Maya Pindar from The Wonderful World of Dance met with Yaman Okur to talk about his upcoming performance of 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol at Sadler’s Wells. Now recognised as one of the most prominent B-Boys, Yaman returns to Breaking Convention after first performing with Pro Phenomenon in 2010. In our interview, Yaman talks about his creative process behind 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol and tells us about the inspirations and role models that have shaped his career as a dancer.
What inspirations did you draw upon when creating 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol?
My whole inspiration came from all the situations when I was trying to escape the system, school work etc.
Tell us about your choreographic process for creating new work?
I do not have any process, it’s very instinctive. I do not plan to do or create, it just comes to me, then I try; if I like it I work on it, I push it and voila…
What was the greatest challenge when creating 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol?
The greatest challenge was to allow myself to be vulnerable on stage, to show my real version! Because most people are into a character and act, I wanted to be me 100% real.
What one word would you use to describe 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol?
Escape
What does Breakin’ Convention mean for you?
I’ve performed at BC with my Prophéomen team in 2011, it was very special, the audience the venue the energy of the festival, we had a lot of fun. I’m coming back with a completely different piece, and I am very excited, and I know how big that festival is to the hip hop community.
Have you had any inspiring mentors or role models during your career as a dancer? Who were they, and how have they supported/motivated you?
I had a lot of inspirations, like Aktuel Force crew with Gabin and Karim, bboy Remind opened a lot of doors, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, all these inspirations were just from videos or by watching. I wish I had mentors but at my time when I started, we were all learning by ourselves.
What advice would you give other young and aspiring B-Boys?
I have this quote that I always use: If you believe in what you show, they will believe in what they see…
Breakin’ Convention Presents — Yaman Okur and Jean-Philippe Collard-Neven’s 1mm Au Dessus Du Sol at Sadler’s Wells on 27 – 28th September. You can get your tickets here!
