"Rhythm on the Asphalt": A Visual Chronicle of Street Dance
An audiovisual project that captured the essence and evolution of urban dance in the neighborhoods of San José, exploring its cultural narrative beyond the steps.
Key Details
- Client: Urban Dance Collective "Flow Costa"
- Duration: 5 months (Research to Post-Production)
- JukeKick's Role: Production, Creative Direction, and Editing
- Deliverable: 40-min Documentary + Series of micro-videos
The Challenge
The "Flow Costa" collective wanted to document their art, but existing narratives focused only on technique or competition. The challenge was to create a piece that delved into the cultural identity, the personal stories behind the movements, and the social function of dance in marginalized public spaces.
An approach was needed that respected the community's authenticity, avoiding glamorization or sensationalism, while also having a cinematic quality capable of connecting with a broader audience.
Our Solution
We developed a "from within" production strategy. Instead of an external team, we trained young collective members in basic photography and sound recording, integrating them as co-creators.
The process combined structured dance sessions with spontaneous interviews in their usual practice places: abandoned courts, building rooftops, and quiet streets at dusk. The editing used the rhythm of the music and the city as a narrative metronome.
Process and Key Moments
Immersion and Trust
We spent 3 weeks attending their meetings and practices without cameras, building a fundamental relationship of trust.
Collective Narrative
We held workshops where dancers visually mapped the history of their collective, defining the story's core themes.
Rhythmic Editing
Post-production synchronized visual transitions with beats from the original musical compositions created for the project.
Results and Impact
- ✓ The documentary "Rhythm on the Asphalt" was selected and screened at 2 national urban culture film festivals.
- ✓ The series of 8 micro-videos achieved organic reach of over 250,000 views on social media, highlighting individual stories.
- ✓ The project served as a tangible portfolio for the collective, helping them secure funding for a community practice space.
Testimonial
"JukeKick didn't just film our dance; they captured our why. They made people who have never danced understand the feeling of freedom and community we find in the concrete. It was a process of reflection for ourselves."
— María "Flow" Rodríguez, Founder of Flow Costa
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