John in 5: “I am strong and I can do this”

If you’re a dancer, lover of hiphop or house dance you probably know him: John Agesilas. He’s the co-founder of Summer Dance Forever, a yearly dance event that attracts 26.000 people from across the globe. Last summer John turned one of his dreams into reality - he opened Foundation, the first hiphop academy in the Netherlands.

With Foundation John wants to teach hiphop in its various expressions. He offers young kids, teenagers and adults dance classes and takes students along in the empowering world of hiphop. He provides classes that explain more about the mindset that makes one hiphop. About discipline, ‘the street’ and being ‘real’. Together with Fun X youngsters can learn how to make radio. The dance courses that Foundation offers function as preliminary education for the (often high brow, hard to access) art institutions in Amsterdam. We had a quick sit down with him and asked him five questions. 

John Agesilas in 5.

What’s your favourite spot in the city (Amsterdam).

It has to be Foundation. A place where we come together, tell stories, learn from each other and challenge each other. This place keeps me energized and sane. A place where we all search, create and find answers.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

That’s a hard one… We [the older generation] often think we know best -  I often think I know best… I’ve been around for some time and I’ve experienced things. Often we think we know best because of our age and experience, but that’s an old school way of thinking and behaving - one that’s not good. We have to learn to listen more to the younger generation… With the years, I’ve learned to listen more.

What’s your favourite song, ever? 

Mwela by Jazzanova, Rob Gallagher & Valerie Etienne. This song always takes me back to the dancefloor, to back in the days, when broken beats got introduced to the (dance) scene. I still see myself going crazy on this song, on the dancefloor in the club… Good times…

What’s your favourite album, ever?

Head hunters by Herbie Hancock, and especially the tune Sly. It was often played by the deejay to challenge the dancers on the floor during popular Jazz nights. It’s a classic in the Jazz dance scene. 

What or who do you keep an eye on?

The evolution in street and club culture. I love to learn new things and try to understand them because it keeps me up to date and it helps me go deeper in the culture and scene I'm in - the scene I also represent. 

What mantra do you go by? 

“I am strong and I can do this, not if but when”.

For more info, check Foundation.nl, their Instagram and John’s Instagram.