Meet the amazing Lycette Beatty
She's a triple threat in the best way possible. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of those jaw-dropping videos you see online? Well, we got the inside scoop from the one and only Lycette Beatty, actor, comedian and dancer extraordinaire. Lights, Camera, Action!
I sat down with Lycette to ask about her dancing, music, and style.
• What first drew you to hip-hop dance, and what made you stay?
In sixth grade my best friend‘s dad was a professional hip-hop dancer, who paved the away for many people in that community. And when he started teaching internationally, he would take us to many dance battles, hip-hop, competitions,etc and It was then that fell in love with the style. Just a very laid back and free kind of movement..
• Do you remember the first time you truly felt connected to the music while dancing?
Growing up, my dad always had music around. Whether it was him singing or dancing or introducing instruments around our household. As I got older already being involved in dance, I grew a huge love for music. Today I listen to all genres and types of music. I love that you can always tell how I’m feeling by the music. I’m playing that day.
• How has your style evolved over time?
I always feel like I never followed trends. Since I was a kid, I always put on what made me feel the best. Even today as an adult, I don’t have a certain style. I might be a rocker chick and wear heavy metals today and be super girly, wearing pastels with florals the next.
• Is there a song that always gets you hyped to dance?
Literally ANYTHING by Missy Elliot
• How do you handle performance anxiety or self-doubt before a battle or show?
I don’t lol it never really goes away until the music starts and my performance begins. But the second the beat drops, I forget about any fear any doubt or anxiety. It’s just me and myself and I.
• How do you see hip-hop dance evolving today?
It’s unfortunate, but hip-hop has always had a good AND bad connotation. However, I think today’s society has really accepted it and shown more respect for it. I love that there are more opportunities then ever for people in the hip-hop community whether you’re an artist or dancer. So I’d say hip hop will only continue to get more popular!
• Who are the dancers, artists, or cultural figures that influence your movement the most?
I luckily had the honor of being raised by some of the greats like Skeeter rabbit, poppin Pete, Mr wiggles, sugar pop, crazy legs, etc.. They are just SOME of originators of the Electric Boogaloos as well as Rock Steady Crew hich are both very well known in the hip hop community. If it wasn’t for having them around in my childhood, I wouldn’t be dancing hip-hop today.
• How important is community in hip-hop dance, and how do you contribute to it?
The hip-hop community is very important to me. It represents culture and where we come from. A lot of of us represent that in how we perform. I love too, share it with my audience as a way for them to be entertained, but also to educate.
• If you had to describe your dance style in three words, what would they be?
Energetic, fun and free!
• If you could collaborate with any artist, living or past, who would it be?
MJ/ Chris Brown. It’s funny though because the people I grew up learning from are the same people who danced with MJ and taught Chris Brown how to dance lol. Even still, seeing them both in their elements is something so amazing to witness in real life.
• What advice would you give to young dancers trying to find their style?
I would definitely say it’s nice to be inspired by others but always create your own wave. It’s hard to keep up with someone else’s if wasn’t meant for you. Take what you learn, add your flare to it AND HAVE FUNNNN!!!!
Follow Lycette on her socials: https://www.instagram.com/lycetteofficial/
