What Troof?

Recently, i was notified of a particular post made on a forum that i frequently post on. I don't usually go into that section of the forum but was told it had caused some heated debate. And by the time, i wanted to post my reply, the mod had locked the thread and i was unable to unleash my essay for the world to read.

Sup *** Forum Members,

This is da TROOF from Melbourne.

I've been watching alot of the videos from Malaysia on youtube and have a couple of comments-

Firstly it is apparent that you guys have learned a particular style of shuffle which is the Hard Kandy, PHD, Bubble Shuffle style. Probably from exchange students and the Melbourne Shuffler DVD.

It seems you all have basically the same style and i find that a little bit sad. Ya see down here in Melbourne the Hard Trance scene is the commercial scene as far as shuffling and shuffle style.

We have an underground scene where you don't wear phats or rave fashion you wear whatever you want. These parties can be techno, acid techno, breaks, electro, hard house etc. And you find at these parties there is an emmense amount of different styles of shuffle. People take pride in having a totally unique style and that uniqueness is praised.

I think if you want the shuffle to grow and continue you should start to innovate and experement with new movements no matter how weird at first, take more pride in dancing like an individual. It also helps to listen and for Dj's to play a wide selection of different genre's.

Secondly, i watched a lot of Malaysian shuffle competitions. Dancing for competition was originally shuned in Melbourne by shuffle purists and still is by our best dancers.

Do not dance for competition or to show off, you are all equal on the dancefloor no matter what. It's a matter of respect.

Don't dance to be the best, dance for yourself, please yourself as your dance style grows and develops, and encourage beginners around you.

Confidence is a big thing in growing your style, so encourage everyone around you.

Sorry to preach, but if the Shuffle is to sweep the globe the original philosophies must be maintained and communicated, so the original spirit of the dance still shines through the commercial crap.

Peace,
TROOF

So here is my chance to have my say with regards to TROOF's comment.

Dear TROOF,

As a non-Malaysian, promoter for Hardsequence, Hard Dance/Hardstyle supporter in Malaysia and ex-RMIT university graduate, i have a few comments to make in the thread you have nicely named "Advice from a Melbourne Veteran".

Firstly, since when was listening to any type of music based on dancing? Yes perhaps ballroom dancing and tap dance and what not are examples of types of dance that require specific footwork and posture in order to pass. But to say that the Malaysians have all adapted to the "Hard Kandy, PHD, Bubble Shuffle style" is absolute bollicks.

And yes, i used to be a regular punter at Bass Station, Hard Kandy, BPM, PHD and Bubble back in 2002. Perhaps during which time you would consider the music and dance style to be already commercial. Whatever the case, let me tell you that when i arrived in KL in 2003. I had brought with me the love and passion for Hard House and Hard Trance, dancing to it was my form of escape... a love like no other. And when the term 'shuffling' was rarely heard amongst local clubbers. Where phat pants and plastic beads, better known to many ravers as Kandy, was looked upon as childish and was in need of the fashion police. Fine, each to their own. And although i rarely wear my phats nowadays is mainly because i have grown out of that phase. Yet i still wear my kandy because it reminds me of the good old days and the friends i made back in Melbourne.

If all people, you should know that the scene in Melbourne has evolved tremendously over the years. And Australia has had the benefit and luxury of the government and armed forces to shut one eye when it comes to the rave scene and what goes on once one enters the club or rave. Malaysia, on the other hand does not have that kind of support. And perhaps you are right, people only learn from exchange students and videos posted online. But people learn from what they see and from there they will be able to get a feel of the music.

And believe me, i know that the concept of recording oneself dancing let alone allowing the public to view their video was considered shameful almost embarressing. But you must understand... the culture here is very different. Majority of those who 'shuffle' will never be able to afford the luxury of going overseas and having first knowledge of the types of clubs and music available.

Attempting to convince clubbers that it's ok to dance on the dance floor when it's not packed is a major task. Why? Because they have not been brought up to stand out and make the first move. Yes that is stereotyping but you find this not only in club culture but in the workforce.

You say "We have an underground scene where you don't wear phats or rave fashion you wear whatever you want." I agree that the fad "back in the day" has now dissolved. Because from what i remember, phats, gators, kandy, visors, colours was all part and parcel of the Melbourne rave culture. People dressed up and made every effort to stand out. And there were some who dressed in regular clothing. But nobody made fun or dissed anyone if one did not have the 'right attire'. Back in the day, it WAS about the music, the DJs and what one got out of their weekend whether it was illegal substances or just an excuse to have quality time with their mates.

And KL's scene is slowling evolving and only recently has Hard Dance been approached as music that can be worthy of coverage. We promote the music and the overall vibe. If people come out happy and saying that had a fucking good night... then as organisers, we have done our job. Screw the dancing and the negativity... it's all about everyone having a good time and listening to tunes that THEY wanna listen to.

