Written by C-Bass
Having known Jesse Sykes, better known as Crank, for the last few years I can tell you the dude has become an instant OG for Utah. Not only is he supportive of many different events, organizations, and styles but he gets down in multiple dance styles. When I first met him it seemed his training was more popping than anything else but through out the years he’s matured in his dance to add locking, krumping, even elements of breaking, and contemporary.
Aside from being an incredible dancer and artist, Jesse Sykes can be seen supporting many different events, classes, and other dancers. Behind the scenes, Sykes works a full-time job, teaching class, and hosting an open session 2-3 times a week without wanting any type of recognition. Yep we seen this dude traveling out of state to not only grow himself, but to represent Utah on the All Styles tip.
As you will see the all styles scene he’s come to know and love currently resides in a transition period and he is doing the very best to keep it alive by pushing others to grow!
Jesse is just one reason why dancers should visit Utah if they have the chance. The scene has come a long way uniting with each other. What has been a primarily breaking scene has grown into a number of various styles and choreography scene working and pushing each other. From Bboy Fed to Millenium Dance SLC, FunKeys to many different colleges around Utah and so many others blessing the community.
You could say the dancers all see each other as equal and want to help one another grow and represent Utah! And having grown my friendship with Jesse and many others in Utah for years, its clear to me there needed to be more voice given to Jesse and others.
Tell us about your roots where you grew up with music and dance
Growing up I was in an Air Force family, which meant I was bound to my surroundings for 2-3 years at a time if I was lucky. I never had the opportunity to grow with a scene/community. I always was forced to stay introverted due to that, which is why music and dance saved me. I always was listening to music, or trying to seek it out in the world. I didn’t know how to dance I just knew I enjoyed grooving, it just felt right. Most children grow up in one area and have friends who have common interests and that’s the one thing I lacked. I had no friends until I moved to Utah.