Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerwaun Suddun
Hi Jerwaun , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name Jerwaun Suddun better known as Renegade & I am a Krump practitioner, teaching artist, and the leader of Michigan’s Krump movement having pioneered the community since 2016. A catalyst for change, innovation, and growth in the Michigan dance scene. I initially started traveling to out-of-state Krump events in 2014 including Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California. I’ve learned the techniques of Krump from some of the best Krump trailblazers in the world including two of the creators of the dance, Tight Eyex and Big Mijo. My goal is to establish a long-lasting, thriving Krump community in Michigan that supports the most vulnerable regions of the state by giving the youth a unique and positive outlet to keep their minds working and their bodies moving. I’ve been to Kansas City, Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, Indiana, California & Las Vegas all for the Culture of krump & or dance in general.
I have also Collaborated and performed in shows ‘Detroit Dance Theatre- Devils Shoestring’ & ‘Ritual Being- Wolf’ through Wayne State University. I’ve
Taught 3 summers of summer school programs at different schools to Elementary & Middle school kids teaching krump & clown dancing technique & culture.
Ive done a 3 day workshop at Wayne State university in 2022 then did a full semester in 2024 being the first to teach a street style dance in academia.
I have been teaching at MCSDA (motor city street dance academy since 2017.
I’ve judged the very first World of Dance Michigan Freestyle tournament in 2018
I judged The first Krump tournament at the UHHDL in 2019
Judged the RedBull Dance Your Style Detroit Auditions 2024. And amongst various gigs doing performances around Michigan at festivals & events.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been smooth but I was long prepared for it all. Some struggles I’ve come across along the way were constantly dealing with the misunderstanding or misconceptions of what krump is, Not being supported as an artist because people don’t believe in the arts to be lucrative professions, Creating a movement through a culture that did not exist in Michigan before I decided to do it was very challenging and other things.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a movement artist (dancer) & I specialize through the culture & dance art form known as Krump that originated in the early 2000s in South Central LA. I am known for my discipline, tenacity, grit, growth, being a catalyst for change, elevation & evolution, and I am known for my rawness & authenticity both on & off of the dance floor. I am most proud of the fact that I set out to create something that wasn’t here in my city yet alone my state, and I actually achieved & created a Krump Movement in Michigan that is now starting to be recognized across the country & more as a legitimate krump movement within the Culture. What sets me apart from others I believe is my mind and heart. My mindset isn’t like anyone’s around me or even like anyone’s I grew up with. And my heart is also attached to that. I stand for something at all times and I don’t let it shake for anyone. But I am always open to growth being blessed to understand different perspectives from all kinds of walks in life.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being able to do what I genuinely love makes me happy. Why? Because most people never get that chance, most never take that chance because of fear, rejection, no support ect. Being able to move my body and tell stories and people are moved or touched by it. Ive had people cry, catch chills or tear up from performances I’ve done, impacting people’s hearts in a positive way. That makes me happy because where I grew up none of that was happening to/for us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jt_vs_renegade?igsh=MTJraW9sendsYTBuag==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrillionaireJT?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/dirtyglovebvck?igsh=YjM4czQyYjNvNXRp
Image Credits
Ladyredphotos on Instagram.
Rorab00 on Instagram