Circles – Cypher Culture Panel discussions

"Circles" is a series of FREE Community roundtables addressing pressing issues affecting our Street Dance communities. These events are open to the public, but places are limited so book in early and join us for inspiring and insightful conversation with Melbourne/Naarm’s Street Dance community. Circles is produced by Cypher Culture in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne, Creative Australia, and the City of Melbourne -

Session 1: Safe Spaces for Self-Expression in Street Dance
Friday 7th February 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Panelists: Troi-Saraih Ilsley (Wunyju), Jada Narkle, Aleena (Artemiz/Apollo) (She/Her), and Harel. Mediated by Shiona (Woosh/YG XIII)

The first instalment of "Circles" Is hosted by locally based Krump crew Mind Over Mutant. The theme for this inaugural Circles session is "Safe Platforms for Self-Expression" in street dance.

Our panel, featuring First Nations and Culturally diverse Street Dance Artists will explore Street Dance as a platform for inclusivity, and how we can create safe spaces for dancers from diverse backgrounds, while fostering supportive environments for dancers to thrive.

Circles session 1 will be mediated by Shiona (Woosh / YG XIII) and feature the following panel speakers:

• Troi-Saraih Ilsley (Wunyju) (She/Her) : A proud Wamba Wamba and Gunditjmara woman from Naarm, Troi blends traditional and street dance and works in Koorie education, demonstrating her dedication to both cultural preservation and youth development.
• Jada Narkle (They/Them): A Noongar artist from the Wiilman and Yued tribes of Western Australia, Jada's interdisciplinary approach weaves together movement, language, and installation to explore ancestral connections and trauma pathways in their creative process.
• Aleena (Artemiz/Apollo) (She/Her): A heavy hitter in the Burncity Krump scene, Aleena has earned recognition for her powerful style and has achieved numerous accomplishments in the dance community. She is also a mentor, supporting the next generation of dancers.
• Harel (He/Him): A versatile dancer from the Western suburbs, Harel brings a focus to Hip Hop and Litefeet, and is a community leader through his involvement with Make Your Move, a dance collective in the West.

Session 2 - A Ballroom Keme - Transness, Womanhood and Ballroom across Philippines and Australia
Saturday 22nd February 1:00pm - 3:00pm                                                                                                                                                        Panelists: Founding Mother Bhenji Juicy Couture, Philippines Mother Xyza Pink Lady Mizrahi, Alima Juicy Couture and Berta Juicy Couture 

Join this empowering discussion mediated by Australia's Mother of The Royal House of Nina Oricci and founding Mother of Naarm, Kianna Oricci alongside a stella line-up from the Philippines and the Australian Ballroom communities on the panel including Alima, Berta, Bhenji and Xyza. 

Discussion topics in this session will include "Transness" - exploring the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the panel members both here in Australia and in the Philippines, and "Ballroom" - Looking at the experiences of both communities and reflecting on Ballroom as a worldwide phenomenon. 

This is a safe space to explore Trans identity and Ballroom culture.  Be sure to book and secure your seat for this session

Meet the Panelists: 

Mother Xyza Pink Lady MIzrahiA creative, a mentor, and a choreographer. She started her career as a professional street dancer for almost 15 years and later found her love for voguing and the ballroom culture. The producer of the first ever ball The Labyrinth Ball, the Eclipse Ball, and The Annual Rainbow Ball and several mini balls in the Philippines. She elevates the ballroom community in the country by spreading the love and knowledge for the craft not just by organizing balls, but also performing in several local fashion shows, working with different artists and brands, and supporting activities of the LGBTQIA+ community. She is also one of the Artist in residence for Anakbanwa Creative Residency in Pangasinan and Queens Speech in London UK. Also part of Tens Across the Boarders an Intl Docu Film featured in Cannes Film Festival.
She walks Face and New Way. She is the Mother of The Iconic House of Mizrahi Philippine Chapter, and the Trailblazer of the Philippine Ballroom Community - Xyza Mizrahi

Alima Juicy Couture, The Next in Line for Fem Queen Performance. 
Alima was known for posting videos of voguing on the streets, schools and everywhere until she joined Ballroom last June 2023 at the Rainbow Ball 2. From effortless duckwalk to electrifying grounded dip — Alima is known for paying homage to Icon Leiomy! She won the Elite Performance category at Christmas Ball last December 2024. Alima is quintessentially Vogue Fem Performance! Deadly on the floor yet the kindest soul.

