Waves, Hits & Bending the Matrix

About this event

Waves, Hits & Bending the Matrix:
A workshop on Body Mastery

Description:
This workshop blends the foundational techniques of popping and animation with somatic awareness practices. Inspired by mindfulness, Qigong, and deep body awareness, we cultivate hyper-awareness of movement, enabling a high level of control that transforms our dance into an illusionary flow.

We will begin with basic popping techniques: body waves, dime-stopping, isolations, and gliding, laying a strong foundation. From there, we dive into animation, and focus on roboting, which allows us to embody something beyond ourselves.

Animation draws from the stop-motion aesthetics of 1970s claymation films, giving the illusion of lifeless figures coming alive frame by frame.

In addition, I integrate my personal movement style, which I call “bending the matrix.” This fusion of warping and frame control creates the visual effect of moving through a hyper-real "Matrix" world.

Schedule:
The workshop runs over two days, totaling 8 hours:
Day 1: Monday, September 14, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Day 2: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Exact Location
Amsterdam TBA

Audience:
This workshop is open to all levels—no prior experience is required. It is perfect for dancers looking to deepen their body control, and those who practice styles such as tribal fusion, belly dance, or other theatrical arts. It is also ideal for anyone curious to explore new ways of moving, adding fresh dynamics to their dance vocabulary.

Teacher:
Jethro Obadja has been immersed in dance since 1998, primarily focusing on breakdancing. Along the way, he deepened his practice in popping, making it a central part of his artistic journey. Though his dance life has been diverse and full of other styles, popping has always remained close to his heart, gaining focus as his career evolved.

Jethro has trained with some of the most iconic figures in the popping world, including Mr. Wiggles, one of the pioneers of the style. Beyond his work in popping, he has performed with dance theaters and explored a wide range of movement techniques.

Today, he continues to bring his passion for illusionary dance to life as an ecstatic dance DJ and facilitator. A certified yoga and meditation teacher, Jethro combines all his life experiences in dance, mindfulness, and movement, to guide others in deeper bodily awareness. His workshops, like this one, reflect his lifelong commitment to exploring movement, control, and creative freedom.