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Eli Kababa | B-boy Mr.e 173

@nonstop.eli

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MFA | Street Dance Artist & Educator
PTL @mgsarutgers
DJ MC📍NJ/NYC
Dance Education @gsdanceproject
DJ MC @gsdpentertainment
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Thank you for having us come back for a third year in a row we knew we had to crush it. 5th grade hiphop assembly show The garden state dance project
#hiphop
#bboys
#dj
#emcee
#graffiti by @nonstop.eli

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9

4 months ago

3° of separation brought a hip-hop legend to our classroom.

Crazy Legs — Rock Steady Crew.

His work helped shape the culture that shaped me. Moments like this remind me why I teach, why I dance, and why I keep digging into the roots.

Grateful to keep learning from those who paved the way.

#CrazyLegs #RockSteadyCrew #HipHopLegend #HipHopDance #HipHopCulture #BboyLegacy #ArtistEducator #HipHopScholar #MovementResearch #ArtsEducation #DecipherProject #KababaAndCo #FullCircleMoment #RespectTheCulture #Gratitude taken in Mason Gross School of the Arts by @nonstop.eli

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6

a year ago

Year 45: A Birthday, A Toast, and a Life Update

It’s been a minute since I posted anything personal, but this felt like the right time.

Thank you all for the birthday love—Monday was a beautiful reminder of how lucky I am to have such thoughtful people in my life. It’s been a year of deep transformation, and I’m stepping into this next chapter with a full heart and open hands.

Because many of you are part of my extended circle, I wanted to share something personal: Kathy and I are in the process of divorcing. The people closest to us have been walking alongside us through this season, and for those who’ve sensed a shift, I wanted to acknowledge it openly—with peace and respect.

We’re doing our best to move through this with care, and our focus is on our kids—giving them stability, love, and grace as they adjust. If you see us around, know there’s no drama. Just two people navigating change with intention and compassion.

At the same time, this year has brought some powerful growth:

✨ I had neurosurgery so I can keep dancing

🎓 I earned my MFA and gave the graduate speech

🕺 I created a new work, Decipher, with my mentor, Rennie Harris

📚 I’m now seeking a full-time professorship where I can teach, choreograph, and build community

🏡 On the lookout for a barn or project space to renovate into a warm, creative home for me and the kids.

Cheers to 45 🥂—to healing, clarity, fatherhood, friendship, and fresh starts.

I’m in a building season—navigating big shifts and dreaming forward. If you’ve ever wanted to connect, collaborate, or just reach out, now’s the time. Every real connection matters more than ever.

Thanks for being here.
With love and gratitude,
Eli by @nonstop.eli

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29

a year ago

I waited over 20 years for this day — hooded as MFA. Everything is in its own time, right?

Best decision I ever made. It was the most challenging two years of my life. SO MUCH has changed (seriously, though) during this time, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’m incredibly grateful for what the entire journey has brought me. I learned so much about myself, my art, and what I am capable of. See my last post to see some of my final thesis work. #DECIPHER

I lived the dream of having my work overlooked by the street dance artist I have looked up to since I discovered his work in 2001! @rennieharris Thank you, sir, for your time, support, and inspirational insights into life, art, and culture.

Shoutout to my @wilsoncollegemfa peers for their unique camaraderie through all the ups and downs!!

Special thanks to my professors for challenging me in the best ways, @joshua_legg_mfa @jenstagraham - Matthew, @at_the_mercy_of_the_flies - Adam, Jim & Philip. I appreciate learning from you.

Special nod to my success mentor, Joy Merchant, whom I met when I was put on academic probation! It was a blessing in disguise. She helped me discover that it wasn’t the material I was struggling with but newly discovered handicaps that were hindering my process. With the proper support, she helped me successfully navigate my MFA to its completion!

Because of all the hurdles I overcame to obtain my MFA, I received the honor of being selected as my class of 2024 #GraduateSpeaker.

