Richmond native in UniverSoul Circus
By: Tammie Smith
Richmond, VA Times-Dispatch
Published: March 08, 2012
<<
Former Richmond-area resident Deomonte Crewe has danced his way to the big time…and big top.
The 15-year-old, who went to Chalkley Elementary in Chesterfield County for first through fourth grades before moving to the Atlanta area, is a performer in UniverSoul Circus, which rolls into the Richmond area Tuesday for a six-day run.
Crewe dances with the Bone Breakers, a troupe that mixes hip-hop steps and sounds with contortion — twisting and bending arms, limbs and torso in ways that seem humanly impossible.
"When I come on stage, it just gets me excited," said Crewe, interviewed by phone after a recent performance. He has been touring with the UniverSoul Circus since earlier this year, doing several shows a week and on weekends.
"It's fun," he said. "I get to meet people from different countries."
UniverSoul Circus features a multi-ethnic, multi-national lineup, with acts such as Russian Swing from Belarus, Acrobatic Kung Fu from China, and trapeze performers from Cuba.
Though Richmond is no longer Deomonte's home, he has plenty of relatives here, including grandmothers, Robin Crewe and Charmaine Hansley, and aunts, uncles and cousins.
In fact, said Felecia Hansley, his mother, many of their Richmond relatives are planning to be at the opening night performance Tuesday.
"It's got to be well over 60-something people," said Hansley, mentally adding up all the family members who've sent word on Facebook that they will be there.
Showbiz is a family affair for the Hansleys.
Felecia Hansley said she used to do choreography, and husband Donielle Hansley, also from Richmond, is a rhythm and blues singer who performs under the name D.V.US.
Deomonte and his siblings also perform together as part of a family troupe called the DNA Dancers.
"We all have the same DNA," said Deomonte, explaining the name. Little sister Nyielle, age 9, also auditioned for the circus and got a call-back.
"She's a hip-hop dancer/contortionist," Felecia Hansley said. "She's training to be in the circus for next year. She will be doing some contortions. We're still not sure that's all she will be doing.
"I'm very excited about it," said Felecia Hansley, who travels with Deomonte when he performs, and tutors him.
Deomonte said he's been dancing since age 3 or 4. He also dances with other teen performers, including singer Shun Hendrix.
"My mom and my dad, they met off of dancing," Deomonte said. "My dad used to have his friends that danced. I used to come in the room and just watch them dance. From there, I just started learning and learning."
UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus features a multi-ethnic, multi-national lineup, with acts such as Russian Swing from Belarus, Acrobatic Kung Fu from China, and trapeze performers from Cuba.
Though Richmond is no longer Deomonte's home, he has plenty of relatives here, including grandmothers, Robin Crewe and Charmaine Hansley, and aunts, uncles and cousins.
In fact, said Felecia Hansley, his mother, many of their Richmond relatives are planning to be at the opening night performance Tuesday.
"It's got to be well over 60-something people," said Hansley, mentally adding up all the family members who've sent word on Facebook that they will be there.
Showbiz is a family affair for the Hansleys.
Felecia Hansley said she used to do choreography, and husband Donielle Hansley, also from Richmond, is a rhythm and blues singer who performs under the name D.V.US.
Deomonte and his siblings also perform together as part of a family troupe called the DNA Dancers.
"We all have the same DNA," said Deomonte, explaining the name. Little sister Nyielle, age 9, also auditioned for the circus and got a call-back.
"She's a hip-hop dancer/contortionist," Felecia Hansley said. "She's training to be in the circus for next year. She will be doing some contortions. We're still not sure that's all she will be doing.
"I'm very excited about it," said Felecia Hansley, who travels with Deomonte when he performs, and tutors him.
Deomonte said he's been dancing since age 3 or 4. He also dances with other teen performers, including singer Shun Hendrix.
"My mom and my dad, they met off of dancing," Deomonte said. "My dad used to have his friends that danced. I used to come in the room and just watch them dance. From there, I just started learning and learning."
UniverSoul Circus
When: Tuesday-Sunday
Where: Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Lot D at Gate 4.
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or (800) 745-3000.
Tickets $15-$28.50 plus about $6-$7 in ticketing fees.
EDITOR'S NOTE
EDITOR'S NOTE
SORRY BUT I'M HAVING PROBLEMS POSTING TODAY!
No comments:
Post a Comment