And Now a Word on Krumping

Seattlest has never been to South Central, nor do we have any immediate plans to vacation there. But we do so enjoy watching the kids and their crazy clown dancing. In Rize, celebrity photographer/music video auteur David LaChappelle uses his first feature length film to bring the dance phenomenon krumping and its predecessor, clowning, to the fore.

With its origins in post-Rodney King L.A., clowning was created by Tommy, a hip hop clown who took his new style of dance to neighborhood children's parties and later, as interest grew, started a clown dance academy for local kids. In doing so, he developed a vibrant community force which serves as a more than viable alternative to gang activity--albeit one involving lots of facepaint. LaChappelle begins his film with a disclaimer noting that the footage has not been sped up in any way. The reason for this claim soon becomes clear, as he captures young men and women moving at break-neck speeds; more than mere popping and locking, they're working through their frustrations with themselves, with their families, and with the violence that seemingly surrounds them. In the even rawer krumping, this is all the more true, for the dancers' painted faces transform them into tribal warriors who put all their energy into the kinetic, syncopated movement of their bodies.

Rize follows several clowners and their krumping counterparts, as they look after their siblings, go to church, talk trash, and battle other dancers. LaChappelle's documentary is as frenetic as its subject, and he ably transports you right to the middle of a movement, in dance and in wider culture itself. We promise: These clowns ain't scary.

Rize
PG-13, 85 min.
Now playing at the Loews Meridian 16 and the Landmark Varsity theaters.