GOGO: Josh Ongcol, Rae, ADAM

Josh is a Dubai born, Queer, Filipinx artist that is currently a settler on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. Josh emerged in dance through the streetdance community when he battled in the first Vancouver street dance festival 2011. From there he steeped himself in street dance culture as a means for empowerment and self realization. These styles included Locking, Popping, House, Hip hop, Krump, Vogue, and Whacking from local and international teachers: Jerry Chien, Koffi Noumedor, Nubian NeNe, Leah McFly, Natasha Gorie, Rina Palerina, Anna Martynova, and Sekou Heru, Raoul Wilke, Kozi Eze, Latasha Barnes, and Ejoe Wilson. While he was involved in the streetdance community he continued to explore contemporary dance from Tiffany Tegarthen, David Raymond, 605 collective, Su-Feh Lee, Kevin Fraser, Peter Bingham, Justine Chambers, Delia Brett and Deanna Peters through the pre-professional dance training program Modus Operandi and informal ways of exchanging in the local and international dance community.

Rae is a “Vancouver” based DJ and performer. Working against what society expects of her as a queer Asian woman, she represents the guilt free pursuit of self acceptance and pleasure. Rae’s goal when on stage is to fully release herself to the music and leave feeling lighter, in hopes that those around her feel inclined to do the same.

Mada Phiri photo by Tom Hsu