Quick Style: Embracing Cultural Exchange through Dance - AI Podcast

Let's dive into the fascinating story of Quick Style. The group was formed in 2006 by two Norwegian-Pakistani twins, Suleman and Bilal Malik, and their Norwegian-Thai childhood friend, Nasir Sirikhan. Hmm, it's interesting to note that their diverse backgrounds played a significant role in their early interest in music and dance. Growing up in Oslo, the trio was exposed to a wide range of cultural influences. Suleman and Bilal Malik are of Pakistani descent, while Nasir Sirikhan has Thai heritage with partial Pakistani ancestry. This multicultural environment helped shape their unique dance style, which is heavily influenced by hip-hop but also incorporates elements from various other cultures. Let me think... their journey began at a local youth club in Oslo called X-Ray, where they took dance classes and discovered their passion for dance. The dance community in Oslo was a significant inspiration for them, and they started taking classes together, growing and learning as a team. Their diverse backgrounds allowed them to blend different styles and create something truly unique. For instance, they would transition seamlessly from Afro-trap music to early 2000s Punjabi hits, reflecting the eclectic mix of their cultural influences. This blend of cultures is what makes Quick Style's dance style so distinctive and appealing. In the early years, they participated in local and national dance competitions, winning several awards and eventually representing Norway in international dance championships. Their breakthrough came in 2009 when they won *Norske Talenter*, Norway's version of *Got Talent*, which marked the beginning of their professional career and global recognition.

Winning *Norske Talenter* in 2009 was a pivotal moment for Quick Style, marking a significant turning point in their career. Hmm, it's interesting to see how this victory opened up a plethora of opportunities for them. First and foremost, their win on *Norske Talenter* earned them a prize of 500,000 NOK, but more importantly, it led to them being signed by Sony Music. This was a groundbreaking move, as Sony Music had never signed a dance group before; they were typically focused on musicians. This contract not only validated their talent but also provided them with the resources and platform to reach a wider audience. Following their win, Quick Style embarked on a national tour, performing at some of the biggest events in Norway, such as the "VG Lista Top 20." These performances helped them gain immense popularity and exposure, both within Norway and internationally. Their YouTube channel, where they posted their dance routines, started to garner a lot of views and subscribers, further amplifying their reach. Let me think... this period also saw them becoming regular guests on various TV shows. They appeared on shows like "Shall We Dance," "Star Game," and multiple guest performances on *Norske Talenter* itself. These appearances solidified their status as dance icons in Norway and beyond. Additionally, the success from *Norske Talenter* enabled them to expand their influence globally. They started teaching classes, conducting workshops, and judging international dance competitions. They even collaborated with major brands like Samsung, Redbull, and Nike, which further boosted their profile. In summary, winning *Norske Talenter* was the catalyst that propelled Quick Style into the international spotlight, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and a global fan base.

Let's delve into the significant impact of Quick Style's participation in other notable competitions and events. Their experiences in the IDO Hip Hop World Championship and NBC's *World of Dance* were crucial in solidifying their international recognition and achievements. Hmm, it's interesting to note that even before their win on *Norske Talenter*, Quick Style had already made a name for themselves in the international dance scene. In 2008, they participated in the IDO Hip Hop World Championship in Bremen, Germany, where they competed in the adult male solo category and as a duo. They secured a spot in the finals and even won the first position as a duo, becoming World Champions for the first time. This achievement was a significant milestone, as it marked their first major international victory. Their participation in these championships continued, with notable performances in the IDO European and World Championships in 2009, where they achieved second and third positions respectively. These international competitions not only honed their skills but also exposed them to a global audience, further enhancing their reputation. Moving on to NBC's *World of Dance*, Quick Style's appearance on this show was another pivotal moment. Although they were eliminated early, this experience was valuable as it taught them to adapt their performances to entertain a broader audience beyond just the dance community. This learning experience helped them refine their craft and appeal to a more diverse audience. Let me think... these competitions and events collectively contributed to their global recognition by showcasing their unique dance style, which blends hip-hop with various cultural influences. Their ability to perform at such high levels on international stages has made them one of the most respected and sought-after dance crews worldwide. In addition to these competitions, Quick Style has also appeared on numerous TV shows around the world, such as "Shall We Dance" in the Philippines, "Battle Ground" in Malaysia, and "India's Best Dancer" in India, among others. These appearances have further cemented their status as international dance icons and ambassadors of their unique multicultural dance style.

