Krumping his way to the top

HIS limbs twist as his chest pops, he stamps on the ground and jerks his body as if he is being electrocuted (we assure you he’s not). His facial expressions are dramatic though not posed. He leaps high in the air and lands without falling over. He then takes a peaked cap and spins it 360 degrees on his hip before catching it and balances it on his elbow. You might wonder what this all achieves but it’s form of expression and it’s called krumping.

Durban North resident and krump king, Simon Miles is busy practising a new routine in his garden as he prepares for an upcoming competition.

After winning the Masters of Rhythm: King of Krump competition last year, Miles said he has been attempting to take his art to the next level. “It was an amazing feeling and a dream come true to win the Masters of Rhythm competition. It also took me in a totally new direction and that’s teaching people how to krump,” he said.

Miles, who uses the moniker Simon Says (uncool and nerdy) and Street Wolf (tougher and assertive) said the dance form has allowed him to project his energy to helping others. “We run a krump workshop where we try and teach people what it’s all about. Krumping has no real choreography, but there are rules, no violence, fighting, or cursing. Dancers express themselves with their faces, hands, legs, and arms. It’s a highly individualised style,” he explained.

Miles said he sees himself as a pioneer of the art form and hopes to compete internationally. “That would be a dream come true and I’m confident I can reach that goal,” the 20-year-old said.