Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph (Dyno Rock) Corrales.
Joseph, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My curiosity for Breakin’ and Hip Hop Culture began at an early age, I was in the 5th grade on the playground and saw a few friends practicing – that was when my journey officially started.
I came across guides & mentors along the way who helped shape who I am today and what I currently do professionally. Before starting anything further I would like to shout these individuals out:
Optic, Poe One, Citrus (Rock So Fresh), House, Stuntman, Odin, Miracles (Furious Styles) Hatsolo, Focus, Wartecs, A.T. (Flow Mo Crew), Paulskee & Jonny U.C. (Rock Force Crew), Rainen & Flomaster (Footwork Fanatix), Ken Swift & Maurizio (VII Gems), DJ Kuttin Kandi (A People’s DJ Scholar) Makeda (World Beat Center) Russell Takashima (Human Catalyst) & of course, my family (Wife: Rose “Piggy” Mananquil & soul children Maya “Pebblz” & Eric “Doom”).
There are many more names I need to acknowledge – however, these are the folks that I remember going out of their way to put me on the path, especially when they didn’t have to.
I started building my teaching resume at the age of 16, working through after-school programs in San Diego. The first step in this direction led me to my current work as an independent Teaching Artist – where I have the freedom to collaborate with various organizations and project curators.
Teaching artistry is definitely an art form that requires consistent sharpening & refining, just like any skill.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like many art forms, we are often given a blank canvas. The artist is given the unspoken responsibility to create something out of nothing. This is where the fun of the challenge exists, where you are constantly in a need to create an opportunity and experience. Part of the challenge includes the uncertainty of a career, financial stability & sustainability.
Over the years, we have had to create opportunities that were previously not there, and we have had to go through a roller coaster of finding stability as professional artists. However, the best lessons gained from these experiences – is that we, as the artists, are capable of creating an opportunity, as long as our skills, tools, and resources are refined enough to achieve them.
We’d love to hear more about your crew.
CYPHERST8 is a crew – we are a collective of artists, students, teachers, organizers, bboys, bgirls, ambassadors, a family, your everyday humans.
We refer to ourselves as CYPHERST8 because the cypher (a term used among Hip Hop practitioners) is more than just a space in which you enter, but a state of mind and being (the meditative flow state). The number 8 refers to infinity, because the cypher never ends, where we are always creating.
On paper, I am a Teaching Artist, specializing in the education of Breakin (a Hip Hop Cultural Artform) – we work with a lot of youth through San Diego, I work with schools in several San Diego districts, currently teach at a few studios (including: Good Vibe Tribe, The Facility, The Dancehouse, Studio FX, Culture Shock Dance Center), museums and currently working on starting a program through Arts 4 Learning SD in a Juvenile Community School.
Personally, I am simply sharing my love for the dance and culture, with the hopes that we keep the cypher alive and thriving.
For the past few years, our collective has been known for community events, workshops, weekly classes, and many project collaborations. We also do a few shows here and there. We are projecting to create more productions in the near future.
What we provide in the community are real experiences for folks to build with one another, grow, heal and inspire one another to improve in some way in their lives, as we do the same.
As a way to represent the history, lessons, and culture correctly – we are always taking it upon ourselves to always do our research and stay open to the process of learning. Hip Hop Culture originates from New York City, during a period of struggle among black & brown communities – for us, this is a huge responsibility as ambassadors, to ensure that anyone we come across in an educational setting – understands the source and history. We make it a point to encourage our students to do their own research, respect the culture, improve the conditions of their communities and neighbors.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a dreamer – but learning how to make those dreams a reality is a life long process. As a kid, I kept to myself and had a few friends; on the outside, I was probably seen as a shy and awkward kid, but I’ve always had a deep & wild imagination. This is probably why I was naturally drawn into the culture, the music, the art, the movement. Breakin’ came to me without having to necessarily search for anything and it was the medium that allowed me to express my ideas freely.
I was raised in a religious family, but I’ve always had a tough time being able to relate. My first actual religious/spiritual experience was in the cypher when I heard “Step into a world” by KRS ONE as a kid. Being able to feel completely present and at the moment, free.
Hip Hop Culture has been a strong resource for spiritual and mental growth, as well as medicine for the body and mind. Stagnancy and motion are concepts I often think about – when our mind and body is overly stagnant, we experience pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression; similar to still water, where it becomes toxic.
In contrast, when we are in motion, we experience fluidity, we begin to filter out our toxins. Movement with correct form is healthy. Though I should clarify that, balance is also a major key to all of it.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons: $40-$80 (based on needs, frequency & level)
- Studio Group Classes: $12-15 (depending the studio location)
- Performances/Shows: $100 – $800 (depending on terms, # of performers, needs & production)
- School Visit / School Collaborations: Contact us directly, thecypherst8@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Phone: (619)988-5306
- Email: thecypherst8@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/cypherst8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cypherst8
Image Credit:
Dominic Holmes
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