According to studio director Julie Williamson, “dance journals, periodicals and web sites are such a valuable source of reference and information. We encourage our students to source information and even have one of their units of competency related to these references.” This encouragement to constantly update one’s knowledge of the dance industry may be inspired through teaching standards within various institutions and dance bodies in the country. Within the teaching faculty at Urban Dance Centre, Jet considers her favourite source of dance information to be the Internet in which “you have endless access to video footage on You Tube, the history of dance, new music and dance styles, and industry legends.”

Amongst the differing viewpoints on how to succeed in the overseas dance market, Jet encourages aspiring dancers to take their “dancing seriously, train to be the best they can be, be technically outstanding in their style, stay passionate, focused and confident.”

This concept of remaining focused is in agreement with Julie Williamson. “Remaining focused with an honest understanding of themselves as dancers is paramount. Dance like art, is so subjective and therefore not everyone is right for every job.”  With the demands for dancers to continuously repeat choreography, the dancer’s body is considered their “working tool and therefore the correct balanced diet and keeping up a mixture of classes (even after full-time training) is vital.” The mind-set of the dancer is considered to be just as important to choreographers as their physical capabilities, thus requiring dancers to remain focused and in the moment.
One such dancer with a focus and determination is Nacho Pop aka Nate Mendelsohn.

Nacho Pop
Nacho Pop is an acclaimed Popper most recently remembered for his successful stint as choreographer in So You Think You Can Dance Series One…

With a stage name of ‘Nacho Pop’ it could easily be assumed that Nate Mendelsohn is merely a personality. However, on second glance there is more than meets the eye. Nate Mendelsohn is a true artist who perfects his craft through a love of street dance culture.

With a recent televised role as choreographer in So You Think You Can Dance Series One, those unaware of street dance culture may view Nate as an overnight success story. However in actual fact it has been years of dedication to such an art form that has propelled him to a new level of success.
Being inspired by the local Hip Hop culture and Street Breakers in New York as a child, Nate is always learning something about American or Australian dance culture that adds to his own sense of individualism as an artist. Nate goes on to say that “in Manhattan you may find a diverse range of street dance styles being performed and crafted within the one apartment building, creating a certain feel or vibe.”

As a household name and regular fixture within the Australian dance scene, Nate agrees that the same principles apply within international street dance culture. For an Australian Popper who aspires to succeed in the West Coast of the United States where Popping originated, “it’s no secret. You have to battle to retain your title or prove that you still have it.”

Having trained in styles of Robot, Puppet and Basic Boogaloo, Nate prefers to “forte in one certain area”, this being undoubtedly Popping. As an artist he not only finds the “groove underneath” the movement, but improvises to the beat of a heart that truly loves and immerses itself in to the world of Popping.

This emphasis on improvisation is solely what Nate looks for when judging a battle. If a Popper performs a set coordinated routine, he is generally unawed and may even refer to it as a mundane or ordinary occurrence such as changing the tyres of a car. Having battled and retained prestigious titles in Sydney on a regular basis, Nacho is an influential figure who sets the bar for a new generation of Poppers today.

In terms of versatility as a desirable trait for career longevity, Nate feels that it depends on the individual or company the dancer aspires to be part of. Versatility for Nate is not an essential element through his professional development as an artist, but rather limits him in redefining himself as a Popper.

Although Nate refers to Ballet as having no connection to him as a form of movement, I notice similarities between the ideas of the Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet David McAllister AM and himself. David McAllister has previously mentioned that “performing is like a drug,  you just love it.” Although Ballet and Popping appear to be on a totally different spectrum, both art forms endure highs and lows where the highs are not only addictive but they override the lows, thus keeping you coming back for more.

This love of Popping is also reflected in one of Nate’s classes at Sydney Dance Company, Urban Dance Centre or Mango Dance Studio. Nate states that he prefers students “to not come to classes in order to be respected by him, but rather because they simply can’t live without immersing themselves into the world of Popping.”

Celebrities including Michael Jackson and Chris Brown take inspiration from pioneers and in turn influence the public to want to try street dance and become involved. However those who are serious about street dance recognise the real truth concerning the origins of street dance, and as they are passionate about this art form they will want to find out more.

Although Nate Mendelsohn depicts a story of how you can definitely succeed in the industry without completing a formal tertiary dance course, he finds casual classes at Wesley Institute to be a rewarding experience. This willingness to constantly learn more about himself as a dancer and artist presents him as a prime example of how if you love what you do, success will always follow…