Geoffrey Chang, also known as Toyz aRe Us, is a local bboy and instructor at DC Dance Collective and Words, Beats and Life, Inc. Following our last conversation back in August 2009, Toyz and I sat down to discuss his last tour and upcoming schedule this summer. From local and international dance competitions to his involvement in the local community, Chang continues to focus on the art of bboyin’ by applying three principles to advance in the acrobatic hip-hop dance style.

Toyz will perform at the  techArts closing party for DCWEEK on Saturday, June 19th for a “face off” b-boy battle against Gravity. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

Atek: What have you been up to since we last spoke?

Toyz: I have been dancing, just doing what I’ve always done. Although, I had a knee injury and took off some time to recuperate. I also went to the Philippines for the first time early June.

Atek: Were you on tour?

Toyz: Yes, I was part of the Unity Tour in the Philippines. I was traveling alongside L.T. (Lionz Of Zion), KevRock (FLOROX crew) and Justice (House Of  Reps crew). I had a great time while I was there. It’s a beautiful country. Their beaches are amazing and all the women were beautiful (laughs)!

Atek: What was your greatest experience abroad?

Toyz: My greatest experience abroad would be my recent Philippines trip! I was there for about two and a half weeks. We explored so much of Baguio City, it’s a surreal experience.

Atek: I know that you travel out of the country throughout the year. How do you balance your career with instructing DC’s youth at DC Dance Collective and Words, Beats and Life, Inc.?

Toyz: I teach nearly everyday and try to get help when I am on tour. It can become hectic based on my attendance at local international gigs, which are scheduled during my schedule. In the event that I have to be away from home for a long period of time, I find a suitable substitute to teach for me. Usually, it’s one of my crew members or someone who is skilled and patient enough to teach my students.

Atek: If you can battle anyone in the world, who would they be and why?

Toyz: I would like to battle everyone! Battling makes you stronger and better as a b-boy! I don’t really think about “WHO” to battle. Instead, I focus on practicing to become a better dancer. Also, I don’t seek out targets to destroy.

Atek: Is that part of your philosophy?

Toyz: My philosophy in b-boyin is to expand and apply more to the dance, to elevate it even further and take it as far as I can go in terms of difficulty, style and technique. I want to take this dance to the next level while preserving the history, culture and its foundation. Without those three, it wouldn’t be anything.

Atek: Nice! Aside from instructing classes this summer, what else do you have lined up on your schedule? Are you going to any jams in the area?

Toyz: I have a few dates locked in right now. I’ll be in the next Freshest Of All Time (Part III) in DC next month. The next international jam that I’ll be attending is in Austria, the motherland of the Governator (laughs)!

Atek: What about Crafty Bastards? Are you going to register for the battle?

Toyz: If I’m not busy during that time, I will likely enter!

Atek: Lastly, any thoughts about your competition on Saturday night at DCWEEK’s closing techArts party (located at the 9:30 Club)?

Toyz: I’m not worried about it. I’m just going to do my best and dance my butt off! I just hope the music will be really hyped and the crowd will be supportive! I predict that it will be one hell of a show!

Atek: Fantastic! I can’t wait to see you on Saturday Toyz!

Photography by Allicia