Berta Juicy Couture,The Voguer with the Highest Bounty.
Berta is a performance artist based in Manila, Philippines. He Joined the Ballroom Scene in Rainbow Ball 2 back in June 2023. He walked the category Baby Vogue performance and after that, Berta never looked back! Claiming the highest cash prize in Philippine Ballroom Scene for the Performance category last Rainbow Ball 3 - the 20K Voguer! The only language Berta knows is Filipino and Winning!

Arcii 007, Arcii is a performance artist based in Manila, Philippines. Arcii is a part of Ballroom scene she joined ballroom last October (2023) and was discovered when she won the Begginers Performance at Rainbow Ball June (2024). She has been paet of a music video by Dia Matè's Music (Ganda-Gandahan)

Session 3 - Hip-Hop Asia-Pacific: A Roundtable Discussion
Friday 28th February 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Panelists: Miss-A, Fateeha, Réjizz, and Subnet

Join us for an engaging roundtable where hip-hop artists from Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, come together to share experiences from their creative journeys. This session will delve into each artist's body of work, exploring the unique cultural and social contexts that shape their art and expression.

The discussion will also spotlight the challenges these artists face and the innovative ways they navigate them. Beyond individual stories, the roundtable emphasizes the value of a regional Asia-Pacific network that fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for performances across borders. Together, we’ll reflect on the shared sense of solidarity that makes their work resonate throughout the region.

This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in hip-hop, creativity, and the power of regional connection!

Meet the Panelists: 

Miss A: Miss A has become one of the Philippines leading female voices. Some of her hip-hop idols include Bahamdia, Big L and Krs-1. With a passion to change “the game” Miss A performs, writes (and even paints) with an unbridled desire to let the artwork speak for itself.

Fateeha: The youngest member of the Morobeats crew, Fateeha may just be the most dangerous. Inspired by the likes of Da Brat, Erykah Badu and Immortal Technique, Fateeha’s rhyme’s showcase both a hunger and anger that has allowed her to develop her own sound.

Rejizz: As a dynamic interdisciplinary hip-hop artist, Réjizz straddles many creative lines as a singer and songwriter. Taking audiences on a journey from the cypher to the stage. In every way, Réjizz’s craft has been influenced by his love for hip-hop, soul and local Thai music, such as Mo-Lam and Luukthung.

Subnet: Subnet is a music producer raised between Bangkok and Melbourne, known for his signature sonic palette. Blending retro-futuristic sounds with a nod to hip-hop’s golden era on his latest album ‘BAAN/บ้าน’, Subnet reflects on his return to Thailand in a unique blend of global influences.

Session 4 - "As within so without - Becoming Yourself through dance" with Ladies Hip Hop Jam 
Sunday 6th April 1:00pm - 3:00pm 
Panelists: Tacey Trinh, Zoee Marsh, Miriam Garrido and mediated by Manasa 

Dance beyond the art form: How can we allow dance to be our teacher, healer and mirror of ourselves? In this panel discussion members of 'Ladies Hip Hop Jam' will discuss how there's no growth without discomfort in our journey towards inner freedom. This panel discussion is a must for anyone engaged in dance as a hobby or emerging dancers, seeking to take their movement to the next level both personally and professionally. Be inspired by these amazing leaders in Naarm's local street dance community as they share their journey and experience in dance.

Meet the Panelists: 

MIRI: Miri is a dancer and community leader who loves to (re)connect with herself and others through dance. Being a part of the Hip Hop and Krump community, she has been able to grasp the importance of the roots behind these dance forms, as well as finding release and lessons in the process of (un)learning. She believes that dance is a mirror of ourselves which only allows us to grow if we embrace the uncomfortable.

