Some of you might know her as Sabrina while others might know her as Rebelindustry a raver, a dancer, and a shuffler, has made a name for herself in the Canadian shuffling community. You might have seen her shuffling videos on Instagram or tutorials on shuffling on YouTube. Her passion for dancing started at a very young age, as an artist, dancing is her way to express herself where words cannot. She started shuffling in 2015 when she got into the rave scene and as the rave scene progressed so did her style of music and dance. She has connected with people all over the world through shuffling while collaborating with Toronto Rockers Union and Zionify. She also created her own outlet for people to learn how to shuffle while creating their own style. She is an amazing human being and always makes the time to meet her followers and just shuffle with them. We had an amazing time interviewing her, we hope she continues doing what she is doing and see her on the dance floor once the pandemic is all over.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: First, we wanted to say hello and ask you how you are doing in all the commotion and quarantine?
I'm doing great, and seriously happy to be a part of this interview! I've been following Canadian Ravers for years, so I couldn't be more excited. As for quarantine, it's definitely been a different landscape to navigate. I think, as a collective, we experienced a lot of changes and growth this year. Being unable to be around my community physically, whether it be during workshops, events, festivals or meet-ups, was hard since I truly feel most fulfilled when connecting with other people. At the same token, it’s been eye-opening and I am forever grateful for the experiences I had leading up to this point. It makes you appreciate festivals a whole lot more, to say the least.
CR: We know you have partnered up with Toronto Rockers Union and Zionify from time to time, how is it working with them?
I am forever grateful for any shuffle community that I have been able to be a part of. Being welcomed with open arms to shuffling in Toronto was part of the reason why I continued to be so involved in every way I could, and continue to do so. Zionify has grown to be a family of loving and supportive individuals who continue to motivate and inspire each other. I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am to be able to create and learn from the people in this community. Currently, I have expanded my focus and energy to the launch of my company, Shuffluence, with my partner Candace Doucet.
CR: You are a talented dancer and choreographer; did you always have a passion for dancing as you were growing up?
Since I was a little girl, dancing provided me with an outlet to express myself in so many ways. When I was four years old, my parents decided to enroll me in ballet, and from there my love blossomed and expanded through many different styles including Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Tap and Hip Hop to name a few. I attended high school at Etobicoke School of the Arts for their Dance program and later joined a Dance company on campus during my time at the University of Toronto. Dancing was always the shoulder I had to lean on through tough times and times of joy. I guess you could say that once I began my journey through dance, the passion never ceased. That's why I am truly grateful to be teaching the next generation of shufflers with the love I feel in my soul for this art form.
CR: Shuffling and raving go hand in hand, do you think both scenes have progressed a lot since you entered the scene?
Yes definitely! Initially, only ravers who attended events or festivals knew about shuffling, so it made sense that the two went hand in hand. The music will forever be a reminder of where shuffling was born from, however, we have seen a transition from shuffling being a solely raving based practice to a global dance phenomenon. At the forefront of shuffling, there are many instructors who have stepped forward to teach and grow this dance genre beyond the realm of raves. Social media outlets have allowed shuffling to become well known throughout the world. It is only a matter of time before we see it on the global stage of dance, among other styles like house dancing and hip hop. It is my happiest joy to know I am contributing to that recognition both on a local and global scale.
Likewise, I think raving has come a long way from previously just being an underground scene to a mainstream activity that so many have been welcomed into. With raving, it doesn't matter who you are or where you came from, because everyone is connected through the love of the music. I think no matter what, shufflers will always be a part of this ever-changing landscape and I see only positive growth for the future!
CR: What were the most memorable event for you in terms of music, production, and overall vibes?
For me, it has to be The BPM Festival Portugal in 2019, where I was blessed and fortunate enough to take part as media. Despite my bias, it truly was one of the most wonderfully put together festivals I have ever witnessed (and I have witnessed quite a few in my day!). Not only is the vibe and overall energy aligned with pure joy and love for the music, but everyone you meet is both kind and welcoming. It is quite an intimate experience, and meeting some of the most influential DJs in the game was an added bonus! The connection of industry leaders, producers, and staff along with the most breathtaking location combine for a truly unforgettable experience.
