In the Internet age, dance evolves ... | The LXD

www.ted.com The LXD (the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) electrify the TED2010 stage with an emerging global street-dance culture, revved up by the Internet. In a preview of Jon Chus upcoming Web series, this astonishing troupe show off their superpowers.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate.
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[@KokuRou]

For those saying "this isnt hip-hop, these clowns arent dancing, they could be productive doing other things", let me tell you WHY we do THIS instead of doing other things. Some of us have ADHD, some have social problems, some TRIED to find work and KEPT being rejected. So, what we do, is take all that negative feeling, turn it into our bodies, transform our bodies to move how we feel, and we dance. Whether we wanted it or not, this GREAT THING called DANCE became our lives. This great thing people call DANCE can change lives, even if it is seen for all of 5 seconds. Some poor child who rummages through garbage cans to find food would see breakdancers for 5 seconds, thats enough to immediately turn his life around. Maybe he'll practice all day on the streets. One day he'll even enter a bboy jam and come out 1st place, and after that he'll be getting calls and letters about being part of movies that focus on hip-hop and dance! You cant say to us "go clean toilets and be productive". We ARE being productive, by keeping the lot of YOU HATERS entertained and changing lives, teaching kids keeping kids out of gangs and violence. Dance is Freedom.

[@ToonTVDerek]

could not agree with you more! you should look up the Ted talks "Ken Robinson: does school kill creativity" or "john bohannon: a modest proposal"

[@freyjafreyja6102]

+derek taylor Ken Robinson: Does School Kill Creativity was the first one I watched and i was hooked!

[@KokuRou]

Walter H. White am i? please explain.

[@SirEmmanTV]

It's 2020 and it's still amazing and inspiring. I wonder where are they now.

[@vestlen]

The girl with the yellow belt is Galen Hooks, who is a big name in choreography these days and has some amazing vids posted.

[@greatarrow7558]

lies these things suck I absolutely hate these stupid videos

[@killerinstinct011]

2022 now

[@viperwedgie]

I couldn't help but cry at watching this. My career as a ballet dancer has allowed me to leave my heart on stages across North America and hopefully connect to the audience on a personal level as this performance did for me. The human potential and indeed the human spirit are limitless. Thanks to everyone involved. You certainly put on quite a show.

[@HopeEsleim1101]

Humanity in Motion by Nathan Lanier. Man, that final choreography is just beautiful :')

[@EditDeath]

It's great seeing the passion in this. Honestly, I just wish LXD had worked out. There are episodes I'd happily go back to over and over, but the writing just wasn't there. The plot wasn't defined enough, and it always bothered me that despite the fact that these dancers had such unique styles, the powers granted to their characters were all nigh identical. I hope someone tries something like this again, because I do believe it's worth the effort. When they do, though, I sincerely hope they spend either more time on the writing.

[@saukapedroalicoaching9481]

Still Watching This 2018 Man, Savage.

[@sassysudz1]

damn this was emotional. I had no idea Frantic was part of this group as well..... They make it look so easy

[@widmayer10]

Madd Chadd: 4:44 J Smooth: 6:25 Kid David: 8:20 Lil ``C``: 9:41 The Dance: 11:02 Thank Me Later :P

[@stonksagent9040]

Can I say thank you? It’s been 9 years

[@stonksagent9040]

@Itz Ishaan lmao

[@matthewchan6206]

SHEEEESH LIL C

[@endefire139]

Here I am, thanking you later

[@galaxylynxaj7066]

I love the music so much, it adds intensity to the dance!

[@BboyCrizp]

After years of searching, I have found that song by Nathan Lanier, "Humanity in Motion." SO HAPPY!

[@greatrenderer]

Thanks for finding the song. I myself have been searching for years with NO LUCK!

[@gerardolebron23]

It’s 2021 and still give me chills

[@knorthcreative6701]

A decade later and this is still mind blowing and such an incredibly well executed performance. The timing, music and talent!

[@santacrab7645]

11:05 My old internet connection. 11:26 things get worst.

