daniels Jody, Wately, Don Cambpell Lock Cabpell Fluke luke Greg campbell locker Jr. Fred Berry, Aka Penguin and Rerun Toni Basil, Danmita Joe Freeman Pat Davis Mary aka Dolly Molina, Topaz Randy Sanchez, Arpaccio, Cathy, Norman, Manny, Raul Mary Ann, Diane, Scobby Doo,Wayne ward, Casper. Genie Aka Flame. Kool Hand luke, Cooley Jackson Cooley Hayes, Rip Van, The Rubberband man. Female Dallas Ivette Chris Lil Victor, Roland Sanchez, Louie Louie. Mr. X. Henry Flores R.I. P). Shabbadoo, Female Poppin/Boppin. TNT, Tangerine, Michael o, R.I.P). Tinker, Arthur, Lanny, Andrew, Susan, Deputy, Alfa, Corky. Donna, Robert Lozano Sugar Bop Sundance, Cracker Jack, Popin Pete Boogaloo Sam, Crippin Cid, Puppet Boozer, Robot Dane, Robot Charles, Slim the Robot Skeeter Rabbit R.I.P.) Carlos Valante, the Guzman Cool Pocket, And a few other names that escape my mind That I apologize for..

Were you involved in any battles/competitions? What was that like?

Yes I was involved in the Dance competition circuit along with my peers that I have mentioned in the prior question most of them, The Members of the lockers by the early 70’s did not compete any more because of course they where at a level of mainstream success that competing was not needed because they could support them self doing Television and Tours. In the dance competitions circuit in the Clubs of S. California from Orange County Los es county to San Fernando Valley to Ventura county Had grown by the mid 70’s in popularity and mostly because of Saturday night Fever. So Promoters like Buzzie Reeze Austin Page and the first Female Promoter M.C. Marie C, and company where the main Promoters at that time.

In the Club Scene in the time frame that I have given which I mention of from 1968 to 1983 the Word battling was not used in the Club scene we refer to what we were doing as competing not against each other but competing with each other for the audience approval taking what we had and challenging each other with the audience, in a respectful professional matter. We would be presented by the M.Cs I mentioned Promoted the contest. And each year which started in the mid 70’s a Dance Rock Award would be held to recognize dancer for different categories award of talent and Achievements and to welcome the new comers, there would be every year a City Final and A CIF Final.

Who were some of your inspirations? Who influenced your dancing when you were first starting to dance?

My First inspiration my first influences were by Watch M.G.M Dance Musicals of the 40’s and 50’s Era of the Hollywood Dance Musicals. like Fred Astere, the Nicolas Brother stomp and stompy Gene Kelly Boogangales, Sammy Davis Jr. and the Dance Musicals from Mexico Dancers like Resorts, which means the Rubberband man. Chi li lo, The King of Mambo Perez Prado and His Orchestra, Cantinflas, Tin Tan with his Fashion that helped popularize The Zoot suit look in Mexico like Cab Calloway Here in U.S.A. My influences in the 60’s and Early 70’s are Westside story James Brown, and all the shows I have mentioned and all my peers I have mentioned inspired me as we inspired each other. I was just happy to be a part of something that we all really did not know how powerful and influential Our Era which I call the Modern age Dance Movement created and gave to the World to Date. We all respected and Admired each other there was a comaradity a wonderful challenge that we all had the opportunity to give because the time was right and it was all about reaching the audience they had the last word that was the stamp of approval,. that We all needed to be recognized and which gave us a name of recognition and respect with in the Dance industry and beyond.

What was one of your most memorable moments as a dancer? Most accomplished moments?

My most a memorable and my most accomplished moment, that is a hard question because I loved very bit of everything I was fortunate to be a part of but I would say was when, I for the first time stepped on a stage which was in Mexico City and Acapulco in 1977 where I Place first twice and won the Final I did not know what I was doing I just knew that I wanted to hopefully be excepted by the audience by the Viewers first and foremost there where judges of course but I feel very connected with the Cameras which I knew where the Power force the Magic that made things happen the viewer at home. . And When I Performed on Soul Train on May 16, 1981 along with Sabbadoo and Puppet Boozer, Strutting Poppin Lockin’ and Punkin” it was truly a unforgettable moment.

What did it take to make it in the dance industry in the 70s? What does it take now?

