NYLON - June 2008 - (Page 72) GROOVE IS IN THE HEART LESLIE “LBOOGIE” SCOTT Hometown: Tucson, Arizona How did you start dancing? The “Thriller” video came out and it was a done deal. I was immediately moonwalking and entered every talent show. What was your first big performance? The Billboard Awards with Beyoncé. I almost missed the opportunity because I was deathly sick with the flu after the audition. I had a friend call and check my messages for me, and I booked it! Ten hours later, fever and all, I was on a plane to Vegas! What’s your most memorable performance? When I was chosen for Hi-Hat’s (Missy Elliott’s choreographer) show The Choreographer, co-hosted by Ciara. I made the final four before Ciara and Hi-Hat told me I was incredibly talented but “too nice.” I’ll say that’s the best reason to ever get cut from the competition. How many hours a day do you spend dancing? I’ve had days where I danced 15 hours; and I’ve worked directing a show for 48 hours without sleeping. Favorite dance movie: The Wiz! If you don’t know what I’m talkin’ about, Google it, watch it, and spank on your booty for not seeing it till now! What happens when a bunch of dancers go out together? Weaves get pulled, lipstick is smeared, friendships are tarnished, straight boys kiss boys, girls catch them, bitches are slapped. Or we just take over the joint and the dance floor becomes our own personal stage! myspace.com/lesliescottdance P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y S H A N NA F I S H E R BELTING OUT A SONG OR STRAPPING ON A GUITAR ISN’T THE ONLY WAY TO GET ONSTAGE. HERE, MEET FIVE DANCERS WHO HAVE ALL THE RIGHT MOVES. LUAM KEFLEZGY Hometown: Eritrea, Africa How did you start dancing? I had been dancing for myself my whole life, but didn’t turn professional until after college. I was working at Time Inc., and I was supposed to go to medical school, but I chucked it and went into dance. Who have you performed with? Rihanna, Fergie, Busta Rhymes, Nelly Furtado How many hours a day do you spend dancing? For years, it was my life and I danced as many hours as I could. More recently, I started two clothing lines, so my time is split. Wildchild Nation is my high-end line, and I have Luam, which is dance streetwear. What’s on your iPod? In class, it might be Busta, Missy, or Usher, but outside of class, I’ll be listening to Coldplay, KT Tunstall, and Santogold. What’s your favorite dance movie? Flashdance Do you perform in any showcases or competitions? Carnival is a huge choreographer’s ball. It happens twice a year in New York, and everyone comes out and just wiles out. What is one of your favorite performances? One of my first major gigs was dancing with Ludacris at the VMAs. I ended up dancing on top of a bus in some hot pants with him and one other girl. I was still working my corporate job at the time, and the bus went right by my building and my bosses were watching. myspace.com/wildchildnation P HOTOGR A PHED BY JAC K SIEGEL social studies http://myspace.com/lesliescottdance http://myspace.com/wildchildnation
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