Team Millennia

Team Millennia

Team Millennia(TM) is a hip-hop dance organization that was founded by Director/Co-Owner Danny V. Batimana in 1998. Before the name changed to Team Millennia, the organization was known as Culture Entertainment. Culture Entertainment was created by Danny V. Batimana and Sharmila Mitra. With Culture Entertainment, they competed at competitions and won the Vibe Dance Competition three consecutive years. Besides their usual competitions, they also performed at their annual Filipino Cultural Night in California. In 1997, Culture Entertainment dissolved and Batimana started what is now known as Team Millennia.

Team Millenia Juniors

Along with Team Millennia, Team Millennia Juniors was added to the family in 2003 for members ranging from ages 12 to 18 years old. Team Millennia Tots was also established for members, ages 8 to 12 years old. Since the beginning of its creation, any member who remains involved with TM for two years and has held a “board” position or has been involved for three years is granted the title as a Team Millennia Alumni. Board positions include any member who has been a captain, director, sponsorship coordinator, costumes coordinator, graphics assistant, or TM Juniors captain. These significant individuals are those who truly dedicate all their hard work and efforts to TM, inspiring every moment to help continue TM’s foundation. One notable member of TM Jrs. is Melissa Reyes of the reality show, The Pussycat Dolls presents: The Search for the Next Doll season 1.

Appearances

Team Millenia also auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew, although they didn't make it to the premiere on June 19, 2008. After their elimination, MTV was hit with thousands of petitions to get Team Millenia back on the show. The remaining crews on the show continually wear "I [Heart] TM" shirts in support of the group. Although they didn't make it to the show, rumors are stated saying Team Millennia will be back on the show to audition.

In March 2004, TM’s Dance Center (TMDC) known as “Under the Bridge” opened up in Fullerton, CA. Prior to the studio, TM typically rehearsed and held practice at an outdoor facility “under the bridge” to the bookstore at California State University, Fullerton; hence the name.

TMDC is only used for rehearsals and is available to groups who wish to rent out the space. Auditions, workshops, and Summer Intensive Dance Camps (SI) are also held at the TMDC, which are all run and conducted by the members themselves. SI helps prepare dancers as to what to expect for the upcoming TM year and focuses on the different techniques and disciplines to aid in the improvement of their dancing. For 2007-2008’s Summer Intensive 4, instructors taught and inspired the break-dancing aspect, which is considered one of the four elements of hip-hop dancing. They took it to a new level, developing fundamentals and gaining an appreciation of its roots. Dancers receive a lot from SI and are strongly encouraged by the TM crew.

TM members work extremely hard to compete and travel to different events. Members do not get paid to dance with TM, but some may receive and accept payment from booked gigs for choreographing or performing. Besides performing and competing all along the California coast, TM competes at the Boogies Wars Dance Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada each year. As Batimana mentioned, Team Millennia some day plans to travel to the east coast and participate in a dance competition held in New York City.

TM’s Mission Statement: "“Developing leaders through the expressive art of dance by keeping community youth involved and inspired. One goal… one family… infinite possibilities…”"

Team Millennia will be back to the third season of ABDC and audition again.

Sources:

"Team Millennia". www.tmdance.org/. 11 November 2007. [http://www.tmdance.org/.]
First hand interview with Founder/Director/Co-Owner Danny V. Batimana

References:

1 wikicite | id=1 | reference= http://www.tmdance.org

2 wikicite | id=2 | reference= Danny V. Batimana - Founder/Director/Co-Owner of Team Millennia