And by you saying, "Dancing for competition was originally shuned in Melbourne by shuffle purists and still is by our best dancers." And to some degree i agree. Battles of such sort does discriminate and put people into a tough position. Who is to say one person is a better dancer than the next. It's all subjective. Yet, by you saying that Melbourne's 'best' dancers and 'shuffle purists' still shun competitions, since when was being a 'pure' shuffler any part of the scene. Underground or not, i thought the whole point of raves is for for everyone to feel equal.

Yet why is it that often you'll hear those shuffle 'purists' make fun of muzza's and feel the need to feel superior over those who have only just been introduced to moving to the higher beats. You say "It's a matter of respect" but why is it that i can sense that your comments are far from respectful?

And you must understand Asian and Western cultures are very different. And as an overseas student having brought up in a Western world with Western and Asian morales, it is very obvious that both cultures are different. I am constantly being reminded of my difference in the way i think and my overall perception of life.

I find the attitude and lifestyle of Melbournians and those educated overseas to be carefree and to not be afraid to speak their minds. I mean seriously, one could stop traffic and protest about just about anything on the street... why because Australians and ABC's [Australian Born Chinese] have been brought up to speak their mind and to stand out as an individual rather than a follower.

It is apparent that those brought up in an Asian culture versus a Western world, life is VERY DIFFERENT. The term "speak when you are spoken to" and respect ones' elders is drilled in the minds of youngsters. It is out of respect, that one does not go behind the backs of those who are older and wiser and to stand out from the crowd is often looked upon as rebelling and having too much to prove.

Yes i must admit, when i first came back to Malaysia and trying to convince fellow clubbers that it's all about the music and the overall vibe. And should they feel the need to dress in phats or no phats, it's their porogative. If it makes them happy, hell why not?

I know that Melbourne's rave scene is currently going through a anti-reflectives and phat pants stage... why? Because in their eyes, they have come to the conclusion that perhaps it has become too commercialised and people had lost the meaning of WHY one should dress that way. Which 'i find sad', because just as getting dressed to go to a rave or club was all part of the experience... it has now been replaced with thoughts from a veteran or perhaps jaded old soul, that finds the need to insult another culture and the clubbing scene.

And taken from another post you made...

is that ganjaguru the below average DJ!!

hi how are ya! Basically i was just saying that Malaysians should be innovative and try imaginative moves and not think the shuffle can be pigeon-holed into a number of basic moves.

I'm just speaking from experience.That is all take it or leave it.

Yeah just dance how you feel but have your imagination run wild.

It doesn't matter how you look but i think its more fun and rewarding for yourself to be an individual and unique. And it helps the style stay fresh

If you want to see some of my moves just check out -melbourne shuffler promo 1 really dark with a jump at the end wearing a beanie -the Melbourne Shuffler DVD! I appear bout 4-5 times in the feature n in the end of extra footage with red t-shirt green beanie wearing MS t-shirt.

I do ol skooll left to right real powerfull and throw in liquid robot on break-downs. Used to dance real differently years ago but critically injured knee and ankle in basketball so i had to make my style basic couldn't twist and turn like i used to.

Now i'm retired my legs can't take it anymore. Too busy wit makn movies now.

Peace,
TROOF

And another thing... i find that damn right disrespectful to speak about my friend like that and damn right rude to judge another like that. Perhaps Ganjaguru does not play your type of tunes, who knows? But with such dance skills, one would think you would be able to dance no matter what kind of style is being played.

And of coursee your dance has changed... it's called evolution. Dance styles and fashion gets influenced by all sorts and the kind of dancing found in this kind of scene is bound to change. Look at Hardstyle, with that constant stomping. Back in when i was in Melbourne, you would rarely see anyone stomping around. Because just as fashion goes through its' cycles... so does the rave culture.

Look at Europe and jump on any forum or check out their footage, they don't dress in oversized pants and reflective. Yet you will find people dressed in hot pants and net shirts.We might not understand it but in their scene it's acceptable. They may not even know how to followa beat but you know what they have, they know how to have a fucking good time on the dance floor. Because they fucking appreciate the DJ and the tunes that he/she is able to produce and/or mix.

But i wonder, where is your appreciation towards those 'commercialised shufflers/clubbers' when you say that everyone is equal on the dance floor.

And lastly, you comment about stating which part of the Melbourne Shuffler DVD you're in, doesn't that go against your shuffle purist attitude. Seeing that the shuffle has now gone commercial by creating such a DVD to 'educate' the masses that THAT is the way to do the Melbourne shuffle.

And what i find odd, is that you end your post with, "Now i'm retired my legs can't take it anymore. Too busy wit makn movies now." Perhaps you have come up with a plan to lure people in to purchasing the Melbourne Shuffler DVD? HmmmmMmmmm.

Well whatever it is, if you're going to flame a culture/scene that you obviously know very little about. I suggest that you take my advice and travel the world and learn about others before you critise and pass on judgements.

Peace,
winkris... xox