MEMPHIS JOOKIN’: THE SHOW
Featuring Lil Buck
DANCE
Photo (c) Gia Trovela (images 1,3,5,6)
Photo (c) Louis ‘Ziggy’ Tucker (images 2,4)
Manager: Jean-Jacques Cesbron
Territory: North America
“Buck’s power derives from the ability to get to the bottom of what something feels like for him and then to express it to the world.”
ABOUT
Renowned dance artist Lil’ Buck created Memphis Jookin’ the Show Powered by Nike to tell the story of the singular dance style known as Memphis Jookin’ and showcase the exceptional talents of Jookin’ dancers. Co-Written by Ameenah Kaplan and Malcolm Barrett, Memphis Jookin’ the Show Powered by Nike is a metaphor for the evolution and history of Memphis Jookin’ told through the lives of fictional characters. A young aspiring film maker, JJ, is front and center for the ups-and-downs of the burgeoning international dance movement known as Memphis Jookin'. Through the lens of JJ’s camera, we witness the community of Memphis Jookin’ through their joys, battles, struggles, and successes.
The production starring Lil’ Buck and directed by Amy “Catfox” Campion, features 12 Memphis Jookin’ dancers performing to a soundtrack by the Mulherin Brothers and Young Jai that evokes the energy of the streets and clubs where Memphis Jookin’ was born. Marico “DrRico” Flake, Terran Noir Gary, and Lil’ Buck create choreography in collaboration with cast members that shines with signature Memphis Jookin’ movements artfully crafted into the narrative. Memphis Jookin’ the Show Powered by Nike launched in 2022 receiving standing ovations at every theater from Memphis to Berkeley.
““Jookin was this diamond in the rough. It was raw, real and gangster. I’d only ever seen people like Michael Jackson dancing on VHS tapes, living a superstar life that wasn’t attainable. So when I saw Jookin being done in my own backyard, and being danced by people who looked like me, that blew my mind. I knew immediately: I want that so bad.”
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About Lil Buck:
Lil Buck, born in Chicago in 1988 and raised in Memphis, became a YouTube sensation after director Spike Jonze uploaded a video of his dance improvisation with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to being the ambassador of one of the most ground breaking dance styles of this generation, Memphis Jookin, Lil Buck also founded the dance collective Movement Art Is (MAI), an organization that uses dance and movement to inspire and change the world. Lil Buck is also the first street dancer ever to design a capsule collection with Versace, and in February 2012, He joined Madonna for her Super Bowl halftime show, which broke the record for the most-watched television program in American history. He also completed two world tours with Madonna: MDNA and REBEL HEART, and has worked with, among others, New York City Ballet and choreographer Benjamin Millepied. In 2014, Lil Buck was also awarded The Wall Street Journal Innovator of the Year Award.
CAST CREDITS
LEAD DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, PRODUCER
CHARLES “LIL BUCK” RILEY
- Creative Team -
Writers
Ameenah Kaplan
Malcolm Barrett
Music
Marshall Mulherin
Parker Mulherin
Director
Amy “Catfox” Campion Scoggins
Choreography
Terran Noir Gary
Marico “Dr. Rico” Flake
- Dancers -
Osaze “A-God” Niamke
Bradley “Geno” Davis (DJ FLY)
Elise “Dance Beast Elise” Landrum
Cameron “I-Cam” Sykes
Jasina “Sina” Tate
Marico “Double OG” Flake
Charles “Lil Buck” Riley
Dra'em “Dra'em” Hines
Jadyn “Smooth” Nathan
Larray “Curry” Walker
Dai’Vian “Stro” Washington (JJ)
- Production -
Technical Director
Aaron Francis
Production Supervisor
David Lansky
Director of Operations/
Production Manager, CAMI Music
Christine Bush-Fletcher
Video Producer
Joe Mulherin
Lighting Designer
Brad Fields
Production Stage Manager
Anthony James
Company Manager/Producer/Music
Jai Ammer
Costume Manager
Kathy Caradine
Download Media Kit
MEDIA
Promotional
Mem Jookin Testimonials