B.o.B gets down in Bryanston

American rapper, singer and producer B.o.B (Bobby Ray Simmons) got down with with local dancers at Danceweb Studios, Bryanston, on 5 September. The Grammy-Award-nominated entertainer visited the studio at Sandton View Shopping Centre ahead of performing at the I Heart Joburg Music Festival 2014, at Ellis Park the following day.

First, his artistic director and choreographer Tiffany Burgess held two workshops, teaching her style to local dancers. Then B.o.B, his DJ Shawty Slim and Burgess held a jam session. B.o.B mostly watched on, smiling and laughing as locals showed him their moves, but he occasionally joined in.

B.o.B would not speak to the media but it was clear he had a good time and enjoyed the dancing styles of the local dancers. Burgess said that she was impressed with the dancers she saw on the night. “The energy of the dancers here is good,” she said. “Back at home there is judgment and people are reserved, whereas here I was teaching and I just saw everyone having fun. Everyone also has talent.”

She added that she had always fantasised about coming to South Africa, which she calls the birthplace of rhythm and dance, and was even more happy to visit while doing something she loved, which was dancing. Danceweb Studios Owner Craig Bullock said that he could not believe B.o.B had visited his studio. “I have so much respect for him,” he said. “This is like a dream.”

Details: Danceweb Studios 011 463 6127, 082 864 7762.