Rize (2005)
Rize (2005), directed by David LaChapelle, is a captivating documentary that unveils a vibrant and electrifying dance movement emerging from the heart of South Central Los Angeles. The film focuses on two street-derived dance styles: Clowning and Krumping. These expressive forms of movement have their roots in the low-income neighborhoods of L.A., where they serve as a powerful alternative to the pervasive gang culture.
The documentary introduces us to the world of Tommy the Clown (Tom Johnson), a former young man who once grappled with drugs and gang life. After a stint in jail, Tommy found a new path when he was asked to play a clown at a friend’s birthday party. The way people responded to him as a clown intrigued him—they regarded him as if he existed in a separate, magical realm. Tommy the Clown became a “ghetto celebrity,” and his journey led him to create a unique dance style that would change lives.
Krumping, the heart of this movement, is a dance form that defies categorization. It appears like life in fast-forward, a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Krumpers face off one-on-one, trying to out-krump each other in intense battles. The film captures the fifth annual krumping competition, known as Battle Zone, held at the Great Western Forum. The showdown between the two main factions—the Krumps and the Clowns—takes center stage.
The Clowns, with their rainbow wigs, putty noses, and wildly colored costumes, evoke a sense of whimsy and rebellion. They dance with abandon, challenging conventions and societal norms. Meanwhile, Krumpers channel their raw energy into movements that sometimes resemble a fistfight in fast motion, borrowing elements from strippers and martial arts. Their dance defies easy description—it’s a fusion of passion, athleticism, and defiance.
As the documentary unfolds, we witness the evolution of these dance forms. The film captures the essence of the streets, where creativity thrives amidst adversity. The clowns and krumpers find solace and purpose in their art, offering an alternative to violence and despair. Their performances become acts of resistance, reclaiming public spaces and transforming them into stages of self-expression.
Rize plays like breaking news, revealing a phenomenon that existed below the media radar until Vanity Fair photographer David LaChapelle brought it to light. Through interviews with dance crews, the film celebrates the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of those who found refuge in dance. It’s a testament to the power of movement, music, and shared passion—a celebration of life in the face of adversity.
In this captivating documentary, the streets of South Central come alive with rhythm, color, and unbridled energy. Rize is more than a dance film; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges and create something extraordinary.
