It’s almost instant when people hear Kraftwerk’s, “TourdeFrance”, they automatically think of Turbo in the famous broom scene from the movie Breakin, one of the famous dance movies of the 80s which also probably contributed to the damage of your VCR motor. Don’t deny it, we were all there during that time too, pressing rewind..play…slowmotion..rewind.. pause.. play.. Damn, those were the days! Haha. Now back to real subject, One Cypher interviewed Michael Chambers, aka Boogaloo Shrimp who’s been dancing since the age of 15. Infamously known as “Turbo” from Breakin I & II, Boogaloo Shrimp also performed in countless music videos such as Chaka Khan’s, “I Feel For you”, Lionel Ritchie’s, “All Night Long”, Missy Elliot’s, “I’m Really Hot”, and has even worked as Michael Jackson’s personal dance instructor! He also played the Urkelbot from Family Matters as well as the Robot from Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. Many have always been amazed by his dope popping and roboting skills. Boogaloo Shrimp contributed to an era of many dancers who have paved the way in hollywood that streetdance culture and dancers in general gained proper recognition in the entertainment industry.

*Photos courtesy of www.boogalooshrimp2001.com
” I was part of a new wave of professional dancers. Hollywood found a fresh style of dance to sell products called Popping, Locking and Breaking.”

One Cypher: First off, much respect to you for being an inspiration to the millions of people who watched you in Breakin and Breakin 2, Family Matters Urkelbot, etc, for all these years. What’s your story? How did you first get into dancing?
Boogaloo Shrimp: When I was 10 years old, that was when two dance styles the Robot, and Popping came out. I really liked the way they looked. I learned to do the Robot, and Popping. I mixed these two dances and came up with my style.

One Cypher: What was the audition like for Breakin? Did you have to audition for it?

Boogaloo Shrimp: Yes, I had to audition against some of the best dancers at that time. My reading skills helped me and the fact that I had just come off a world tour with LIONEL RICHIE which probably showed the producers I could handle stage fright.

One Cypher: What was it like comin up as a dancer when bboyin was blowin up in the beginning?
Boogaloo Shrimp: I always had a job and it seemed like the whole world wanted to meet me.

One Cypher: Was it difficult getting into the movie/television business as a dancer?
Boogaloo Shrimp: No, because I was part of a new wave of professional dancers. Hollywood found a fresh style of dance to sell products called Popping, Locking and Breaking.

One Cypher: What was the biggest obstacle you had to face since you got into the business?
Boogaloo Shrimp: People jealous of my success and not giving credit to my contributions. Also getting work from the new casting Hip-hop choreographers that probably felt I had my time, and now it was theirs.

One Cypher: Any memorable battles you’d like to share with us?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Me and a guy name Stokes went head up for about a good 20 minutes and we tied.

One Cypher: The awsome broom scene in part I, and the ceiling dance in part II… How did those segments in the movies come about? Were they all your concept? The directors? etc.
Boogaloo Shrimp: One of the original cast members of Westside story, Hyman Rogers and I came up with the broom scene and for Part 2, I got that ceiling idea from the horror film, “The Thing”.

One Cypher: What’s your opinion on the development of street dance over the years since you’ve started?
Boogaloo Shrimp: I don’t see anything as magical as Popping, but I do see bboying at a different level.

One Cypher: Which crews or dancers in the past have inspired you?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Boppin’ Andre and Popping Taco were always crowed pleasers and I admired both of their battling skills.

One Cypher: What is a normal day like for Boogaloo Shrimp?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Networking, exercising, and being THANKFUL.
“I think it is good that more people are dancing again instead of gang bangin.”

One Cypher: Any children? Are they dancing too? How do they feel about their father being one of the OG dancers in the early dance movies that involved bboyin/street dance.
Boogaloo Shrimp: My son is more of a singer and martial artist, he never says anything about my status in hip-hop.

One Cypher: If we were to go through your CD disc changer, what albums would we find?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Van Halen, Aerosmith, Elton John, Zapp, GapBand, AC DC, Kraftwerk, Sade, Alanis, and Old School stuff.

One Cypher: How do you feel about some of the movies that recently came out such as, Save the Last Dance, Honey, You Got Served, etc. Do you feel that the movies are helping the culture or no?
Boogaloo Shrimp: I think it is good that more people are dancing again instead of gang bangin. Yes, I do think that they are helping the culture.

One Cypher: Is your dancing style still evolving? How would you describe it now compared to then?
Boogaloo Shrimp: More robotic and at the same time, smooth.

One Cypher: Are you currently teaching any classes anywhere? Where can people learn from Boogaloo Shrimp?
Boogaloo Shrimp: I’m currently not teaching, but I do plan to make an instructional tape.

One Cypher: What projects are you currently working on?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Working on judging an international dance contest in Paris France.

One Cypher: Where can people go to find more information? Website, etc?
Boogaloo Shrimp: www.boogalooshrimp2001.com

One Cypher: Words of wisdom for upcoming dancers trying to get into the business?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Keep doing what makes you happy and be original.

One Cypher: Again thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you, Any last shout outs?
Boogaloo Shrimp: Much respect to Mr.Wiggles for educating the new school. Much love and respect to Popping Taco, Boppin’ Andre. PEACE!

*Interview by Dennis Infante