Dance

Jheric Hizon specializes in Hip Hop and Breakin’ and is a pioneer in the Vancouver street dance scene, having taught many of Vancouver’s hip hop teachers. He maintains a hectic schedule as an international dance instructor, choreographer, adjudicator and performer. Along with his performing career, Jheric has had the privilege of judging and teaching over 30,000 dancers across North America and Southeast Asia at dozens of dance studios, conventions and competitions.

Jheric is a member of the Now or Never Breakin’ Crew, who won the title of Canadian Breaking Champions in 2008 and represented Canada, competing with 20 other countries in front of an audience of 25,000 people; placing among the world’s best breakin’ crews at Battle of the Year International Germany (the world’s largest breakin’ battle).

Jheric was also chosen to choreograph and perform in the Vancouver Olympics 2010 Closing Ceremonies. Other performances include The Black Eyed Peas, Dance Delight, concert openings, Mercedes Benz, Nike Presto, Disney Radio and Ayumi Hamasaki (Japan’s Queen of Pop). Apart from dancing, he has appeared in several television shows, commercials, documentaries and a feature film.

The Kidney Wellness Hub is honoured to have Jheric bring his talents and passion for dance to our kidney community.

Karima is a three-time Canadian National Dance champion, a charismatic Bollywood dancer, choreographer and performer. In 2014 and 2015, her love for Bollywood took her to Mumbai as a two-time finalist on Omni TV's reality show, Bollywood Star. Since first showcasing in 2018, she has performed in 150+ schools. Karima's new focus is on celebrating that all bodies can dance by bringing the body positivity movement to Bollywood Dance in schools. Karima has also completed her Education Assistance certification and is interested in exploring how dance can help improve socio-emotional skills in children with autism or other special needs.

We know you will love the passion and energy Karima brings to teaching dance and we are happy she is sharing it here with us at the Kidney Wellness Hub.

Susan Duplan Nia Brown Belt, Move to Heal Instructor is a kidney transplant patient who was on dialysis for 3 years. One of the biggest tools in my toolbox to help me navigate through my kidney journey was the Nia practice. Nia is holistic addressing the body, mind, spirit and emotions and full of JOY. Students are encouraged to move in a way that is pleasurable. “Pleasure not pain” is our mantra. Nia builds community. My Nia community was and still is there for me every step of the way along with friends, family and the medical team.

I look forward to Joyful movement with you. Susan Duplan Nia Brown Belt & Move to Heal

Tamara is a kidney patient hoping to keep stable in stage 4 through nutrition and exercise. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and dance-fitness instructor who enjoys movement in body, mind, and soul. Tamara loves an array of music; her father was from Trinidad and her mom was from Quebec, so her West Indian/East Indian/French/Irish/ English ethnicity is as eclectic as her musical tastes! If a song is catchy, tells a story, or evokes emotion, Tamara is probably dancing to it. She is passionate about sharing this joy with others.

We are honoured to have Tamara bring her love, passion and enthusiasm to the Kidney Wellness Hub through her dance videos.

Alexa and Mirella are members of The “House” Wives of Hip Hop, an amateur adult hip hop group from Vancouver. They have been dancing together for 6 years and strongly believe that dance is for everybody! Dancing has brought this group joy, laughter, and friendship and they want to share that with others, encourage people to try something new, and have fun along the way.

The group name, The “House” Wives of Hip Hop was inspired by a love of “House” music and Hip Hop dance. The group was formed in 2016 when they started dancing with choreographer Jheric Hizon at Boogaloo Academy. With his encouragement, in 2019 they entered dance competitions in the “adult street dance” category, winning medals and continuing on to perform at the West Coast Women's Show and Victoria Women's Expo in early 2020. With dance classes cancelled during the pandemic, they had to get creative and started a TikTok and Instagram account with the hope of bringing the joy of dance to others during an uncertain time.

Alexa and Mirella want to encourage people to dance, no matter what their ability or level. They are passionate about creating a safe space for others to express themselves and dance without judgment. One of their inspirations is a quote by John Greene who once said: “Give yourself permission to suck… it is hugely liberating.”

They have been interviewed many times including on CBC, Global TV and have a big following on social media. It is easy to see why, as these ladies bring so much fun and enthusiasm to dance, we are so thrilled they are sharing it with us at the Kidney Wellness Hub.