Every now and again you run into a person who makes you question whether or not they were born with a super power. Some of these people have incredible strength and endurance. Others are very intuitive, while still others exhibit extraordinary flexibility. Such a person would be Jordan Kolar, one of the most talented people I have had the pleasure to meet.
When I first spotted Jordan in a dance circle, he caught my attention immediately. By then I had seen people exhibit some incredible footwork, fluid liquid movements with their hands, and some awesome breakdancing moves. Jordan took it to another level. I had never seen popping like his. At that time, the main style of dancing was something akin to the Brisbane stomp. And then there was what took place in dance circles of men and women who came to murder the dance floor. Jordan was among them.
Jordan slays it wherever he goes, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Take a look at Exhibit A.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvOVmUf-1VM
Jordan has co founded two groups that have gone on to see success: Marvelous Motion and ILLOVATION. He is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed on So You Think You can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, Planet Funk’s Electric Light Circus, Sonic Bloom, Lights All Night, Euphoria, and the Superbowl in Indianapolis. Five years ago, Jordan participated in an innovative concept video with choreography by Philip “Pacman” Chbeeb, Andrew “Goodfoot” Baterina, and Jordan “Sifu” Kolar himself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg3egyFwwgc
Video credit to HDK Productions
Directed by Chris Baterina & Raniel Macasaet
Jordan wears many hats: music producer, dancer, a master of the martial arts, and trapeze instructor. Jordan has never ceased to challenge himself. In 2010 he developed an interest in circus arts and aerial dancing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0sEhseqV3c
Jordan currently lives in Houston, Texas where he teaches at the Vault and conducts workshops. He has also been hard at work creating music with Reuel. Below is a track that the two recently worked on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiOsz7ieN_g&feature=share
To learn more about Jordan and his services, go to his website by clicking here. Now with the introduction out of the way, let’s begin.
Photography by Michelle Simmons Photography
How did you get the name Sifu?
Sifu is the title that was given to me when I received a black sash in Kung Fu. I have been studying and training martial arts for 20 years. My Kung Fu friends and my dance friends ended up meeting each other and everyone ended up calling me by “Sifu.”
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a obsessed with healthy living and eating and love to give nutrition advice to keep people healthy.
I was first introduced to you when you were part of 303 Infinity. I notice you dabbling in all sorts of genres. What genre do you like working in that you have not always produced tracks for in the past?
When I first learned how to make music, I was making more hip hop infused with trance melodies. Fast forward 16 years later and now it has a name called “Future Bass.” I really like the way it combines elements that are melodic, glitchy, the general smooth vibe of it.
What was the track that brought you into electronic dance music?
It was a series of tracks from Paul Oakenfold’s Tranceport. I played the CD so much that I bought multiple copies due to it getting so much use. I have to say that Cafe Del Mar was my favorite, and also Game Master.
Who has been your mentor and who are your influences?
I had no clue what I was doing when I started making music until a guy named Mike Fair discovered a local compilation CD called Please Rewind and Play Again. It had some shoddy music I made with a cheap keyboard. My information was listed inside and he called me. He taught me how to use midi and hardware synths. Some of my current influences are producers Siren, Haywyre, Bonobo, and Hans Zimmer. There are a lot of new producers that I am really liking at the moment as well. My main mentor in life has been my martial arts teacher, Rick. We have been friends for 20 years.
What does dance mean to you?
Dance was always a social thing for me. It was my way of meeting people … a way to break the ice. For a while, it was because of dancing that most people knew me. I consider it a form of communication, expression, and moving meditation.
Do you remember your first dance competition and solo?
It was called BBOY City in Austin. We did a battle and back then I used the name “Earthworm.” Haha.
What is your favorite type of dance to learn and watch?
Popping is still my first dance love. I really enjoy vogue, house, and abstract dance forms. I think dancing should be FREE from restrictions and rules.
What drew you to popping?
The illusion it created and the guys that were doing it when I first discovered looked so cool. The clothes they wore and the attitude. Also, the fun they were having.
What is your favorite outfit you’ve worn during a solo and group dance?
I had a pair of blue vintage hush puppies, a black Puma Fedora and some slacks. Also a dress shirt. I felt fresh wearing that outfit.
What got you into aerial work?
I went to visit a friend in San Diego and he took me to an aerial gym. I thought it was cool. I had never really considered myself doing it. He kept saying that I should try it! A few months later, I went back home to Houston and met a girl who was in a show with me. We ended up dating and she taught me aerial. She pushed me to train and become duo partners. After we parted ways, I took a year or two off. Then I started teaching at a local studio called Vault.
What has been your favorite routine to perform?
I have a routine where I am an Ice Man-type character. I break out of the ice and use the techniques I’ve learned from popping and the character.
What would be your dream stage/event to perform on/at?
Cirque Du Soleil.
Have there been moments where a student has taught or shown you something?
All the time. A teacher must never impose on a student to fit his favorite pattern. A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence and is never the giver of truth. He is a guide to help you explore yourself. Students will also have moments of honest exploration and expression that will surprise me. I am always a student.
What is the one piece of advice given to you that you feel has helped you the most in your career?
Stop complaining and take action. Don’t take anything anyone says or does personally.
What are you working on now and what can we expect in 2016?
I am currently working on an album with a talented pianist in Las Vegas named Reuel. I met him in a show we did over a year ago and he has been a big positive influence on my music. I had sort of drifted away from making music for a while due to not liking most of the new stuff. I am also working on a project with a local Houston guy and for now, we are keeping our alias a secret. We will be releasing various styles of music. I will continue to do many more aerial pieces and performances as long as my body holds up!
I was listening to electronic dance music without even knowing it when I was listening to Jock Jams in the 90s. Fast forward to my senior year in high school and I had discovered Fatboy Slim. I have been listening to edm ever since and love writing about new sounds, good sounds, and the music that makes us move.
