Timothy Earl Solomon AKA Popin' Pete, is a first-generation member of the legendary "The Electric Boogaloos crew" which was founded in 1978. After being taught to dance by his older brother "Boogaloo Sam", Popin' Pete continued to innovate styles & moves such as crazy legs, ET, spider man and sleepy style. He is well respected and labeled as one of the pioneers of the popping scene. His innovative style caught the eye of legendary artist, Michael Jackson, in which he worked with for over two decades on hits such as Thriller, Beat It, Ghosts. Additionally, Popin' Pete was featured in Chris browns' Yeah x3 single, in which both artists dance outside a fictional store with the name "POPIN PETE'S". He has inspired generations of popping dancers and continues to do so until the present day.
The Electric Boogaloos
The Electric Boogaloos are a street dance crew that helped the spread of popping and Electric Boogaloo dance styles. The Crew was founded by Boogaloo Sam.Their original name was the "Electric Boogaloo Lockers" however, "Lockers" was dropped the following year.
On January 25, 2012, The Electric Boogaloos were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th anniversary show of The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball, for their role in popularizing dance styles such as popping and electric boogie, presented by choreographer and dancer Toni Basil.
I recently had the opportunity to get in touch with POPPIN' PETE and ask him a few questions that I feel would be beneficial and insightful for every dancer around the globe and specifically; Egyptian dancers.
1. How did you get into dancing and became one of the key figures of the culture ?
"I started dancing at a young age, with my family, I used to do talent shows when I was 4 years old, so growing up around dance was just a natural thing, and when I turned 16 years old I started learning how to do popping from my brother boogaloo Sam, and started my professional career at 16."
2. Who were the key influencers that inspired you and influenced your dancing? "A guy named little Luke that lived in Fresno that lived next door, he was the 1st one I've seen dance on stage, he was young and loved James Brown, and then learning from my brother boogaloo Sam, he then became the person that influenced me the most."
3. An advice you would give young artists and dancers?
"Keep practicing on your moves & techniques of the style you're trying to do. Stay humble, dedicated, passionate and learn the true history of the dance you're learning, whatever dance style it is."
4. What do you think countries like Egypt that are new to the culture should be doing to grow?
"Well that's a hard question to answer really, just get more people involved in dancing in Egypt, Exposing the dance styles more to them and maybe they will get more interested in doing it so it will grow."
5. Do you think social media has more positive or negative effect on the dance community?
"Social media is a balance you can have the good information, but even if there was no social media, people will still put out bad information, so you just have to look at social media and try to dissect what is good and or bad, thats the only thing I can say, but I love social media.."
You can Follow Popin' Pete on his social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popinpete1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popinpete/?hl=en
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