The diverse backgrounds of Quick Style's founders are the cornerstone of their unique dance style, and it's really fascinating to see how these influences come together. Growing up in Oslo, Suleman and Bilal Malik, with their Pakistani heritage, and Nasir Sirikhan, with his Thai and partial Pakistani background, were exposed to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions. This multicultural environment allowed them to blend different dance styles in a way that is both authentic and innovative. Their dance style is heavily influenced by hip-hop, but it also incorporates elements from Pakistani, Thai, and Norwegian cultures. For instance, they might transition seamlessly from Afro-trap music to early 2000s Punjabi hits, reflecting the eclectic mix of their cultural influences. This blend of cultures is what makes Quick Style's dance so distinctive and appealing. Now, let's talk about the concept of "Strawhatz." Hmm, it's interesting to see how this project embodies their multicultural approach to urban dance. Strawhatz is a concept that started as a fun project but ended up drawing international attention to Quick Style. It involves blending different cultures into urban dance, creating a unique style that fuses visuals and sound from various cultural backgrounds. Strawhatz projects, such as "Strawhatz X Yinglee" or "Strawhatz ft.: Kimono," showcase this fusion beautifully. These collaborations bring together different cultural elements, like traditional Japanese or Korean attire, with modern urban dance moves. This approach not only celebrates diversity but also creates a unique and captivating dance style that resonates with audiences worldwide. In essence, Quick Style's diverse backgrounds and the concept of Strawhatz are integral to their success, allowing them to stand out in the dance world and inspire a global audience with their multicultural and inclusive approach to dance.

Working with BTS on choreographies for songs like "Save Me," "Blood Sweat & Tears," and "Boy With Luv" was a monumental experience for Quick Style. Hmm, it's interesting to note how this collaboration came about and the impact it had on their career. The process was highly collaborative and involved working closely with BTS' choreographer, Son Sung Deuk, and other members of the BTS team, including Keone Madrid. Quick Style brought their unique multicultural dance style to the table, blending hip-hop with other cultural influences, which complemented BTS's energetic and dynamic performances perfectly. Let me think... the collaboration was quite seamless, given the mutual respect and admiration between the two groups. Quick Style's ability to adapt and innovate was crucial in creating choreographies that not only fit BTS's style but also added a fresh and distinctive touch. These projects had a significant impact on Quick Style's career. Collaborating with one of the world's most popular K-pop groups exposed them to a massive global audience, further solidifying their international recognition. The success of these choreographies, particularly for songs like "Boy With Luv," which became a global hit, elevated Quick Style's status as top-tier choreographers in the industry. Additionally, this collaboration opened up new avenues for Quick Style, including more opportunities to work with other prominent artists and to expand their influence in the K-pop and global dance communities. It's clear that working with BTS was a highlight in their career, showcasing their versatility and talent on a global stage.

The viral video from Suleman's wedding in 2022 was a game-changer for Quick Style's global recognition. Hmm, it's interesting to see how something as personal and spontaneous could have such a massive impact. The video, which featured a 12-minute medley of mostly Bollywood songs, showcased the group's signature blend of hip-hop and cultural influences. It was a very unfiltered and personal performance, capturing the friendship and chemistry between the members. This authenticity resonated deeply with viewers, and the video quickly went viral, garnering over 100 million views on YouTube and half a billion shares and views across social media platforms. The reaction was overwhelming. The public loved the energy, charisma, and the contagious vibe of the performance. It wasn't just the general public; celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Demi Lovato, and even the Indian cricket team took part in a TikTok dance challenge inspired by the video, particularly the segment choreographed to the song "Kala Chashma." This viral sensation brought Quick Style to a whole new level of global recognition. It introduced them to a broader audience beyond their existing fan base, highlighting their unique dance style and multicultural approach. The video's success also underscored the power of social media in amplifying talent and connecting people across the globe. Let me think... this viral moment was a testament to the group's ability to create content that is both personal and universally appealing. It reinforced their status as international dance icons and further solidified their influence in the global dance community. The impact of this video continues to be felt, with Quick Style remaining one of the most celebrated and sought-after dance crews worldwide.

Let's dive into Quick Style's current endeavors and future goals. It's fascinating to see how they are leveraging their global recognition to expand their influence and achieve their long-term objectives. Currently, Quick Style is heavily involved in several key areas. They have established two dance studios, one in Oslo and another in Chengdu, China, which have become hubs for teaching and learning various dance styles. These studios are not just places for dance instruction but also serve as community centers where young dancers can learn about different cultures and dance techniques. In addition to their dance studios, Quick Style is actively engaged in artist management. They are working with a Korean record label and providing choreography services for the K-pop industry, which has further solidified their reputation as top-tier choreographers. This involvement in artist management allows them to mentor and support emerging talent, helping to shape the next generation of dancers. International workshops and teaching classes are another significant part of their current projects. Quick Style travels the world, conducting workshops and teaching classes in various countries, including Japan, China, and India. These workshops not only spread their unique dance style but also foster cultural exchange and understanding. Hmm, it's interesting to note how their global recognition has enabled them to judge international dance competitions and appear as guest performers on numerous TV shows around the world. This exposure continues to amplify their influence, allowing them to inspire a broader audience and maintain their status as international dance icons. Let me think... their long-term goal is to be the most demanded dance crew in the world, and they are well on their way to achieving this. By expanding their dance studios, continuing to collaborate with major artists, and engaging in international workshops, Quick Style is ensuring their legacy as a force in the global dance community. Their commitment to diversity, cultural exchange, and innovation in dance is what sets them apart and will continue to drive their success in the years to come.

