R.I.P. Skeeter Rabbit 1959-2006
Though I never met him, I had the privilege of seeing Skeeter Rabbit dance on several occasions.
As one of the pioneers of Boogaloo Style - the foundational style of Popping - Skeeter Rabbit was a master of one of the most subtle and refined forms of hip-hop dance.
I know most people don’t associate subtlety and refinement with hip-hop, but that’s precisely why it’s important to remember his contribution. As Skeeter Rabbit’s friend and disciple Fabel taught me, Boogaloo Style uses sharp, rhythmic muscle contractions to punctuate large, sweeping, circular motions. The beauty is in the interplay between these two almost contradictory kinds of movement, which is emphasized in a variety of ways, from its choreography to the clothes the dancers wear (loosely draped, the better to show off both aspects, the sharp and the flowing).
We mourn Skeeter Rabbit as a great dancer, a great pioneer, and – by all accounts – a great person, but we also celebrate the aspects of hip-hop he represented, aspects which are too often forced to the background: subtlety, refinement, creativity, discipline, making a better life than the one you were handed, respect for one’s teachers and peers, and respect for one’s students.
Much more information about Skeeter Rabbit, including video, is available at Davey-D’s site, here.
Konee Rok's tribute: Goodbye Skeeter Rabbit
posted by Joe Twist at 12:34 PM
6 Comments:
I'm his neice, thank you for remembering him in this way, Sir. We are grateful to you for this.
I was blessed to know him. He was amazing in all ways. To label him as a great dancer would be injust... he was the best. If you ever wondered what good music LOOKS like, just watch a clip of Skeet... he was a human instrument. Above all, he was an incredible soul... I swear I'll die trying to keep his legacy alive... as long as I live!
-Damian
I am another neice (from TX) of Skeet, better known to me as Unc Steve. I would like to thank all of you for your support, words of encouragement, and love. God Bless all of you. My Unc truly loved you all!
I guess I'm one of the many that have had the honor of taking a class from Skeeter Rabbit. He along with the other Boogaloo's have taught me alot besides Just the art of Dance and Hip Hop culture. I'm grateful to have witnessed his talent, passion, and devotion. I wish his family the best. I will always remember him and make sure everyone else does as well.
Kris
Hello All,
I just wanted to lay out the props for this man Mr. Skeeter Rabbit, may he R.I.P. I've seen him perform a number of times at events such as B-Boy Summit in L.A. He was always down and willing to help out the newbies and spreading the word of real "Popping, Locking, and Boogaloo'ing" An awesome performer and an inspiration for energy and flow! I don't know if he has more than one video, but I do have one...signed! and a pic with him and Mr. Wiggles. What a lengend he is, Peace to his friends, family, bboys, and his World Famous crew The Electric Boogaloos.
Mike B- intelijens@gmail.com
I had the honour of spending some time with Skeet while filming a dance documentary. An incredible man, inspirational, charismatic, powerful, serene yet bursting with vitality and life. He had such grace and control in his every movement that all you wanted was to be near him, to watch the artistry in his dance and his way with people. I am devastated by the news that he has gone from this world, a light has most definitely gone out but as all who met the man, or saw his mesmerising gift of movement, heard his warm and comforting voice or felt the safe and genuine bear hug of his arms in friendship, I will never, ever forget him. Love and thoughts to ALL his family and friends. A giant in every sense he touched my heart and I wish him peace and good rhythms until we all meet again.
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