What it took then to make it in the Dance movement make difference was the Passion the ability to make an audience feel your soul and us there soul feeding us the energy we needed giving them a show not just a dance number but a show in one routine Expression character You did not have to flip over three or four time to bring the audience to there feet all you had to do is dance look for the rhythm that all people can relate to in there hearts even if they could not dance they felt what we were giving them it was about inspiring the audience to get them involved with you in your zone it was not about just the moves it was about the full package that is what they enjoyed everyone was a character in there on right every one had an image. We were street dancers bringing Glamour Class, Style and Creativity, from head to toe and from the music to the dance with out selling out with out commercializing your self other wise you loose the trade mark your own creation. And know is the same method it all about what I mentioned be difference don’t all look the same because other wise you become a dime a dozen as the industry labels you and if that is not a sign then I don’t no what. The idea I that you want to stand out and be remembered hopefully in dance History or at what ever level you want to take your talent but it has to be done in a full package matter. I have always said don’t be afraid to be different be yourself trend come and go,. But true Artist will be remember for there Sacrifice dedication the way they honored and represented the Funk Era the movement the Culture and Subcultures that existed and exist to date.

What exactly is “Punkin” compared to “Wackin”, please elaborate.

Punkin Compared to Wackin’ Punkin” is the Original Underground Name and was created in the underground Gay club scene in Hollywood/L.A. in the Mid 70’s by Dancers like Tinker Michael o Andrew Lanny, Arthur, and Others Blacks and Hispanics entertainers. there was a show they used to give in the underground clubs called the Bettey Grabel show and they used to model and dance dress up eccentric and Glamorous what I refer as the First Divas of dance. very dramatic and Powerful way of expression. Shabbadoo and others would go from time to time to watch this great!! dancers demonstrate there unique way of dancing. I Found out about this underground dance style in 1977 Shabbadoo along with Dancing Machine your truly and Members of Chain Reaction and a few of the original Creators Popularized Punkin’ But Shabbado and other Like Ana Sanchez and several other of Our peers called it Wackin for Commercial reasons Wackin is just a Variation of Punkin But its still Punkin’ Weather your posing off or straight Punkin that is the Original Name and showed Go down in History as such. Wackin’ again is a commercialized name and should not be separated from it original Origin. Punkin is exactly that you’re Punkin out!! you’re letting your self go It all about Power and Momentum and then you can play with it but you have to teach the Original style before you move on..

When did these dances come about?

I was able to be call as most of my peers Natural dancers which is the true nature of were the name street dancers come from never taught learned by watch or have it in the blood to be able to pickup absorb thing in a way that other cannot. Feel the spirit of the dance and do it as if one had been doing it for years making it look easy. Some of the first Street dancers where Tap Dancer dancing in corner for money Bauddville The Hoofers Club Tap Dancer. The Dance Music that I picked up since I was five and Growing up in South Los es from 1963 to 1971 from the rhythms of Music where Mambo Cumbia Soul Music Motown Music Funk Jazz And Disco Music. And the dance styles where Mambo Cumbia, 40’s and 50’s dance in general Soul Dancing in general. Lockin’ Poppin Strutting, Punkin’ Dramatics and Couples Dancing of the 70’s.

What were the hot spots back in the 60s? 70s? 80s?

Some of the Best Clubs in S.California Legendary club Where Maverick Flats in South L.A. Chippendales, West L.A. El Paso Cantina, In the City of Long Beach, Flannegans, In Marina Del Rey, Cresendos in Anaheim, Circus Night Club Dillons in Down town L.A. Annabelles, in Redondo Beach Noas Ark. In Lon beach, Mr. J. in El Monte, Fantasia in the Bonventure Hotel Downtown L.A. Stocks 2 in Fullerton and Jimmies. Moodies in Santa Monica, Marlyns Back Street in Pasadena, The Copa Cabana formally called the Third World. Tiki’s and the Pink Panther in Montebello Ozco’s Disco. Deja vous in Costa Mesa. The Brewery in Rosemead.

Did you train with a certain group or dancer?

The Only Group that I trained with in my career was with the Kiis Fm. Dancer I was with them for two years. What we would do is learn each others move and teach them to the rest,. to create more versatile dance show. number. But pretty much it was about picking up what we as peers showed one another.