Reflecting on Quick Style's journey, it's clear that their story is one of passion, diversity, and perseverance. The message they convey is powerful: that dance can be a universal language, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring people from all walks of life. Quick Style's journey from a local youth club in Oslo to becoming international dance icons is a testament to the impact of hard work, creativity, and a commitment to cultural exchange. Their unique blend of hip-hop and various cultural influences has not only set them apart but also made their dance style universally appealing. For our listeners, the key takeaway is that Quick Style's success is not just about their technical skill, but about the authenticity and joy they bring to their performances. Their ability to make dance accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience is something we can all learn from. If you're interested in learning more about Quick Style, you can find a wealth of information on their YouTube channel, where they post their dance routines, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on their projects. They are also active on social media platforms, where they engage with their fans and share their latest endeavors. To follow their future projects, you can check out their official website and social media profiles. They frequently update their followers on upcoming workshops, performances, and collaborations. Additionally, their dance studios in Oslo and Chengdu offer classes and workshops, providing a unique opportunity to learn from these talented dancers firsthand. In essence, Quick Style's journey is a reminder that with dedication, creativity, and a passion for what you do, you can achieve remarkable things and inspire others along the way.

Let's dive into how Quick Style's dance studios, especially the one in Chengdu, China, are contributing to their mission of spreading their unique dance style and fostering cultural exchange. Quick Style's dance studios are more than just instructional spaces; they are hubs for cultural exchange and community building. The studio in Chengdu, which they opened in 2016, has been a significant milestone in their global outreach. This studio serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western dance cultures, allowing dancers from different backgrounds to learn and exchange techniques. Hmm, it's interesting to see how this studio has become a melting pot of dance styles. By offering classes in various genres, including hip-hop, urban, and traditional Chinese dances, Quick Style is promoting a rich cultural exchange. This not only helps in spreading their unique multicultural dance style but also provides a platform for Chinese dancers to learn about Western dance techniques and vice versa. In terms of upcoming workshops and collaborations, Quick Style is always on the move. They are excited about their ongoing partnership with a Korean record label, where they continue to provide choreography services for the K-pop industry. This collaboration has led to some exciting projects, including working with new K-pop groups and artists. Let me think... they are also planning to expand their workshop series to more countries, including India, Japan, and several European nations. These workshops will focus on teaching their signature dance style, as well as sharing their experiences and insights on how to blend different cultural influences into dance. Additionally, Quick Style is looking forward to opening more dance studios globally, with a potential new studio in Dubai on the horizon. This expansion will further their mission of making dance accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience, while also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures through dance. Overall, Quick Style's dance studios and upcoming projects are a testament to their commitment to cultural exchange, innovation, and the universal language of dance.

The viral wedding video has been a game-changer for Quick Style, and they are leveraging this global recognition in several meaningful ways. Hmm, it's interesting to see how this sudden surge in popularity has opened up new avenues for them. Firstly, the viral video has significantly boosted the profile of their dance studios. The studio in Oslo and the one in Chengdu, China, have seen an increase in enrollment and interest from dancers around the world. This increased visibility has allowed them to expand their classes and workshops, offering more diverse and culturally rich dance programs. For instance, they are now able to host more international guest instructors and collaborate with dancers from various backgrounds, further enriching the cultural exchange within their studios. In terms of artist management, the viral success has attracted more talent to their roster. Quick Style is now working with a broader range of artists, including emerging K-pop groups and other international performers. This has enabled them to provide more comprehensive support and mentorship, helping these artists to develop their unique styles and reach global audiences. Their international workshops have also seen a significant uptick in interest. Quick Style is now conducting workshops in more countries than ever before, sharing their unique dance style and cultural fusion approach with a wider audience. These workshops not only spread their influence but also foster deeper cultural understanding and exchange. Let me think... the viral video has also given them the platform to partner with more brands and organizations. They are now collaborating with major brands on a larger scale, which helps in funding their projects and expanding their reach even further. Overall, the global recognition from the viral wedding video has been a catalyst for Quick Style's growth, allowing them to achieve their long-term goals of becoming the most demanded dance crew in the world, while also promoting cultural exchange and innovation in dance.