I will share my speech on “Turning challenge into triumph” on my YouTube channel this summer, along with a documentary on DECIPHER. (YouTube 🔗 in bio, be on the lookout, or subscribe now;)

I believe that I have a lot to look forward to. My future looks bright, full-y bright; gotta wear shades. 😎 I will keep you posted on the future of the work I developed and where it’s heading!?!

To my son and daughter, Kaelan and Aria, this is for you.

#MasterOfFineArts
#InterdisciplinaryArts
#IFoundMyBold @wilsoncollegepa taken in Wilson College by @nonstop.eli

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2 years ago

3.28.24 was the best day of my professional career!! (So far;)

I was honored to host a soft premiere for my street dance theatre company, Kababa & Co., at 92nd Street Y.

As you can see in these photos— I do not show up alone.

I show up with my community. My cypher of artists and educators from all over the NJ/NYC scene and beyond that I have been building since 1995 when it all began. #BeautifulBayonneNJ

I am blessed.

I am blessed because you are part of my cypher ⭕️✨

This day could not have happened without the guidance and support of — in order of appearance:

- Shakia Barron for the conversation that inspired me back to school.

- Rennie Harris for choosing to become artistic mentor. Thank you for helping me grow by teaching me to find my art through adversity.

- Joshua Legg for bringing me into the MFA program and all of the professors Wilson College for your contributions, Philip, Jen Graham Matt McBride and Adam with a special nod to Joy Merchant— speechless.

- Ann Biddle for all of your guidance and support, personally & professionally.

- Frederick Curry and my colleagues Rutgers University, Mason Gross School Of The Arts for supporting my work.

- Kababa & Co., my rehearsal director/performer Kimberly Gutman-Pinto my dance crew; Max Kay Ryan Zee, Elinam Joe-Bleck Tsogbe — Yeeeeerrr, you already know — I love y’all.

- My music production team, Luis Nino, Danny Martinez, Kevin Jones

- My alumni @ccm_nj @ccmdanceclub @ccmmcardle & Terry Duncan

- My colleagues @92nydance @danceedlab, with a special nod to @sullivanlally for dreaming with me and @jodyarnhold for making the dream come true!

- @jen_dayton for your counsel

- @fabian_aponte_films for video documenting

- Shoutout to Louisse & the Tech Crew at 92NY!!

- #Audience Thank you ALL for coming out!! I was especially proud to have my son present for the show!!

This work is dedicated to:

EVERYONE listed here.
To my entire family.
To my future.

#GratefulForItAll
💯 🙏🏼 ✌🏼 ❤️ ✊🏼 🤩 🎭 ⭕️✨

#WeWalk May 5!! 🎓

#KababaAndCo #DECIPHERPremiere #StreetDanceTheater by @nonstop.eli

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1

3 years ago

This is what I went back to school for! Pursuing my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) was one of the best choices I have ever made.

3.28.24 was the best day of my professional career!! (So far;)

I was honored to host a soft premiere for my street dance theatre company, Kababa & Co., @92ndstreety

As you can see in these photos— I do not show up alone.

I show up with my community. My cypher of artists and educators from all over the NJ/NYC scene and beyond that I have been building since 1995 when it all began. #BeautifulBayonneNJ

I am blessed.

I am blessed because you are part of my cypher ⭕️✨

This day could not have happened without the guidance and support of — in order of appearance:

- @kia_thekey for the conversation that inspired me back to school.

- @rennieharris for choosing to become artistic mentor. Thank you for helping me grow by teaching me to find my art through adversity.

- @joshua_legg_mfa for bringing me into the MFA program and all of the professors @wilsoncollegemfa for your contributions @philip.lindsey @jenstagraham @at_the_mercy_of_the_flies @adamdelmarcelle with a special nod to Joy Merchant— speechless.

- @annbiddle, for all of your guidance and support, personally & professionally.

- @fcurrydance and my colleagues @mgsarutgers for supporting my work.

