Senior Dave LaPorte is getting a few glances. Dressed in the standard lazy day uniform of every Tufts student (the classic Tufts hoodie, in the classic dark blue), he's "breaking out" in the campus center, demonstrating the fundamentals of breakdancing, including - but not limited to - jargon, basic steps and appropriate music styles.
The mellow LaPorte doesn't rely on words to describe his experience as co-president of Tufts' breakdancing crew, TURBO - but then, he doesn't need to. The athletic twists and smooth contortions that characterize breakdancing are easier done than said for the four-year member of the group.
TURBO (Tufts' Urban Rad Breaking Outfit) is known for its memorable guest appearances in other campus groups' gigs, like TDC, Sarabande, SCOPE, and the Parade of Nations. This semester, co-presidents LaPorte and Senior Jake Terry hold practices three times a week in the Hill Hall Aerobics room, gearing up for their April show, "Turbomania."
Watching these practices is the way the once stage-shy LaPorte gained his confidence as a freshman and sophomore. With that confidence came spontaneity. Performing only rarely as an underclassman, the 21-year-old psychology major has become comfortable, even busting out in an impromptu Bhangra circle at a party last weekend. And though LaPorte once shyly choreographed and planned each move he would hit prior to performing, he's now willing to let the moment decide.
"In the beginning, I had a very set thing I would do, so I didn't make a fool of myself," LaPorte said. Now, he allows himself to "play with the music."
Coming from a Malvern, Pennsylvania native with no dance or gymnastic training, this talent in dancing as performance is interesting. LaPorte, however, finds that strength and previous experience aren't as important as patience, persistence, and style.
"Some people think strength is necessary, but there's so much style that you can put into it that doesn't require a lot of strength, and that a lot of people are capable of," LaPorte said.
LaPorte demonstrates his style with Toprock, a dance floor-clearing move designed to prime the space and the crowd for the more impressive feats to come. He rhythmically shoots out his arms and steps out the border of his imaginary dance space, his quick white sneakers in contrast with the brown tiles.
Breakdancing, or "B-boying," (and there are "B-girls," too), is something that this kid from the suburbs of Philadelphia picked up haphazardly. With help from TURBO founding member, "Grandpa" Kris Helenek, and mentors Henry Kasdon and Eric "Sleepy" Kim in his first years at Tufts, LaPorte began his still-evolving learning process.
While abroad in London with Boston University, LaPorte took breaking classes through the nearby Imperial College's student union. The classes, combined with his two years of experience, gave him a feeling of competence, but he still feels he can learn much more. "I still consider myself a beginner," he said.
The down-to-earth LaPorte makes it clear that he doesn't take himself too seriously. He's unwilling to throw out too much breaking slang at once; even as he comments on the "sick" performance of a B-boy and his "power moves" in a competition he attended, he laughs. LaPorte cites his humor in helping him perform, allowing him to deal with his mistakes by exaggerating them. "Since I don't always have the power," he said, "I try to rock the humor."
LaPorte makes no mistakes in the elementary moves he's showing in the Campus Center. Soon kicking it up (or down), he transitions to the Six-Step, a move now part of Downrock, or dance on the floor. As he executes the move, his momentum propels his body, walking his feet in a circle while his weight rests on one hand.
It can be strenuous, according to LaPorte, though he shows no sign of fatigue. "It can be a ton of exercise, and it should be a lot of art at the same time. You have to blend the two," he said.
LaPorte ultimately considers breakdancing to be a fun way for him to be comfortable with dancing and expressing himself. "It's a way for people to get together and do something athletic and artistic," he said.
"It's a group break from studying - no pun intended," LaPorte said.
