Yassi Pressman and Sef Cadayona say Kaleidoscope World debunks misconceptions about hip hop dancers

Dancers, while talented, have been boxed in all kinds of stereotypes, from being free-spirited to rebellious. But according to Yassi Pressman and Sef Cadayona, lead stars of the movie Kaleidoscope World, these are not always true.

“There’s a misconception that if you’re into hip hop, pabaya ka or rebel ka. Hindi, e,” says Yassi, whose character Elsa, is forbidden by her family to pursue dancing. “It’s really heart. It’s really passion. Hindi ibig sabihin nun, papabayaan mo na ang studies mo."

As for Sef, he says he learned that hip hop dancing goes beyond the fancy clothes and shoes:  It’s about your character. It’s [about] your love for hip hop and it will come out in what you wear, how you look, how you approach [people], paano ka makipag-usap. Iba, e."

Yassi adds that another misconception is that people think that dancing is a waste of time.

“Well, it’s not. Dancing is a gift from God. It’s hard, at pinaghihirapan siya ng tao,” says the young actress.

In the course of the filming of Kaleidoscope World, which is one of 8 official entries to the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival, Sef got to know his character Lando. He admits, “day by day sa shooting, it became something that I love.”

What specific traits of Lando did he love?

“His swag and attitude towards things sa buhay niya na hindi maganda, and how he can come up with positive ideas to bring him his family and his dance to where [he wants them] to be. I guess yun din ang kultura ng hip hop: it's about struggling and going for the gold,” concludes Sef. -- Bubbles Salvador, PEP