Ted the Machine, foolproof – Gabonews

2024-08-27 14:35:26

Ted the Machine, foolproof

August 27, 2024

Gabonews went to meet Ted Gwladys Ndong Mvie Omanda, choreographer, dancer, photographer, who recently added a string to his bow by becoming a poet. It is through his poetic news that we discussed the path he traveled from yesterday to today, wishing him all the best for tomorrow.

The one we call Ted La Machine was born on January 17, 1990 in Libreville. He is passionate about everything related to art, he practices different disciplines, but he invests himself the most in dance.

Over the years, he gains experience and earns his stripes within the artistic community, especially through competitions across the continent, where he represents Gabon, and by winning first place at the national level during events such as ‘Airtel Beach Battle, Street Gymnast, Urban. Battle Dance and XXL.

The Machine doesn’t stop there. He invests himself in each of his passions and, despite his hearing disability, surpasses himself with each new goal set. His first work, “Handi’Art”, a collection of poetry, shows his commitment to place disabled people in society and shows them that anything is possible.

Far from letting his fate dictate him, on the contrary, Ted has real ambitions in his activities, while still knowing that the task is not easy. He has an assertive character that allows him to hold his head high in the face of all kinds of pressure.

Tradition par

How do you go about dancing?

Art is a gift in the family, maternal and paternal, everyone has an artistic tendency in singing, dancing, etc.

What made you choose this discipline?

My father, I was introduced very quickly to traditional dance. As I grew up, every time musical waves crossed somewhere my body responded. I have a deep love for music and dancing, I don’t have a good singing voice so I prefer dancing.

What is your background in dance?

I officially started in 2007 in Lambarené. The following year, I was taken by my older sisters, who were members of the choir God’s graceto meet Scott The Poolthe leader of the group Just dance. I quickly established myself, and when I saw my ability to remember choreography, the group members gave me a nickname La Machine. A nickname I keep to this day.

I compete regularly, I win some and lose some. At the same time from December 2014, I created my dance group called Gabon Street Dancein which I myself train many young dancers every year.

I am the Gabonese dancer currently representing the dance Popping and with this category, I am invited internationally to competitions. A competitive dancer has to finance his plane ticket, but I can’t always travel due to lack of money. I have been to Cameroon three times. I am invited to participate in the international competition The Last Popper in Douala next December, but once again the resources are lacking.

Street Dancer

Is it important for you to be so broad in your field of activity?

People with disabilities are marginalized by society, which does not take them into account. We are left to our own devices and are considered inferior.

Many people drop out of school very quickly. The files are located in public and private administrations. The rare interviews are completed as soon as a disability is mentioned.

Dancing and photography are my work for me, although there is still an exclusion in this area as well. Customers prefer to watch the size matter instead of will. I pay my bills with money earned from dancing and filming.

Regarding Street Dance Gabon, how are things going in terms of registration and your work with the younger people?

Several times, I wanted to give lessons, but the parents always refused, because I teach seriously and without passing the time. In addition, when I train in the Omnisports stadium some people talk about security, however, it is monitored. The children who are with me are my nephews and despite the hard work, they never give up.

King of the Pops

We got the Break for the first and last time during the Olympic Games in Paris – would you like to take part?

No. Just like at school some dance subjects (mathematics, French) are divided into different styles: Hip Hop, Krump, Break Dance, Popping, Afro, etc. It was not just breakdancing, but I specialize in popping. For those who don’t know, Michael Jackson did a popping dance.

One influence among others?

No, Michael Jackson is not an influence. I mentioned it because many people don’t know this dance. Michael only hit 10% of the punches. The popping dance was created by the choreographers, from the company Electric Boogaloo. It’s easier for a layman to say when quoting Jackson. If you don’t tell them that the robotics It’s just a basic popping class.

Are your influences essentially traditional? If so, which ones specifically?

I do not distinguish between different traditional dances. We cater as needed, but all dances are taken from traditional dances. THE Bwiti at the top then the Djembe.

The dancer poet

What themes are covered in your collection of poetry? What made you write it?

My collection is an exhibition of life to show that everything is a barrier. We go from social nutrition, through hobbies, vain hopes and even unconfessed love. Art itself is the way to express yourself. Not being able to say everything in dance, I also use writing.

Who are your publishers and partners for the release of this book? Can you introduce them to us?

I am part of it WHAT? (Collection of African Authors) composed of several writers from different countries (Gabon, France, Congo). I can mention the founder Efry Trytch Mudumumbula as well as Nana Anambine, Hermine Jes’s Moussavou, Princesse Loango, Original Wesphal, Clarisse Mabiti, Browny Th’sky, Safna.

It is our publisher GNK editions founded by the founder of CODAAF and based in France.

Equality for all

What is the most important message you want to convey about people with disabilities? I am thinking in particular of the following message on Facebook when the book was released: On this day, people with disabilities are thought of. Take courage!

People with disabilities are not sub-humans. If it is true that they have a few faculties less than usual, the truth is that they have others which allow them to fill the void. Let’s stop being afraid of them and ostracizing them from society.

Is this evidence of your own experience?

Oui.

You have a YouTube channel where you share choreography and worship moments.

But, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTokyou can find me there with the same name Ted La Machine.

What is the point of all this media?

Each of the networks has its own type of audience. Young people, for example, are on TikTok, the more mature ones are on Facebook and Instagram, some are on YouTube. A video can go viral on Facebook and go unnoticed on Ig. Hence the need to reach every network.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to open a good dance school. In photography, I want to have my studio. As for writing, the publisher already has other books.

Do you know how to complete your projects?

I am doing the best I can. For the dance hall like the photo studio, the problem is finding the site. It would have to be in a safe place and I would have to have the financial resources to restore the interior, and provide good communication there. So I’m stuck on financial resources.

“Handic’Art” is available on Amazon:

In Gabon at GNK Éditions at 5,000 F Tel: [phone]

Also at CNM Chez Nous-Mes Bookstore at 5,000 F Tel: [phone]