[@kanwarsingh0]

I replied after 4 years

[@TyHarding8]

@@kanwarsingh0 i replied after 5

[@FlyingGreenTea]

Dang! I've watched this in 2011 and again after 8 years! Anyone in 2019?

[@cpegues1]

This seriously made me cry. I love what LXD is doing for the dance community. Ya'll are such a huge inspiration. I have a dance performance tonight and now I am definitely ready to bring everything I have.

[@StLSouthSider]

I've been watch TED talks for years. This is easily one of my all time favorites!

[@Majahhh1]

what happened to this show i remember loving it and then the channel they used to upload it on youtube (DS2UDIO i believe) stop being used, does anyone know?

[@vrmorul7092]

im not a big fan of krump but damn lil c was amazing

[@SolCaptions]

This is insanely inspiring to alot of dancers. Shows the variety of ways dancers might express themselves. I still can't get over what Kid said about how his consciousness is irrelevant when he dances. He thinks of it as a reaction to the sounds. Also that music made me get in my feelings lol. It was amazing

[@yogurt2341]

Who is watching in 2016?

[@Malabarismo]

brilliant!

[@bingbong4695]

holy 10 years. you commented this when i was born. you must be an old person now

[@Malabarismo]

@@bingbong4695 i'm almost as old as the first star on the sky.

[@Meehuuu]

The music in the last dance is freaking beautiful. The dance is really awesome as well.

[@JadeIsTheCooliest]

I was lucky enough to see them perform today. They're unreal...Seriously amazingly talented people! They made me appreciate dance even more.

[@ignoremyinsanity]

Oh, well I'm sorry to hear that you found it necessary to call me a bitch for such a trivial matter, but I'm going to enjoy this however I please thanks for the story

[@tysonbondy8273]

any one here in 2021

[@b8ll3r]

that routine gave me goosebumps when is the series comming out man!!

[@his1dudeness]

The effect LXD had on me: Goosebumps and Tears. The first row of that crowd probably needed to go home and change their pants after a performance like that. Doesn't get much better than this. When I'm frozen in time and on the verge of crying because a performance is so beautiful, I know true art has been created. Big ups to Jon Chus for assembling one of the most hypnotic and electrifying dance crews in the world. May dance continue to evolve!

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Shame the stage is so badly lit.

[@mmssmsms]

This music is just perfect. I wish I was in the crowd, front row. Breathtaking performances.

[@LynxLee]

Simply incredible! Love it how they mix up Classical Music and these amazing Dances!!

[@chrisisafish]

thank you so much, i've been looking for this song for the longest time but no one seemed to know, much love goes out to you :)

[@Haiti4lyf]

OMG the last dance piece with all the dancers..... LOVE IT!!!!

[@OTKP]

it is amazing to see all these amazing dance styles come together

[@SuperHipHopMaster12]

seeing this piece with jon chu and the crew, makes meh CRY to the way they express their body movements. Its like Crying at a beautifull Piece of Art

[@orcavt09]

The most amazing thing ever. The music and dance moves combined makes it more phenomenal

[@Tichaze]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The performance of these people almost breaks the concept of gravity all together! Also the way they come together as one flowing unit IS beyond words!

[@RaphaelGarcia]

So much respect for Jon Chu for putting together such an amazing and empowering group of dancers. Dance will always progress because of the true art that it is! Gosh, I would love to be inducted into the LXD, I mean what dancer wouldn't?!? The passion for dancing is like no other. The technicality and movement of each move is just astonishing and mind blowing. Much respect to all of my fellow dancers out there. Keep dancing and let no one ever stop you

[@key383me]

I ♥ the music in the last performance with everybody in it!

[@Comcast0100]

this is definitely inspiring to me because I am a dancer constantly trying to add more to my arsenal. I can only hope to one day be on this level. Always a pleasure to watch and learn from these guys

[@T4ever364]

just that small thing J Smooth was doing with his hands when he was talking about thinking about Transformers and how a panel opens and then closes was cool to me.

[@esparda07]

How has it been 14 years already? Please bring this back Mr. Jon M. Chu.

