5 Questions: Tony Mills

Source: The List (Issue 636)
Date: 12 August 2009
Written by: Kelly Apter

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This article is from 2009.

The breakdancer, takes time out from his TV-inspired show, Watch It! to answer our 5 Questions

Give five reasons why people should see your show
It’s a real visual feast – it’s not just dance but a performance with integrated film, animation and a wee bit of theatre; It’s not aloof, so there should be something in there for everyone to relate to; It takes the audience on a journey, transporting them into a world that is surreal, funny and touching; It’s a world premiere – honest!; Times are tough and a 45 min show in the Fringe for a fiver = BARGAIN!!

What are the 4 best things about hip hop dance?
It strives to be original, always evolving; It really embraces a grassroots, do-it-yourself approach to creativity, with people doing things off their own back because they just want to get something out there; The trends and obsessions that run parallel – like sneakers and tracksuits; On the ground level it’s a world wide community, you can go pretty much anywhere and link up with a breaking crew. They may not speak your language but you can connect through the dance.

Who are the 3 biggest influences on the Tony Mills style?
Definitely Edinburgh-based Australian dancer, Janis Claxton, she has taught me a lot; DV8, Jasmin Vardimon, Ballets C de la B and similar companies; The world around me.

Your show is about TV – what are your 2 favourite TV shows?
24 will always be number one – don’t mess with Jack Bauer; And I’ve been watching True Blood recently.

What 1 word sums up ‘Watch It!’?
Sophisticated.

Dance Base, 225 5525, 12–16 Aug, times vary, £5.

This article is from 2009.

More: Dance, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals, Fringe, Tony Mills, Watch It