We love surveying the Luanda dance landscape for dancers who go the extra mile to be creative in their dance. While there is always a slew of new toques (dances) that go viral, we love seeing when dancers are creating beyond the toques and popular footwork combinations. Os VD is one of those groups that caught our attention because of the quality of their dance. We first encountered Os Vd in 2022 during the AfroConex dance showcase. All of their dance presentations,-from the audition, to the pieces they presented during battles and showcases stood out for their creativity, precision, and execution.
What we love about Os VD is not only are they fast, but they are precise. They create their own footwork combinations and dance with a lightness that allows them to nimbly move through fast sequences . Their creativity is forever on display, always delivering new sequences that further stretches their body of work. They have a unique approach to the dance that incorporates kuduro classico techniques, while maintaining the aesthetic of modern Afrohouse/kuduro dance. Os VD is a reminder that within Kuduro/Afrohouse there is not one type of execution. Their dance represents another realm of the dance in terms of style and execution.
On June 2nd we dropped a clip of OS VD dancing on our IG feed. The clip went viral and the world got to see what we saw in these dancers.
Os VD was founded in 2015 in Cazenga, Luanda, Angola. The group consist of 8 dancers who credit Kuduro as their foundation. We caught up with group member Biguivaldo to learn more about the group.
AFROCONEX: Biguivaldo thanks for your time. Can you tell us a little about Os Vd: When was the group formed?
OS VD: The group was created in 2015 by members who already danced, two of the group's founding members left in 2019 and switched to Os Reflexos group.
Today there are 8 members of the group:
Biguivaldo litxekele ( myself the spoke person)
Paulovd ( CEO)
Leoclenio Vd
Zenilson Vd
Tommy Vd
Chocapik Vd
Doposter Vd
Morenoh Vd
AFROCONEX: What makes Os VD different from other Afrohouse/kuduro dance groups ?
OS VD: What makes us different, is our way of seeking diversity of styles to unite into one.
Our formations, the combination of mixes, the musicality, and speed and above all the certainty in executing the steps; among other qualities.
AFROCONEX: Who are the influences in how Os VD Dances ?
OS VD: In the past, doing a retrospective it was, Os Piluka and Os moikanos.
But currently it's ourselves, we look at what we've already done and we try to innovate. Sometimes someone in the group is inspired by American videos, regarding the formations, and we come together to achieve a smoother fusion.
AFROCONEX: What is your process for creating your routines and typically how long does it take you to create your routines ?
OS VD: It depends on the moment, but usually we create a scheme in less than 40 minutes.
First someone comes with an idea, we do it, then we each create something, and whoever finishes their creation, presents it. If it's good, we'll put it in. If it's not, we'll try something else. But in most of the schemes I (Biguivaldo litxekele)created them. It is also very common for one person to create alone and then pass it on to the other members.
AFROCONEX: How often do you train and how do you train ?
OS VD: We rehearse from Monday - Friday
AFROCONEX: We know being a dancer in Angola is challenging. What are some of the challenges you face as dancers in Angola?
OS VD: We don't live off dancing here 💔
We went through regrettable difficulties, there were times when we have even thought about giving up, because we are very hardworking, and a reference in terms of dance. We don't have any more money, the country doesn't value organizations that small, and the only way to stay afloat is to do other things, things that aren't part of our passion, in order not to be deprived. We often submit ourselves to difficult services because some of us have families. It's really just love for the art because we work without an agent and without support.
AFROCONEX: What are some of the things you would like to see improve for dancers in Angola ?
OS VD: It's a matter of space, credibility, and good payment from musicians and organizations.
AFROCONEX: Angolan Afrohouse dance has mesmerized the world with its energy and footwork, do you have any advice for people learning Afrohouse and how they can improve their footwork
a) strive for good quality because when you do it well, people will always need you.
b) And don't worry about the market. Because the market needs people who do it well.
c) Dancing is very good for the emotional. And dedicating yourself. Doing well and not giving up on being good, It can bear good fruit.
Because more than talent is being a good person. Humility in wanting to learn and being honest with someone you have already learned from.
The rest. nature will provide
Check out our latest collaboration with Os VD
Past Video collaborations
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