Interviewees
Ivan "Heat Rock" Cofield
Ivan Cofield was born in Georgia where he and his older brother used drawing as their main creative outlet. In high school, he was introduced to graffiti, which opened up a whole new avenue for his creative path.Â
In 2001, Ivan attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston for a degree in Architecture, but he never lost sight of his passion for fine art. In 2008, Ivan earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where he expanded his repertoire in mixed media. At the same time as earning his BFA, Ivan danced with a few different crews and became one of the founding members of Del Fuego Wolfpack in 2011. He focused on various folk dance styles, which became a great source of inspiration in his art.
Ivan now resides in Brooklyn, New York where he spends his time dancing and creating art, in all the forms and media that he's grown to love, now inseparable from who he is.
Ana "Rokafella" Garcia
Ana "Rokafella" Garcia is a NYC native who has represented women in Hip-hop dance professionally over the past three decades. She co-founded Full Circle Prod Inc – NYC's only non-profit Break Dance Theater company with her husband veteran Bboy Kwikstep generating theater pieces, original poetry, and local dance related events. She performs music based on her experiences growing up in Hip-hop's birthplace and has had her poetry published in a Bronx Poets anthology. In addition to directing the documentary about Bgirls "All the Ladies Say", she is hired internationally to judge Break dance competitions based on her mastery of the classic Hip-hop dance style. She teaches unique workshops aimed at celebrating the roots and history as well as the technique of classic Hip-hop dance styles. Presently an adjunct professor at The New School and a Hip hop dance instructor at Peridance Studios in NYC and NJPAC she motivates aspiring dancers to understand and to learn the business side of being an independent artist. In May of 2017 she launched Shiroka – a T shirt fashion line with Shiro, a Japanese Grafitti artist, to showcase both of their designer skills in addition to Rokafella's unique earring designs. She has been featured in pivotal Rap music videos, tours, film and commercials as well as choreographed for diverse festivals/concerts such as Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Momma's Hip-hop Kitchen and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Rokafella is a multi faceted Hip-hop artist who references street and Afro Latino culture as her foundation.
Noah "Noahlot" Catala
From the age of two, Noah has expressed a passion for dancing and acting. His mother nicknamed him ‘Noahlot’ because he knew all styles (bboy, popping, locking) at a very young age. Noah specializes in all forms of dance: old school/new school hip-hop, popping, locking, Bboying, all styles of Latin, house, and the hustle. In recent years, Noah has become more popularly known for his unique moves dancing Litefeet. He has participated and been a judge in Litefeet battles and has taught classes to students overseas on this style. On screen, Noah plays a pesky street artist in Washington Heights, but off screen he tears up the dance floor regularly in Spanish Harlem. Luckily, you’ll get to see him do both as Graffiti Pete in Lin Manuel’s 'In The Heights.’
Eric Nishimoto
Eric Nishimoto was a former collegiate gymnast at the University of Illinois. After graduation, Mr. Nishimoto moved to Japan as an English Teacher. In Japan, he developed his passion for dance and was introduced to the breakdance culture. In 2004 he was introduced to the organization called Justice by Uniting in Creative Energy (J.U.i.C.E.), a hip-hop arts collective, and was immediately drawn to its positive energy, creative environment and connection to like-minded people from all different backgrounds. Since 2012, Mr. Nishimoto has served as the J.U.i.C.E. board president and director, organizing weekly programming and events throughout Los Angeles.
LJ LaVecchia
LJ LaVecchia has been jump roping for 21 years. In that time he has acquired 28 grand world titles, 22 grand national titles, and holds both national and world records in single rope and double dutch events. Jump rope has taken LJ to 40 countries and all 50 states. LJ has performed for companies like Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Dreams; appeared on television shows like America’s got Talent, MTV’s Amazingness, the Today Show, and the Gong Show; has been featured in commercials; has performed on MSC and Disney cruise lines; has done world renowned parades like the Macy’s Day Parade and the Chinese New Year Parade in Macau; and has done countless corporate and NBA shows around the country and world.
Yana Belonoschenko
Six years ago, Yana began jumping rope in a club at her school in Russia. Since then, she has developed as a highly skilled jumper and teacher. Now, jump rope has become her passion for life and she has found life-long friends in the sport. Finally, she has found her dream job teaching jump rope to young children.
Kaylee Woodard
Kaylee Woodard has been involved with the sport of jump rope for 24 years. During that time, Kaylee has been blessed with many opportunities to compete, teach, and perform all around the world. She has earned multiple national and world titles and has performed all around the world. Kaylee’s passion for jump rope and fitness has also impacted her academic endeavors. She has a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and a Ph.D. in Motor Learning and Sport Psychology. Kaylee is also an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She now works as a professor in Western Kentucky University’s Exercise Science department and helps her husband Nick run their company, Learnin’ the Ropes. Kaylee is thankful for the opportunity to use her education, experiences, and love for people to make a positive difference in the world.
Nick Woodard
Nick Woodard has been a part of the sport of jump rope for over 28 years. Throughout his career he has won several national and world championships. Nick has a Master’s in Sports Managements from the University of Tennessee and is a Performance Enhancement Specialist through NASM. Nick and his wife Kaylee own a jump rope company called Learnin’ The Ropes where their goal is to inspire, educate and serve others through the sport of jump rope. The company produces shows, camps, workshops, etc. for schools, organizations, companies etc. Nick continues to be an ambassador for the sport through his dedication to help jump rope grow on all levels from recreational jumpers to elite international jumpers.