This week, we are excited to introduce you to the world of Justine Theizen, a 26-year-old dancer and choreographer who skillfully blends hip-hop, theater, and drag to explore deep questions about queer identity, sexuality, and gender stereotypes. A unique interview conducted this autumn by our team at the Get Down office!

A journey into Justine’s world

What initially drew you to hip-hop and choreography?

Music. In fact, it was my mom who bought me a hip-hop and R&B CD, and when I was younger, I watched a lot of music videos on TV.

It all started at 15 with a hip-hop and R&B CD given to them by their mom. Drawn to the music and the music videos on TV, Justine discovered hip-hop dance on their own. It wasn’t the technique that interested them, but the emotional expression. Hip-hop became a way for them to assert themselves, away from the constraints of other sports, and a way to shape their identity.

Between Hip-Hop and queer identity

At the same time, their love for hip-hop intertwined with their search for queer identity. After coming out at 15, Justine quickly realized the lack of representation of queer people, especially in the hip-hop world. Although hip-hop allowed them to express themselves, they often faced microaggressions. Today, they acknowledge progress but remain aware of ongoing inequalities, particularly the persistent sexism and misogyny in the culture.

Battle All About Love

To create an inclusive space for people, Justine launched Battle About Love, a dance battle bringing together queer dancers. The aim of this project is to highlight styles often overlooked in the hip-hop world and to provide a space for expression for those who, like them, didn’t have that opportunity in their youth. Justine seeks to give a voice to marginalized communities, in a spirit of solidarity and sharing.
>> More about the All About Love Battle

A new creation : educate and entertain

In addition to the battle, Justine is working on a dance and theater performance dedicated to lesbian and queer culture, aiming to raise awareness among young audiences about the realities of these communities. The project raises complex questions: is it suitable for young people? How to manage violent reactions, including homophobia, that might arise? Despite the challenges, Justine remains determined to continue, striving to claim a place for lesbian and queer communities in society and in dance.

Solidarity, support, and commitment

One of the key elements of Justine’s work is solidarity within both the artistic and queer communities. The diversity of community members, with their varied experiences, adds an essential dimension to their commitment.

Justine invites us to reflect on how art and dance can be powerful tools for claiming more inclusive visibility. But they also remind us that it is crucial to support each other, respect each other’s spaces, and continue questioning the structures that limit the expression of marginalized identities.

Through their projects, they prove that hip-hop dance, far from being just a technique, is a true vector of change and resistance.
Thank you for joining us on this journey into the heart of dance, identity, and commitment! Stay tuned for the next edition, where we will explore other inspiring and committed journeys.