TRACE: Trace is a dancer immersed in both the freestyle and choreography world. Her movement is characterised with flow, a deep groove and playfulness. With the practice of drawing inspiration from almost anything, Trace believes dance is deeply rooted in being human, and it finds itself in all life. Aside from the heart of her community (Ladies Hip Hop Jam), her credits include Nike, Baker Boy, Winner of Toast or be Toasted Hip Hop Battle, and Judge for battles such as Donsteppa and Rule The Block.

ZOEE: ​​Zoee Marsh is an Australian Choreographer, Movement and Creative Director working across Music, Film, TV, Theatre, Fashion & Commercials. Known for her intuitive and holistic approach, she helps artists uncover their unique movement voice, collaborating with names like Telenova, Blusher, Vera Blue, Mallrat, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Gretta Ray and Beatrice. She has also shaped the movement for brands & productions including MIFF x Campari, Champion, Kmart, Platypus, Hara the Label, Xero, ABC, Momentum Energy, Junior Eurovision & Lululemon x Movember. On stage, Zoee has redefined choreography for productions such as Sunday In The Park With George and Spring Awakening.

Some of Zoee’s accolades include ‘Best Choreography’ (Seattle International Film Festival), 'Video Choreography of the Year' (Grounded Industry Awards), & her independent film 4040 Home earning international recognition as a festival finalist. Zoee is dedicated to crafting visceral, unforgettable experiences and thrives on collaborating with creatives who share her passion for the artistic process & movement.

Outside of her profession, Zoee continues to feed her love for dance by attending weekly freestyle jams, local dance classes and constantly exploring ways to improve her body awareness, connection to dance and love for community.

MANASA (MEDIATOR): A movement artist specialising in multiple street dance styles, including Hip Hop, House, and Dancehall, with a growing passion for Kuduro and Chicago Footwork. Originally from South India and now based in Australia, nasa brings over four years in honing the craft, teaching diverse age groups, and collaborating with artists to celebrate and exchange the essence of the styles she practices. Her journey spans jams, performances, and battles, consistently pushing creative boundaries while engaging with various dance communities. Known for her versatility, footwork, and character in movement, nasa embodies both traditional foundations and experimental movement in her freestyle.


Session 5 - Dancehall & Afro Dance Community Link Up 
Friday 16th May 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
Panelists: 

Session 6 - Street Dance & Creative Australia Industry Roundtable Discussion 
Friday 6th June 6:00pm - 8:00pm 
Panelists: TBA

About Street dance culture

Street dance is a collective of forms that originate from Black and Latinx communities in the United States and in other countries of the world. These forms include Hip hop, Breaking, Dancehall, Popping, House, Locking, Vogue, Litefeet, Krump and Waacking, with new forms being included as they manifest. Each with their own unique origins, timelines and hubs whether in the clubs or in public space. 

As each form within street dance locates itself within the Australian landscape at different times, we have witnessed its growth in Australia since the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has been a critical space for people of diverse cultural backgrounds to come together and develop modes of artistic expression and socio-cultural exchange. Given that street dance has typically been a place where multiculturalism is realised in grounded everyday ways, it is surprising that many street dance scenes have been met with scrutiny within the arts sector. This has historically been derived from a cultural distance within Australian society and its government to Black musical and creative forms which develop popularity in a dominantly white Anglo-Celtic society, requiring scenes to adapt and advocate for their legitimacy through the very systems that have often overlooked them. 

Today, Australia’s local street dance scenes are entangled in ‘a global movement, interconnected through large street dance events, social media, as well as shared cultural practices and values’. Their collectivism can also be seen as a response in its need for cultural understanding and safety for its people and communities within, and its resonation of ideals and lived experiences which has ties to resistance and liberation for those who are experiencing states of vulnerability, marginalisation or oppression.