[@Akbao]

classic music+street dance=perfect show! when i watch it i almost cry! amazing!

[@4pancello]

Absolutely love the end Choreographed part!!!! The music and dance entwine perfectly!!

[@TChoiProductions]

I love the way the other dancers are studying the other dancers in awe. The look on their faces during each other's performances just shows you how much respect they have for each other

[@simon-gy1ow]

It's already 2019 but this is still amazing. I watched this in 2010 on our television.

[@MaRcUs82696]

They have some really awesome tunes... Love the background music!

[@njiakweli]

the group performance is magical!..melodic!! out of this world!

[@thebestofjerking]

This is the best inspiration I have ever seen. A true art of dance, the flow of movement. The energy just by watching it gave me goose bumps. Obviously 121 people can't see art and originality even if it smacked them in the face. This makes me glad to be a dancer.

[@RichardCornelia91]

very inspirational stuff,i watch this before i head out to dance practice.Puts a smile and a can do attitude on my face everytime

[@datachip]

This moved me to tears. I'm so happy to see this kind of work getting intellectual recognition.

[@wysteriaqueenfaerie]

wow...what beautiful music and beautiful piece of dance work!

[@SmokePaauL]

I am amazed. I am a bboy for five years now, but i have never seen such a complete art before. Not only in breakdance terms, but in all dance culture. I was sweating only by watching it! Kruping, poping, robot, breakdance, tutting, capoeira all together!! Bboy legacy, kid david and other the best dancers of their styles! This is really inspirational and just like Jon was inspired by M.J. I am inspired by this. Now the only thing I desire is dancing and becoming artists like they.

[@movieflickify]

I am so amazed by what you have been doing, Jon. This is awesome

[@DebraDKT]

Thank You I Loved It..... Such great talent would love to see more of them in the future.

[@jjlara28]

straight chills from the art these guys always produce! frantic much love! mzk

[@Cryptopsy9666]

WOW! I love the performance... the first guy in the show with the glasses... was opening up a box... adn then came out all fo this art.. adn then... BAm.. at the end, he closed it and put up on the slef... very amazingly artistic... god job LXD

[@strengthxcourage]

When I saw this, I automatically clicked "Open in a New Tab" -and then became super confused when the TED music started playing. When I clicked on the tab, I was like, YES! Two of some of my favorite Internet phenomenons, combined. =O

[@abhishekdas4944]

reali loved wat john m chu said bout street dance culture! makes me proud of being a hip hop dancer! and this video is truly inspirational ! street dancin on violins and cellos.....whoaaaaaa!

[@RomaraAhallow]

Beautiful. This video has inspired me to reach for a whole new level in my dance. Thank you!

[@user-fw6zo4uo6x]

Wow！Mr. Kunio Hara's speech is always impressive. Thank you for your powerful and moving speech! You’re the best！！😊

[@irock3889]

love it ....beautiful...respect to all dancers

[@ninoboy213]

Love the music

[@eatprays2]

Simply amazing!

[@itsmethemum]

I watched these UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING dancers at the Glee Live concert last night at Radio City Music Hall. I could have watched them all night. Truly in a league of their own. AWESOME!

[@jennyyPOOO]

omgoodness this dance was soooo beyond AMAZING but what touched me even more was like what they saidddddd i was soo inspirationall took everything to another world! when they dance i can feel their love and passion for it and i feel like that is how every dancer should be i loveeddd it

[@AzLunny]

This is very inspiring. I love the way these guys danced to the music that is actually not considered hip hop, but other than that, they were awesome. This video makes me want to dance like them.

[@btsjoayo]

AMAZING~ i'm so glad i found this on youtube!

[@divian]

First class... These guys gave great explanations on each dance style... LXD!!

[@me33o]

i really like the music...especially the last part..

[@SHEABUDDHA]

When this released, I probably watched this 20 times....this is nostalgia and I can't believe 2010 is nostalgia now. 🤯🌠❤❤ this is still incredible to watch!

[@dancerxxgirl4life]

I just started getting into the LXD and I have to say I am Already Blown Away!! they are freaking AMAZING!!!