How is the scene viewed now compared to before? Please tell us your feelings towards what it was like back then and compared to now.

well the scene know is not about individualism or about creating a Character a trade mark any more. Remember in the time period that I put down. Was fresh Exciting different and the audiences took it all into there souls. Saturday Night Fever Brought your everyday Labor worker to People from the Highest level of society to the club that I have mentioned together for one main purpose which was to dance that was the common Goal. Me and my peers where the Engine that kept the train moving audiences the Patrons coming back for more aside of going out to just get away from the every day life hustle and bustle of life. We brought audiences something special that they loved us for that I’m extremely, Grateful to them because with out them there was no us then and there would be know us know to the younger generation that respects and admire what we did and is motivated inspired by that… We have to go back Bring back the whole package deal for the Audience get away from only concentrating on the moves about attitude only no expression Facial expression is just as important or even more because the face the eyes are the window to the soul of the each and everyone in the audience then the moves follow. Stay away from the Battling mentality, Bring it back to the Audience first let the Audience decide not your peers we do not have the last word they do a contest is set up for the pleasure of entertaining the audience that is all.

How do you feel about online video clips? Is it helpful to the scene?

I feel that it is very important to keep posting video clip on the internet being that besides television the Internet is the new window to the world to view. Yes it very helpful be cause We are not the mainstream anymore and the internet keeps us alive around the world.

How do you feel about the internet becoming a big part of communities in the dance scene?

I feel the Internet is Positive.

Can you still find inspiration from the new generation?

of course we can still find inspiration from the new generation. They are what keeps the dance movement alive that is why we as Pioneer have a responsibility to teach what we had to leave in the mind and in the soul of the new generation part of us so that they can represent the movement as it revolutionizes with a sense of Pride and dignity and respect, for year to come..

Have you been in the game ever since, or was there a time when dancing slowed down in your life?

I was out of the business for several year because the movement shifted in a different direction in 1984 a new generation was moving in and of Course the influence from the East Coast with the rise of the Hip Hop and Up Rocking Bboying came in to the Mainstream and with every right to do so here in the West Coast But unfortunately the Media used Hip Hop and Breakin’ as an umbrella to describe street dancers so the Funk Era and the Culture and Sub Cultures of Lockin Poppin, and Punkin went underground.

Are you involved in any communities or groups now?

yes I’m involved with the community I’m very grateful to Ice Man who has given me the opportunity to teach at Homeland Center located in Long Beach I teach 2 twice a month Lockin’ Poppin’ and Punkin to any student that want to learn Again it is our responsibility to give back to the community to spread the seed that we all planted..

If people are interested in learning your specialties, how would they come about doing so?

Yes dancers that are interested in learning the styles that I’m fortunate to have Pioneered first generation Pioneer. I can be reached at my Web site www.angelsclassicdancers.com or on myspace. it would be my pleasure to teach and give the history of our dance Culture to dancers and on panels to the general Public that are willing to learn more of the dance movement…

Do you have any recommendations for the beginners?

I do have a recommendation for dancers starting of. Always do your research ask the Original or the Pioneer question of how it was back then get a picture a feel in the mind in the heart to guide you thru when you dance feel the spirit of that time by absorbing everything you can from them from us. you are an extension of us. Learn the legacy of the 70’s Era I’m not say to be a carbon copy of us of who ever you want The Original or Pioneer to teach you. There is no better teacher then the one that created or pioneered these dance styles. Stay away from learning from dancers that only have been dancing for one or two years that done know the history or are of course learning themselves go to the right sources. And always never forget where you come from as your career blossoms. Stay away from Bad Politics because that only away your true focus which is the audience and it a lost of positive energy that you are letting get into your soul, stay pour to the game of entertaining have fun but be responsible also with the decision your make. can change the course of your destiny. Stay spiritually connected first and foremost.

Anything you would like the readers to know about you? Any other comments?

Well anything else that I would want the viewer to know about me is that I’m a true passionate entertainer and a fortunate one to have been at the right place at the right time in the prime of my life. And that is compelled to continue in my mission to preserve our Culture to tell about it and to continue teaching as long as God grants the opportunity to continue doing so. Stride to be the best you can be with out cheating yourself be a team player don’t be afraid to speak up when you feel something is not right about what you see let keep our Dance Culture tight and truthful so the World can really appreciate what we did and what you are continuing to do and don’t forget that there is no us with out the audience. My love and respect to each and every one of you the viewers.

I would like to thank Tetris publicly for inviting me to be apart of this very educational site and for the opportunity to share with all of you a flash of the pass I hope that what I have share will spark a more and better understanding..