"Popping" focus of new Shreve City dance studio
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: February 15, 2013
It's a dance style that's been around for decades, and it's making a big comeback in Shreveport. "Popping" is all about controlled, jerky movements to the beat.
"It's all about flexing your muscles to the beat," said Ashton Hanson, No Joke Popping Dance Studio owner.
Ashton Hanson risked everything when he opened a dance studio to teach the techniques of "popping".
"I've been dancing for a long time in this city. A lot of people know me for dancing," said Hanson.
He had just lost a job, and a friend encouraged him to do what he loves --- dance.
"Popping is I try to teach people to act like they're hitting a table, but you have to be very short with your hits," said Hanson.
Open only a month, Hanson says his classes grow every week.
"I can't believe it. It's amazing. But I think there was a need for it, that's why. Because there's kids who are doing it already. They don't know what it's called, they've seen it on YouTube," said Hanson.
The only way to describe Hanson's ever-growing dance crew is diverse.
Keegan Clark and Chase Bounds, ages nine and 12 are getting in on the action, and provide a ton of energy.
"Well, I didn't know about popping. So, I learned a lot of new moves," said Clark.
"Messing around with it, but not with this style," said Bounds.
Damien Gipson has been dancing with Hanson for years. Now, he's helping to teach others the moves they've perfected on the dance floor.
"It's very urban... For new poppers, or krumpers or any style... keep an open mind about it and come in and we'll teach you," said Gipson.
No Joke Popping Dance Studio is located inside Lifelong Fitness in Shreve City. They offer classes three days a week.
Click here for a link to his Austin's Facebook page, and here for the studio's page.