[@Nepomucca]

i could watch them for hours!!!!!!

[@JcS7100]

omg....im now sooo inspired 2 get my old crew 2gether n start dancin again....wow...i cant believe the stuff i just saw amazin yo...wow....this gives me a reason 2 dance again

[@FreakingVampire]

I love it!! 14.56 to 15.24...amazing!!

[@FreakingVampire]

This is sick! i love it! they are amazing...the way they move and tell a story...and combine different types of dancing..is so amazing...this blew my mind! it gave me chills!

[@krazypiggy]

i'm having goosebumps watching this. they are AWESOME.

[@d3st1nyd3st1ny]

Uh! Im on the verge of tears that was sooooo good. I love them all.

[@big221190]

I love it, I live for hip hop, and dance itself .. the LXD are to be congratulated, scraped together dancers of all ages and ethnicities, and created something unique, it's just beautiful what you're doing .. Carry on personal strength. a hug from Portugal *

[@claudees]

Awesome dancers..Gr8 energy and spinning abilities.

[@louismpalumbo1972]

Creative and Inspiring and very compelling . . . Thank You.

[@VideoAssembly]

How do you thumb this down? The effort and creativity is stupendous.

[@elonmusk5435]

I've been searching for this video

[@bboymarcel]

This is incredible and amazing show ..Never seen this before

[@phamln]

So inspirational, their movements speak and tell a story.

[@kinyune]

They toured with glee, and it was great exposure...i could hardly wait to go online to see them! and that's impressive, since i hardly remember opening acts unless they are fabulous! this is a great series. :)

[@neatnita95]

Just ran across this on Harry Shum's tumblr. This was awesome. All of you guys are beyond talented! LXD is incredible!

[@Meehuuu]

True. What amazes me the most the music the dances are performed to. I would usually expect some heavy trance/techno/that kind of music, but instead violins/cellos/drums/etc? That's true art.

[@DeonneMorris]

I was held captive from beginning to end. Thank you. This is social evolution in front of us.

[@RedCartographerGames]

It's one thing to see this kind of dance through a computer screen or on tv. But I want to see it first hand someday, this stuff blows my mind.

[@bcmusicdancefanatic]

i saw the trailer for this i think a yr ago and i was so amazed even just by the trailer and was wondering it would come and finally they are here they are too cool words cant describe me lol XD love them!

[@hwahwa5]

wow man. after watching this... goosebumps all over

[@BboySmoke1000]

This is the PERFECT example of art, dedication and the true potential of dancers

[@miorlolau]

@752171 Woaw.... it's so nice to see someone that sees dance in the same way that I do... most ppl think that a good dancer is a dancer that can do difficult moves and... that's all ... yes.. you must ba able to put feelings in dance... and yes... it's a way of life... and... thank you for replay, you realy put a big smile on my face this morning... :)

[@KieranD5896]

The music was like something out of a pokemon movie... I LOVED IT! And the dancing is just insane!!!!! All world class performers!

[@vestlen]

The girl with the yellow belt is Galen Hooks, a big name in choreography these days. She has some amazing vids posted.

[@BeatsByRifik]

I've Never Seen Anything Like This In My Life. GOD Has Given These People Gifts. And These Dancers Have Acknowledged That. This Is Incredible. I'm Speechless....

[@NewTypexvii]

dude, I got to go to dance camp last year where some of the best dancers around the world came. It was called SDK. And during the competitions youre mind is blown. They really are like super heroes.

[@ImDrizzt]

Can't find the words to describe, so much awesomeness

[@battlebuddah]

Music goood nice idea to spot the dancers with difrent speed one of the best dance shows I've ever seen

[@miorlolau]

I didn't thought Krump can make me cry.... I love krump, I always did... but this... this is BRILIANT... it's full of emotion... I watch this over and over again and every time it gets to my heart... Lil "C" 's performance is so great... it's like he's naked there .. only with his emotions... it's such a honest performance... I just absolutely love it... And... if this doesn't touch you... I don't know what will .....