Brain Candies Live Large

#BRAINcandies LARGE LIVE is an event where people from diverse backgrounds come together in a playful manner, sharing their opinions on crucial societal issues. This #BRAINCANDIES LIVE SESSION is dedicated to the theme “Understanding HipHop Dance Culture”.

Over the past 51 years, Hip Hop culture has not only thrived but also shaped the cultural landscape globally. Whether you’re deeply entrenched in the world of dance or just curious about this influential movement, this session offers something for everyone. Exploring Hip Hop dance culture provides insights into creativity, community, and the power of artistic expression that transcend boundaries.

The evening programs consist of 4 talks, each lasting about 10 minutes, with interactive activities between each talk. The program and talks are conducted in English.

TAWATHA STEENDAM – A Healthy way of Combining A Successful Double Life (Academic & Artistic Career)

About this #BRAINCANDIES
Discover Tawatha’s captivating journey balancing two worlds: as a medical doctor and a professional dancer. Join her as she challenges conventional notions of success, explores the synergy between her diverse interests, and unveils the power of self-directed neuroplasticity. Check her #BRAINCANDIES for insights on finding balance and embracing growth amidst life’s twists and turns.

About the speaker
Tawatha is a professional dancer, and medical doctor. She is active as a competitor in both national and international dance battles. Next to competing, she has created a solo theatre piece that she has performed throughout the Netherlands and she is currently working as a Medical Doctor in Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery.

CHRIS “ROBOZEE” ZACHARAS – Choreomorphie: The Creative Force

About this #BRAINCANDIES
Christian “Robozee” Zacharas delves deep into the world of movement art, unveiling the transformative power of choreomorphie. Through personal anecdotes and inspiring examples, Robozee showcases how the fusion of dance and morphology not only leads to a unique artistic expression but also contributes to unleashing the creative potentials of individuals. Immerse yourself in Robozee’s world, let yourself be carried away by his stories, his dance, and his way of life, and discover the limitless possibilities that choreomorphie offers.

About the speaker
Christian “Robozee” Zacharas is known for his unique contributions to dance and improvisation. In 1993, his journey began as a ballroom dancer, but he later embraced hip-hop culture, particularly popping (dances that makes you look unreal or mechanical) in 1998, which allowed him to express himself more authentically. Since then, he has rapidly ascended in the dance world, working with renowned choreographers in various dance theater productions worldwide since 2006. Additionally, he has appeared in television and online commercials for brands such as Fisherman’s Friend and Huntington Bank, as well as collaborating with the internationally acclaimed Flying Steps. Notably, he also showcased his acting skills in the German dance movie “Fly.” Robozee remains a prominent figure in Germany’s hip-hop and popping scene, continually representing and evolving within the genre. As he aptly puts it, “Dance matures like a good wine.“ and „ Dance is the Math how you move to the Music“

XENIA SAIRENTO – Women and originality in Urban Culture

About this #BRAINCANDIES
In her #BRAINCANDIES, Xenia is going to talk about battle scenes and women’s role in it as well as her insights on the imperfections in urban culture that create obstacles for women to succeed and eventually force many of them to leave. She will share her thoughts on cultural migration and the way to slow it down, lack of diversity, gatekeeping and possible strategies of change.

About the speaker
Xenia Sairento has travelled not only across countries but also across cultures. She was a part of hip-hop, house dance and vogue communities, explored the breaking scene and broadened her experience with physical theater, butoh, movement research, contemporary dance training and her own studies. Nowadays Xenia represents the experimental dance scene and is a prominent part of electro dance culture, being one of the few women of her generation there. Over the years she has established herself as a movement psychology researcher and a founder of a dance theater.

ANDREY “DROSHA” GREKHOV – Experimental dance, an ongoing evolution

About this #BRAINCANDIES:
A crash course into the experimental community and the way it impacts people and dance art in general, told through the lens of his personal journey.

About the speaker:
Drosha is a legend in the hip-hop scene in the Netherlands. After becoming world champion of experimental hip-hop in 2012, he spent ten years teaching at various dance schools. Now he focuses on professionalizing the urban scene. He does this from Eindhoven, as artistic director of Sample Culture and EMOVES. Drosha is also the founder of the Open Your Mind battles and the Urban Dans Dagen.

At #BRAINCANDIES LARGE LIVE, the audience is an active participant, turning this into a collective effort rather than a task solely on the shoulders of the speakers. We have fun, inspire each other, and share unconventional moments with new people. Four speakers convey a message on the theme “Understanding HipHop Dance Culture,” and 50 members of the audience are encouraged to interact with each other through various creative activities.

The program lasts 2 hours and talks are in English.