Arnel Calvario
Dr. Arnel Calvario grew up in the era of the 70s/80s when hip hop street dance was born and has since been passionate about constantly educating himself on the history of hip hop dance culture through talking and working with hip hop dance pioneers and progressors in our dance community. Believing in using his talents to promote community outreach, positivity, ‘respect for all people,’ artisitc expression, and education, Arnel has dedicated himself to the California dance scene since his college days.
In 1992, he founded UC Irvine’s Kaba Modern, the 1st collegiate dance crew in Southern Ca. Arnel created Kaba Modern on principles of cutting edge artisitc expresison, personal growth, and a family crew mentality. To this day, he continues to be the advisor for Kreative Movement, Kaba Modern, and KM Lgacy and is also the manager for the six Kaba Modern dancers on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew.
Upon moving back to LA in 1998 to pursue his doctorate in occupational therapy, he formerly danced/choreographed for DVS and Chill Factor. He also joined Culture Shock Los Angeles and founded KM Legacy to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of Kaba Modern. In 2003, he became the Executive Company Director for Culture Shock LA. In January 2008, Arnel then transitioned to the role of President of the Board of Directors for Culture Shock LA. He also sits on the National Board of Directors for Culture Shock and is one of the directors of the Hip Hop Dance Association. Arnel continues to teach Lockin’ and commercial Hip Hop dance classes for Culture Shock LA and has taught for other dance communities such as Studio 808 in Oahu, HI, Culture Shock Oakland, Culture Shock San Diego, Culture Shock Washington D.C., Formality Company Class, Boogiezone.com Community Class, and Mayvn’s Spotlight dance workshop. He has also judged for various dance events such as Vibe dance competition, Fusion dance competition, In the Spotlight battle, All Cal dance compeition, and East Coast Dance Competition 2008.
Committed to using Hip Hop dance for outreach as well as the promotion and preservation of Hip Hop dance culture, Arnel is proud and grateful to be Board President of Culture Shock LA, a dancer/choreographer for KM Legacy, and director of Kallusive Dance Crew. His dedication to the dance community has been recognized by Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2008 V.ENT Dance Awards. For more info on Arnel, check out www.shockLA.com, www.myspace.com/arnelcalvario, or www.facebook.com/arnelcalvario.
