Question 1

Where are you from and where does your style/flavour come from?

(Where were you born n raised. Which dancers/performers or artists have influenced your dancing? Or perhaps something else like Kung Fu?)

Answer

My full name is Bjørn Hagen, and my artist name is Sean. It's actually my graff name, but I use it as my popping name as well, because everybody knows me by that name. I'm from Norway and I was born'n raised in Oslo city, the capital of Norway.

First time I saw what we back then called "electric boogie" was in Malcolm McLaren's video "Buffalo Gals". I think it was Mr Freeze doin' a backslide, and I was hooked. In the beginning I was basically influenced by Norwegian dancers (Knut, Thomas, Gordon, Kelly... much respect to those guys). Then Beat Street came out, and what Mr Wave did just blew me away. Then I saw some footage of Normski — wow, he was amazing! Back to the training lab.

Then it took some time before I saw something else. It wasn't until 93/94, I'm not sure, Mr Wiggles and Fabel were judging BOTY, and what they did was awesome. Back to the training lab again. In 95 I met all the Scandinavian dancers: Steen, Adde, Damon, Patrik... and they all had a great impact on my development. And finally, in 2003, I met and saw Poppin' Pete for the first time. Wow!

Thanks for all the inspiration and pleasure I have had watching you guys dance. Today there are too many dancers out there to mention. There's a lot of good dancers and the level is very high, and I feel like a small nobody compared to them.

Question 2

What are your reflections on the funkstyles scene today compared to when you started?

(What's better and what's not? How has it evolved? What do you consider over- or underrated?)

Answer

Today, well, I can only speak for myself, but I must say that the knowledge about funkstyles has evolved: where the dance comes from, how it's supposed to look, what music to use, etc. Back in the 80s we were influenced by NYC electric boogie, break beats and electro, from the hip hop culture. Today we look more into California popping and boogalooing from the funk culture.

Another difference I see is that there's more "dancing" today instead of illusions. I say dancing in quotes because it's all a question of definitions: what is dancing? With dancing I mean more funky and loose.

What's not so good is the big difference between old and new school. Well, not the difference, but the lack of respect for one another. We must accept those who wish to study the old techniques as well as those wanting to innovate. Personally, I believe good innovation comes from a strong foundation. IMHO.

Question 3

What do you think about mixing various styles in one solo?

(Popping & Boogaloo, Waving & Glides or what about Popping & Locking?)

Answer

I think mixing is OK if you can change between them in a smooth way. I think it's easy to mix Fresno, boogaloo and waves. King tut and robot have another flavor, but I'm sure it's possible to mix those with the rest as well, because I have seen people do it. I'm not sure about popping and locking, though. I don't think they should be mixed.

Question 4

Tell us about one of your most memorable battles/events.

Answer

The best memories I have are from night clubs. When we just bug out and a circle opens and the crowd goes crazy. I never get the same feelings at jams or events. But if I should point out some special events, it must be Breakers Revenge 97 (Oslo), BOTY 95 (Germany) and a celebration of Grand Wizard Theodore in NYC 99.

Question 5

Is there someone out there that you feel should get more attention?

(Someone who deserves more credit than he or she gets, perhaps unknown to others. Or maybe someone who has been misjudged.)

Answer

I'm not sure what to say here. But I consider myself overrated. I still have so much to learn. And I have seen so many good dancers around the world that nobody even knows, so I consider them underrated.

Question 6

Are you still active? If so, in what way?

(Battles, shows, teaching, producing, music, merchandise, events.)

Answer

I still do shows and I teach two days a week. And of course goin' out partying every weekend :D

Question 7

What do you think about crews?

(Is it important to be a part of one? What are the perks/disadvantages? Are you or have you been in one? What should you think about as a crew member or solo act?)

Answer

I think it's important to be in a crew or at least practice with other dancers. Because you get inspiration and they can tell you what to do or not to do, etc. And it's easier to get shows and jobs when you are in a crew. I can't say there's any disadvantages to being a part of one.

I used to be in Atomic B-Boys, but I was the only popper among the breakers and I think the difference between breaking and popping is too big. So now I'm with El. Tempo, which is a strictly funkstyle crew.

Question 8

What's your favorite music to get down to?

(Top 5 artists or tracks?)

Answer

• Keep It Live — Dazz Band
• Take It Off — Chocolate Milk
• The Stick — Morris Day
• Copy Cat — P-Funk All Stars
• Pop What You Got — One Way

And a 1000 others :D

Question 9

Do you have any recommendations for the funkateers out there, young & old?

(Ways of thinking, practicing, etc.)

Answer

Learn foundations, a good way to build your own style on or any innovations you wanna make. And if you don't wanna innovate, you will have a strong technique which is important to be a good dancer. Listen to the music and dance to the music. Dancing is really about making the music LOOK good. And you're never too old or know too much to learn even more.

Question 10

Anything else you like to point out?

Answer

The real goal in life is to defeat yourself. Skills are worthless if they don't make you a better person.