- Kababa & Co., my rehearsal director/performer @gutmanpinto my dance crew; @airmaxtv @thatkidfresh671 @iamliquidejoe — Yeeeeerrr, you already know — I love y’all
.
- My music production team, @djlnino @marzdjs @momentsbeforemusic

- My alumni @ccm_nj @ccmdanceclub @ccmmcardle & Terry Duncan

- My colleagues @92nydance @danceedlab, with a special nod to @sullivanlally for dreaming with me and @jodyarnhold for making the dream come true!

- @jen_dayton for your counsel

- @fabian_aponte_films for video documenting

- Shoutout to Louisse & the Tech Crew at 92NY!!

- #Audience Thank you ALL for coming out!! I was especially proud to have my son present for the show!!

This work is dedicated to:

EVERYONE listed here.
To my entire family.
To my future.

#GratefulForItAll
💯 🙏🏼 ✌🏼 ❤️ ✊🏼 🤩 🎭 ⭕️✨

#WeWalk May 5!! 🎓

#KababaAndCo #DECIPHERPremiere #StreetDanceTheater taken in 92nd Street Y by @nonstop.eli

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3 years ago

🎉 Exciting News! Join us for the exclusive premiere of Kababa & Co.’s street dance theater sensation, “DECIPHER,” on March 28th at 12 noon at 92NY!

Limited seats available, so act fast and let’s dance into this unforgettable experience together!

🎟️ To reserve your seat:
- Send us a direct message with “DECIPHER” to secure your ticket!
- Admission: $10 Suggested Donation | Venmo @EliasKababa

🌟 Thank you to the incredible generosity and support by Jody and John Arnhold | Arnhold Foundation. A special thanks to 92NY’s Harkness Dance Center and the Dance Education Laboratory.

🎶 #KababaAndCo #DECIPHERPremiere #StreetDanceTheater #HipHopTheater taken in 92nd Street Y by @nonstop.eli

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4

3 years ago

Life changes on many levels, yet this dance has always remained a constant.

It has brought me more than I ever could have asked for—a beautiful community of friends and colleagues, protection, a place of personal and communal transcendence.

Shout out to all the fantastic people at the @92ndstreety @92nydance @danceedlab for giving me/us a place to share the cypher and its many wonders.

Want to know more about what the cypher means to me and others from the street dance community? Come decipher with us on March 28, 2024, at noon.

#KeepRocking

Photo credit @nelshelbyfilms taken in Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) by @nonstop.eli

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3 years ago

Hip Hop & House Legend @brooklynterryef of ‘Elite Force’ in the building!! Here @92ndstreety @danceedlab with my fellow facilitator @kia_thekey for our Universal House #ProfessionalLearning Workshop for #DanceEducators
•
#DanceForEveryChild
#ArtAtTheHeartOfTeaching
#LiftingUpNYCYouth taken in Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) by @nonstop.eli

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3 years ago

#Decipher the meaning of the hip hop cypher - what does this dance represent beyond the dance we see? Come join me, Mr.e, Kababa & Company, on a #StreetDanceTheather experience 🎭 ✨ as we delve into the world 🌎 of the #Bboy. The next performance will be held at the 92nd Street Y’s Buttenwieser Hall courtesy of the Jody Arnhold Foundation in partnership with Dance Education Laboratory & Harkness Dance Center on March 28, 2024, at noon. Special thanks to @92ndstreety @jodyarnhold @danceedlab and my mentors @rennieharris @joshua_legg_mfa for their inspirational guidance and support. 💯🙏🏼 Shoutout to the crew: @thatkidfresh671 @iamliquidejoe @gutmanpinto✌🏼🫶🏼✊🏼 taken in 92nd Street Y by @nonstop.eli

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3

3 years ago

Decipher debut performance with the fam at @ccm_nj the meaning of the cipher beyond the dance we see #hiphop #performance #popping #locking #dance #njdance #bboy #powermoves 📸 @gutmanpinto taken in County College of Morris by @nonstop.eli

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3 years ago

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3 years ago