The BPM Festival Costa Rica 2020 edition is a close second for many of the reasons mentioned above.
CR: We know you are a co-creator for Shuffluence, what are you hoping to accomplish with Shuffluence?
Candace and I have a vision to connect and inspire shuffle dancers around the world through our events. We had a large expo planned (Ultimate Shuffle Expo, or USE) for April 2020, which was bringing famous shuffle instructors from around the world to Toronto for a series of workshops! We were ecstatic to see the community was as excited as we were, unfortunately, we did have to postpone USE until next year for obvious reasons. We know the event will put Toronto on the map for shuffling, even more than it already is. We also have some exciting projects in the works including local shuffle events (once the restrictions are lifted) and a shuffle app which will be the first of its kind. With all that we do, our first priority will always be our community and adding value for them in any way we can. We are created for the community, and by the community after all, since both of us are extremely passionate about shuffling!
CR: In a few words describe your shuffle style. Your fashion styles?
Over the years I have studied with shufflers of many different styles. I've made it my goal to learn the culture, history and terminology from the source and always vow to continue growing as a dancer and teacher. In the beginning, it was so much harder to gain access to knowledge, but now there are a ton of great resources, tutorials and teachers out there. I've studied many different styles including Melbourne, Cali, Cutting Shapes, and Malaysian. Most people consider my shuffling to be hybrid, as I enjoy utilizing facets of them all.
When it comes to fashion, the aesthetic I choose really suits how I am feeling at the time. I've always believed that how we dress reflects our personality and confidence. So I have always chosen to dress the way I feel rather than trying to fit in. To me, fashion is all about creativity, and I am not afraid to stand out with my choices. One of my favourite parts leading up to a festival is the selection of my outfits since I truly enjoy the process of putting together the perfect fits! From head to toe, accessories, shoes, makeup, and hair, each detail is extremely thought out. Fashion is a form of expression and I truly love expressing myself through fun, edgy and glamorous choices that reflect the Rebel that I am inside!
CR: Are there any projects that you are working on that our followers should know about?
My main areas of focus right now are both the Shuffluence app and the blog. It has been my goal for a while to create a space for shufflers to learn, educate, and grow their knowledge surrounding shuffling. Both the app and blog will answer this calling, in different ways. The app is a completely free, user-run database where anyone can upload and share move tutorials. We are extremely excited as we believe it will truly change the future of shuffling through the expansion of knowledge, connection and inclusivity since it is entirely user run (kind of like the social media for shuffling!). We are nearing the end of the project so expect to see the app available for download on the Apple store and Google play in the next few weeks!
CR: What do you like to do during your downtime when you are not posting videos and tutorials?
I am an incredibly busy person since I am the only employee in my company! This definitely has been extremely rewarding but can also be overwhelming at times. Having downtime by unplugging not only from social media but from my devices is extremely important for my mental health. I love to read, practice yoga, and meditate in order to maintain well being. Meditation specifically has changed my life, and I really can’t go a day without it, along with regular reflections of my energy frequency. This year was a year of intense spiritual growth so I have focused my energies on raising my vibrations, in order to align with my purpose and goals.
I also love spending time with my fiance, family and friends to recharge. I am at my best when I’m surrounded by those I love and care about. I also love adventure and travelling, and feel in my element when I am living new experiences in beautiful places. Connecting with shufflers wherever I go makes it that much better! I’ve met and danced with shufflers from all over the world which is truly such a blessing. I am hoping that I will be able to travel once again after all this is over.
CR: To wrap up this interview, who would you consider as an exceptional Canadian shuffler that hasn’t gotten the recognition that they deserved?
There are so many amazing shufflers out there, but all receive recognition and praise in some way or another through the beauty of the community. I think those that deserve the recognition are the ones who are truly trying to serve the community by giving in any way they can. It’s so important to keep the love of the community first before anything else. Some of the ones that come to mind in Canada are:
And of course my lovely @shuffluence partner @candyd8
I’m sure there are others I’m not mentioning, I could go on forever! I honestly love each and every member of our growing Canadian community, and I hope to meet and connect with all of them. Canada is such a welcoming space and our shuffle community is no different.
Rebel’s Social Links