Meet Jack Rabanal | Movement artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jack Rabanal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jack, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Tension is what you think you should be, relaxation is what you are”. – Chinese proverb

This quote to me has been one of the most life changing quotes I’ve encountered, these words have stuck with me through both thick and thin from competing in battles on the big stage, to having a steady hand pouring a perfect cup of coffee. This mantra is a clear reminder to relax and breathe anytime I feel pressured or tense to perform. It really takes my mind of the edge of trying to be, to just “being” all from the help on consciously being aware of my breath. I appreciate this quote because it truly has done a lot of good for me, and I feel if one can learn to relax, breathe and be themselves in tense times than there’s nothing they can’t succeed in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a movement artist who expresses his motions through the art of breaking. What separates me from others is my ability to connect the physical part of this dance with the musical part of this dance. I got to where I am today because of the great mentors that I’ve had to guide me along with my willful drive and love for this dance. I believe that if you really love something, your endurance for it when things get difficult will be stronger. I can easily say that it was not easy nor will it be easy ahead, but the love for it will continue to drive me forward. Some important lessons that I’ve learned while on this journey is the connection it brings people. We are social beings that thrive off of communication and value for one another, and with a dance that sees no color or race but rather the hard work being put in it truly brings us together. I’ve also learned that what you put in is truly what you get out. I want the world to know that whatever creative energy you put into something, can also be translated into other things. As artists we find ways to keep this creation continued.

Peace.
Hijack

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Personally I don’t really go out much, I’m normally spending time training and creating or resting and preparing for the next. If I would though I would bring them to coffee shops personally where I enjoy being.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The truth is, it really does take a village to raise a child. I’ve the course of my dancing career I’ve had many mentors and teachers, but the main ones who have stuck with me and guided me to a better version of myself outside and inside of dance would have to be Jeff “Bboy ark” Wong. Jeff had been a big brother role to me both within our craft inside and out. From teaching me about filing taxes, working with the youth, to understanding my value as a dancer, Jeff continues to help me grow truly becoming a better person daily.

Instagram: Hijck

Image Credits
@mastaminchphotography @ninja.af