The only must-see black film of the summer is “Rize,” a deeply emotional, documentary about a dance form spreading in black communities throughout the United States, and all over the world. “Krumping” or “clown dancing” was created in Watts (Los Angeles) by a small-time entertainer named “Tommy the Clown.” Tommy, who began his career dancing for kids at birthday parties, stumbled onto something great when he conceived the idea of merging his clown act with a type of “battle dancing” that teens and other kids could enjoy themselves. Tommy started various dancing clubs around south central Los Angeles, each club being left to its own creativity.
Rize tells the story of Tommy’s ascension from gang-banging drug-dealer to worldwide entertainer. But Tommy is not the only subject of the documentary. The movie weaves in the life-stories of other teenage dancers, with nicknames like “Daisy,” “Miss Prissy,” and “Lil’ C.” These dancers share their horror stories of growing up poor in the ghetto, and the meaning that krumping has brought to their lives.
Rize was screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival and was a rousing success. The documentary received a 10-minute standing ovation–the crowd hooping and hollering in joy. Rize will be released nationwide very soon. Rize is produced by David LaChappelle.
Filed under: Uncategorized
