BASS & BURN
BASS & BURN is an exciting new dance class that was first debuted in the Tracks studio in May 2021. Hosted by dance artist Aimee Chong, and accompanied by Kuya James with a live non-stop DJ set, the series is a fusion of styles such as afro-beat, dancehall, hip hop and reggaeton.
We're doing it all again!
This November Aimee Chong and Kuya James are back with a special BUILD UP edition of BASS + BURN!
Come dance and feel the BURN under the lovely, super fun guidance of Aimee Chong, with a live non-stop DJ set from Kuya James - expect to bring the heat to these classes, IN AIR-CONDITIONED COMFORT!
Start your week right with us, 4 classes every Monday starting on November 15th through to December 6th.
Class level: beginner to intermediate
Class time: 6-7pm
Ages: 18+ only
Earlier in the year we caught up with Aimee to talk to her about all things dance and what she's looking forward to most about BASS & BURN.
You live in Darwin right now, how do you like it?
I'm originally from Sydney and moved up to Darwin about a year ago. I don’t have any relatives up here but I definitely feel like I have found a Darwin family of my own. I love Darwin not only for its sunsets and troppo vibes but also because it has been a place where I have been able to explore my creative interests.
What is your background in dance and what do you enjoy most about it?
I've been dancing since I was five years old and went to Brent Street and the Australian Performing Arts College in Sydney, and trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics and completed advanced foundation in Royal Academy of Dance. I rediscovered dance as an adult when I moved to Canberra and became a member of the Subsdance Queenz – an interstate commercial fusion dance crew based in styles of Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Afrobeats and Dancehall. Now in Darwin, I regularly teach reggaeton classes at Rix Kix Arts and at Viva Nights, and occasionally run fusion workshops. I am excited to see what else Darwin has in store for me and this collaboration with Kuya James and Tracks for BASS & BURN is just the start.
What inspires you to dance, and bring dance to others?
The feeling of joyfulness when I dance is what initially inspires me. However, now I have found inspiration outside of myself and in others. I am inspired by the space that I can help create for others to dance freely, confidently and with support.
How did the concept of BASS & BURN come about and what part of the program are you most excited about?
Personally, I love a good bass drop and James knows this all too well. As we began brainstorming ideas for this collaboration, we realised we wanted to emulate a party. A party to celebrate the connection between dance and music, which gather people and foster an outlet for individual expression. Because of this, our shared likeness to bass in music and my high intensity dance style, BASS & BURN was born.
I am most excited about discovering the dynamics in the studio between James, myself and the participants.
We’re so excited to be collaborating with you and James! Have you worked with Tracks before or danced in our studio?
This will be my first time working with Tracks which is exciting! I have danced at Tracks studio a few times as part of Jess Devereux’s studio residency and I love studio space!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or BASS & BURN?
I am excited to meet and dance with you all! Let's party!
More about Aimee and James
Aimee Chong
Aimee Chong has been dancing since she was five years old at dance schools such as Brent Street and the Australian Performing Arts College in Sydney. Aimee trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics and completed advanced foundation in Royal Academy of Dance. Aimee was part of the Subsdance Queenz- an interstate commercial fusion dance crew based in styles of Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Afrobeats and Dancehall. Aimee currently teaches Reggaeton at Rix Kix Arts and is a member of Flow Theory, a Darwin based dance crew.
Kuya James
Multi faceted and iconically recognised producer Kuya James (aka James Mangohig) grew up in the tropical and multicultural metropolis of Darwin; the capital of the Northern Territory on Larrakia land in Australia.
The first born son to a Filipino migrant father and Australian born Dutch mother, James would earn his stage name early in life simply by being the eldest. “Kuya” in the national Filipino tongue means “older brother”. A term of endearment and respect that he would gain not only from his biological family, but from the families he has made within communities spanning music, dance, culture and theatre; locally in Darwin, nationally and internationally.
Combining his natural affinity for rhythm and melody with an obsessive passion of high quality sonic experiences, Kuya James crafted his production talents over years of collaboration in bands and production duos; resulting in a large catalogue of songs and award nominations and wins.
Although his primary love is for music, Kuya James is not just an artist. From years of experience and leadership, he has created a movement by shining a light on a thriving and important community. He’s building a bridge to highlight the similarities and celebrate the differences of culture by strengthening Australia’s understanding of their place in South East Asia through music, dance, art and live performance. An ongoing pursuit which lies in one-on-one relationships with aspiring and experienced creatives as well as recorded musical releases.