Celebrating Hip Hop: Jepstar's Impact on Tampa's Dance Culture

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jehoshaphat Jacinto.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
During high school in the Philippines, I had dived headfirst into dancing. I teamed up with folks like J.V Mitchell, and we hit the grind daily, practicing on the third floor of my house. Our beats echoed through the neighborhood, drawing in more dancers from our school. Those late-night sessions weren’t just about dancing; they were about bonding and unleashing creativity.

Fast forward a decade to my arrival in the US—I had nothing but my love for dance. Despite not being a pro, my passion burned bright. I settled in Tampa, Florida, and thanks to Dante “Sweetface” Williams, I found my groove in the local dance scene. I started pushing boundaries, adding props like yoyos, cards, and even magic to my moves. It was all about mixing it up and making my mark in our Florida Dance scene.

By diving into local talent shows and competitions and hitting the road for battles outside of Florida, I made solid connections with folks. I realized that the real magic of the arts lies in bringing people together. So, I decided to shift gears from the competitive scene and focus on nurturing the Tampa community. That journey landed me a gig at Prodigy Moves! A non-profit where we offer free cultural arts programs. After my day job, you’ll find me at the Dance Den in Brandon, teaching Beginner Hip-hop on Mondays and giving private lessons in Popping/Locking to anyone keen on trying new styles.

In my downtime, I found myself hanging out at the University of South Florida, waiting for the traffic to die down. Before I knew it, I was spontaneously breaking out into dance sessions in the empty campus spaces. Soon, I began inviting friends and fellow local dancers to join me. What started with just a handful of us quickly grew into a larger group, and we started exchanging tips and moves. We adopted the Book of Styles Format to encourage learning and mastery of Popping and other styles among participants. As our gathering gained momentum, we recognized its potential as a platform to unite people through dance. Thus, we decided to organize free community classes open to all, dubbing them the Disfunktionals Wednesday Sessions.

As the sessions gained momentum, I recognized the significance of advocacy and representation in the arts. Embracing this responsibility, I assumed the role of a board member for Dance Tampa Bay. Our mission is to unite the diverse dance communities across Tampa Bay, fostering collaboration, mutual recognition, and support. Currently, we’re conducting multiple town halls across various areas of Tampa to gather input from dancers and understand their community needs.

My journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the incredible mentors and support networks that have propelled me forward. I have huge gratitude to Funk in Focus with Ryan “Future” Webb and my Soul Konnection family—Toy, Indy, and Oreo—who have played pivotal roles in my development. And let’s not forget the Disfunktionals Crew—Brayan, Myxo, Upgrade, Dilman, and Uri—for their unwavering support and camaraderie along the way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. One of the main struggles I faced was breaking into the Florida dance scene after moving to the US. Despite my passion for dance, gaining recognition and finding my place in a new environment wasn’t easy. It took perseverance, pushing boundaries, and seeking opportunities to showcase my skills.

Another hurdle was transitioning from the competitive dance scene to focusing on community building. While competitions provided valuable experience and exposure, I felt drawn to creating spaces where dancers could come together, learn from each other, and grow as a community. This shift required me to step out of my comfort zone and take on new roles as a mentor and organizer.

Financial constraints also presented challenges, especially when funding community events and classes. Balancing the desire to offer free or affordable programs with the practicalities of covering expenses was a constant struggle.

Despite these obstacles, the journey was incredibly rewarding. Overcoming challenges has allowed me to grow as a dancer, a leader, and a community member. The support of mentors, friends, and fellow dancers has been instrumental in navigating the ups and downs.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
My work revolves around cultivating a vibrant and inclusive dance community, particularly in Tampa, Florida. I specialize in fostering connections, creativity, and growth among dancers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of what I do and what sets me apart:

Community Building: I’m deeply involved in organizing dance sessions, events, and classes that bring dancers together. These gatherings serve as platforms for dancers to connect, share knowledge, and inspire each other.

Teaching and Mentorship: As an instructor, I specialize in hip-hop, popping, and locking, catering to dancers at various stages of their journey. I take pride in not only teaching dance techniques but also mentoring students to develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of community.

Event Coordination: I’m involved in organizing various dance events, from informal sessions to larger-scale competitions and showcases. These events provide opportunities for dancers to showcase their talent, network with others, and celebrate the art form.

Advocacy and Representation: I’m passionate about advocating for the dance community and ensuring representation across all levels. I serve as a board member for Dance Tampa Bay, working to unite diverse dance communities and address their needs.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creating inclusive spaces where dancers feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to express themselves freely. I prioritize collaboration over competition and strive to foster a sense of belonging among dancers.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on the lives of fellow dancers and the community, fostering connections, inspiring growth, and spreading the joy of dance.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
For those just starting in the world of dance, here are a few pieces of advice based on my experience:

Embrace Your Journey: Understand that learning and growth take time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or comparing yourself to others. Embrace your unique journey and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different styles and techniques. Attend workshops, classes, and events to expand your knowledge and skills. Stay curious and never stop learning.

Practice Consistently: Consistency is key to improvement. Set aside regular time for practice and stick to it. Whether it’s daily drills or weekly classes, dedicate time to honing your craft.

Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with supportive people who share your passion for dance. Joining a dance community or group can provide valuable support, encouragement, and opportunities for collaboration.

Take Care of Yourself: Dance can be physically demanding, so prioritize self-care. Make sure to warm up before dancing, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to prevent injuries. Rest and recovery are just as important as practice.

Set Goals and Stay Motivated: Set clear, achievable goals for yourself and track your progress. Whether mastering a new move, performing in a showcase, or participating in a competition, having goals can help keep you motivated and focused.

Believe in Yourself: Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities. Confidence is key to success in dance. Trust in your talent, work ethic, and passion; don’t be afraid to take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of patience and self-compassion when I was starting. It’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged, especially when progress feels slow. Remember to be kind to yourself and trust in the process. With dedication, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you’ll continue to grow and thrive as a dancer.

Pricing:

• Beginner Hip-hop Classes: Available at Dance Den Studio

• Private Lessons (Popping/Locking): $75 per hour

• Dance Workshops: Prices vary depending on duration and how many attendees

• Free Dance Workshops: at Disfunktionals Wednesday Session

Contact Info:

• Email: jepstar.dance@gmail.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jepstartala/

• Other: https://www.instagram.com/disfunktionalstampa

Image Credits
Uriel Sanchez Creativ Designer (Desiree Murphy)