I agree, especially if somebody who is competitive and in the thick of what’s going on. It’s a conversation I used to have with jazzy Jester back in the day. It was relevant because at the time in the early 2000s we were starting to go to the United States. We noticed the implications of that type of “expectation“ from observation at first and then personal experience. Later on, I always made it a point to “never teach the same class twice”. Or when I would return from trips, the feedback I would receive from my crew, is that I would always be doing something different looking for a new way. So I completely understand. Also, life circumstance comes into play. Some people like myself are practically retired or at least semi retired, chronic injuries, etc. So, repping foundation, signatures and experimenting in, private is just fine too. Never should be afraid of cypher, true. that’s the conversation and the life blood of the dance itself. Too much ego gets in the way of something that is very pure. I think being honest and straightforward about why you do what you do is also very important, being respectful as well. Having integrity like Maurizio says is quintessential. In other words, never have to be a people pleaser, or front. Or don’t have to do anything of what people expect you to do, or want you to do. You have your own story. Like Poe has said to me in the past: “..hitting up the jam and working on the sweep the whole time. Some guy comes up to me and asks - ‘Hey Poe, why are you doing that sweep all the time? Why aren’t you try doing something different?’ And then Poe replies. “ because it just feels fresh and that’s what I feel like doing.” It’s wonderful that through this dance we can push our capacity mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I think the relationship between people in a circle is very intimate. It’s like samurai and warriors, you get very close. And not everybody’s ready for that. But again, that is the spirit of our language and one of my favorite parts. So definitely I can overstand . Word up ⚡️

@Richie 'Abstrak' Soto very nice! ✨🤟🏼😎

@Richie 'Abstrak' Soto trust lol I have to go Hella slow for now. Joints feel like C-3PO 😮‍💨

@Richie 'Abstrak' Soto “ eh take it nice & easy mang” 👴🏼

@Richie 'Abstrak' Soto thanks G! Yeeee let’s add to the 🍯

@Richie 'Abstrak' Soto 😂😂😂

@Matthew Tsang https://youtu.be/ipwnDT9oOE4?si=H2eMmz8NWDmQPWJu Dope short interview

https://youtu.be/7JR7QNLLX6Q?si=zYm9r7V1BrZA3NCG