Instructors

HHKS INSTRUCTORS

MELVIN MAQRIUS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Melvin Maqrius is an experienced performer, Instructor and choreographer who specializes in the genre of hip-hop dance. Immutable energy, slick choreography and nifty footwork make up the commanding stage presence of this ‘dance-machine’.

Since the age of 17, he has been learning the techniques to hip hop dance, specifically, popping. Throughout the years, he has explored different genres of dance ranging from Latin, Disco, Sixties, Line Dance and the other techniques of hip hop.

It was in 2004, that Maqrius first understood what hip hop was really all about he hosted a 3-week dance performance for the HipHopKidz from the U.S.A. During his time with them, he made many close friends including the crew Evidence and his mentor cum close friend George Tandy Jr. Inspired by these talented performers, HipHopKickStart was established.

In 2005, Maqrius started dancing for small TV shows and backed up for MTV protégés like Korean hip-hop artiste, WomWoo. Maqrius also participated as a choreographer in bigger events such as Chingay, Racial Harmony Day 2005 “A Nation in Concert” 2006 at the Esplanade, “Get High” concert 2007 and once representing Singapore to take part in the International Nature Loving Association 2008. In that he was awarded the most creative dance award.

His instructoring experience revolves teaching with charitable organizations, studios such as YMCA, Media companies such as Media Corp and over 15 different schools including NTU/ADM.

Over the years, this man has been seen as a focused and dynamic performer on stage, and an equally expressive, dedicated and patient dance instructor to his students at class.

DEREK
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Being an experienced competitor, performer, Instructor & choreographer, Derek specializes in the genre of old school hip-hop dance. On stage he has shown great speed, excellent combination of different techniques & coordination as a team player.

At the age of 16, he has been exploring & learning most techniques of hip-hop dance. He who does not focus in a certain technique in hip-hop dance is known as a ‘Jack-Of-All-Trades’. Derek has also explored in other social dance & has been into line dance with Melvin Maqrius. This has given both of them a 1st touched on other dance move/techniques that are being re-used in Line Dance.

In 2005, Derek has his 1st experience in mtv as a backup dancer for Korean hip-hop artiste, WomWoo. Participated in Singapore Chingay Parade in 2005/2006, NDP Dinner & Dance in late 2006.
In 2006, He attains his 1st oversea championship in 2nd Malaysian Open Line Dance & Hip Hop Championship (Hip Hop Open Team: Champion) Followed by Dancefuntasia Taipei 2006 (Team Showcase: Champion) and 8th Stardust Dancesport Grand Prix 2007 (Team Show dance: Champion)

His experience as an Instructor started back in 2005 with HHKS & other studios like DanceZone/ Dance Castle in later years. He have also instructed in Secondary Schools, & Community Centers.

Retired from competitions, Derek is now focused on training Competition/ Performance Team in HHKS & Other School/ Private events. He believes that ‘Training cannot make us Perfect, but it will make us (Dancers) BETTER’

JIN WEN aka, Mr ‘J’
MANAGING DIRECTOR

CRYSTAL