MOVEMENT
SMU Funk Movement (SMUFM) is a street style dance club that specialises in funk styles, Popping and Locking. Established in 2013, SMUFM believes in grooming its members into a close-knitted community of self-motivated dancers who value Respect, Humility and Discipline. Ranging from choreographies to freestyle sessions and dance battles, dancers from SMUFM take pride in their art form and are always ready to venture into the external dance scene.
FUNK
Dancers of SMUFM often participate in external dance battles, representing the club in numerous dance battles such as the recent So High Jam, Just A Popping Event and Funkmeisters Volume 3. With the constant guidance and support from our seniors and alumni, our members are able to empower one another to develop their craft, and encourage others to step out of their comfort zone, even beyond dance.
Key Events
Initiation and Coming of Age are both internal dance battles, serving as annual milestones for members' growth. We also participate in yearly performances and productions such as Vivace and Arts Camp, with our most recent live production LEGENDA 2019. Members also get to experience our Back To Funk Volume Series, the annual Funk Camp, alongside workshops taught by external dance instructors.
Date, venue and timing of regular meetings/trainings per week
Mondays & Thursdays
7.15pm to 10.30pm
Studio 7.1 / Studio 7.2
"Joining SMUFM in Year 3, they really delivered more than I expected. SMUFM instilled confidence in who I am as a person, beyond dance, which I wished I got to experience in Year 1. I’ve gained a family - people who’ve helped me grow, and continuously inspire me to become better". - Patricia Mhyles Roque, SOA, Year 4
FAQ
"SMUFM was a big leap of faith that I am glad to have taken. Through it, I have met wonderful friends, learnt from some of the most incredible dancers, and fundamentally changed my outlook on life. Nothing could have been as positively transformative as this." - Khoo Yong Sheng Malcolm, SOSS, Year 2
FIND OUT MORE:
Q1: Who conducts regular training for the club?
A1: Our resident dance instructors are Nic Ho (Popping) and Fong (Locking), both who have been teaching with SMUFM since 2013!
With 15 years of dance experience ever since he started Popping back in 2006, Nic Ho has been equipping the club with the right foundations, guiding the members for performances and competitions. On top of being our resident instructor, Nic is also the man behind the annual local popping dance event, Marksman Singapore and the founder of local street dance school, New Heights Studio.
Winston Cheong, also known as Fong in the scene, was first exposed to the street dance community as part of dance club Foreign Bodies from Nanyang Polytechnic in 2006. He started teaching dance as an instructor in 2008 in various local dance studios such as O School, Dance Meets, Natasha Studios and Brave Dancers. Fong is one of the pioneering locking dancers in Singapore, having participated and won numerous dance battles, and represented Singapore for several international dance competitions. He is also a member of funky crew Sunset Alleycats, the leader of locking crew The Basic Fives and co-founded New Heights Studio.
Q2: Can we join the club with no dance experience at all?
A2: Of course! SMU Funk Movement is known to be beginner-friendly and open to people with no prior dance background. There are many seniors in the club with no background and over time, they have grown to represent our club in external dance battles, even clinching runner-up in some battles. We believe it is never too late for someone to pursue their passion or try out something new, especially when it comes to dance. So, don't be afraid to take your first step with us!
Q3: What would the commitment be like if I join?
A3: Regular training takes place twice a week on Monday and Thursday evenings, with senior and alumni sharing on Monday, and training on Thursdays by our resident instructors. Commitment level may increase nearing internal dance battles or yearly production.
We do also frequently participate in performances, but these opportunities do not require compulsory participation although highly encouraged. Hence you can sign up based on your interest and commitment availability.
Outside of training hours, our members are often seen engaging in freestyle dance cyphers and training together in school! We also have fun gatherings and celebrations such as weekly supper nights and Funky Christmas.
Q4: What do you guys do outside of training?
A4: We have annual internal battle events such as Initiation and Coming Of Age, and also frequent external battle opportunities hosted by the dance scene in Singapore. As mentioned, we also have casual cypher sessions to exchange dance knowledge, learn to better express ourselves, or simply to destress with our friends. On top of that, we also invite external dancers down for workshops (sometimes even internationally-recognised dancers too!).
Outside of dance, we have casual gatherings to come together and celebrate occasions like Chinese New Year, Christmas, SMUFM’s Birthday and even potluck parties.
Q5: Is it very challenging to get used to the funk style and culture?
A5: It may appear intimidating, especially when it comes to freestyling and battling. While you may need to take time to get comfortable with it, our SMUFM community is here to support you along the way.
What is university life without stepping out of our comfort zone right? With time, as well as the support from seniors and your batchmates, you will come to embrace the culture and the club!