Category Archives: Harlem

Rokafella: The Story of a Female Break Dancer

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Last weekend I had the privilege of meeting female Break Dancer, Rokafella, in East Harlem. I met her at a meet and greet hosted by Momma’s Hip-Hop Kitchen.

I am not into Break Dancing but was interested in her story of how she became a female Break Dancer during a time when it was strictly for the fella’s  and how she had enough stamina to actually keep it up until today.

This is the story she told me:

My name is ‘Rokafella’ because I seriously used to ‘rock the fellas’ back in the day. I used to show the guys that women could Break Dance too. I used to spin on my head and everything…I started Break Dancing in 1994. I danced all types of styles; Hip-Hop, House, Salsa, and African. I felt Break Dancing was missing so I started to Break Dance. Even though I danced all those genres, I am known for my Break Dancing.

I came up against misogyny and the gender thing. The better I got at my craft, the more people were resistant to hiring me. I had this determination to continue because I was capable of continuing my training. The more I trained, the more determined I became. 

My parents were not really supportive of me Break-Dancing because they saw me struggling; and you know, parents don’t like watching their children struggle…

It was in Manhattan where I trained. I was in an all guy group. One of the guys from the group is my husband today.

Today, I am still dancing. Along with my husband, Kwikstep, I founded a dance company name Full Circle. It is a dance organization that preserves Break-Dancing and other Hip-Hop dance forms. 

This year Rokafella will be performing at Teatro Pregones Theater with her husband, Kwikstep. They will be sharing their love story with the world on stage on Thursday, February 14 at 7pm. If you are in the Bronx and are looking for something different to do on this Valentine’s Day, I would encourage you to attend Rokafella’s show.

Rokafella and students from Full Circle will be performing at Hosto’s Community College March 2. This is their fifth year being apart of Momma’s Hip- Hop Kitchen’s program.

Rok- da- Bridge

Photo Credit: Yu Wadee

Isabela Figueroa

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Isabela

I loved looking at Isabela’s outfit. It was very daring and punk-like. For a high school student, she has a great eye for fashion.

Aysa’s Boutique

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Two weekends ago when I went to Harlem, I ran into an old friend actually she was my french tutor in college.

I was taking pictures of Harlem and came across a store on 7th Avenue between 138th and 139th Street. It had beautiful skirts and dresses on display, so I walked in and who do you think is sitting behind the counter? Amy!  We were so surprised to see one another that we kept laughing and hugging! It was a while before I asked about the store’s merchandise! However, I did eventually ask (I know that I have a lot of friends out there who is interested in finding good quality skirts and dresses).

The shop is named Aysa Boutique and sells almost everything! In the picture behind us are baby clothes and on the other side of the store are long dresses and skirts. There are also a lot of African garb since Amy and her family is from Senegal. She told me customer’s can also get their outfits custom made.

It’s a beautiful boutique and I plan making a visit there again. I would encourage you to do the same!

Their contact infomation is:

Aysa Boutique

2363 7th Avenue between 138th and 139th Street

212-234-6050

aysallc@gmail.com