Marico “Dr. Rico” Flake is an influential dancer, teacher, choreographer, and chronicler of Jookin, an idiomatic solo hip-hop dance style that developed in Memphis in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Involving intricate footwork, toe stands, body part isolation, rhythmic bouncing, and gliding transitions between improvised and signature moves, Jookin is often characterized as “urban ballet.” Flake learned Jookin first from his observation of and participation with dancers in his family. He honed his movements at community competitions, through tape trading, and at the Jookin showcases in Memphis neighborhoods and high schools. Marico became a mainstay in the scene while Jookin gained significance as a localized expression and evolution of African American dance heritage. He eventually founded G-Force, the now legendary Jookin crew, and launched the Jookin Academy, the first training center for the style where he began to teach formally. Flake co-authored “The Jook,” the book that first codified Jookin technique and terminology. He also developed an online Memphis Jookin certificate program with the International Urban Dance Academy.
“In the community of Memphis and abroad, the art form of Memphis Jookin has not only been a trailblazer in how it has created spaces for street dance cultures to be honored and respected as fine art,” Marico explains. “The art form can also still be seen in family gatherings in Memphis wherever music is played. It has transcended from being seen as simply a dance style to an actual individual movement art. Memphis Jookin as an art form can be seen gracing many of stages to include festivals, live performances, sporting events, weddings, funerals, art exhibits, and even video games.”
Today, Marico is one of the most sought-after and experienced teachers of Jookin and has been given the title of “Dr” by the dance community. As part of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program this year, Marico will be teaching apprentice Draem Hines. “My goal is to identify with something new and embrace this new journey as it will unfold a new foundation within myself,” Draem says. “I want to have fun but also learn valuable pieces, art, and skill working with the master artist. This art form important to my community because it gives us something different to explore that’s outside of the box. We can practice new techniques and advance our style through this art form.”
For Marico, Draem is an ideal apprentice representing a new generation of Jookin dancers. “Draem is one the highest skill leveled movers currently in the community. He has been a part of the first generation of kids to completely grow up in the style. He is an example of longevity in the community from a young start. I believe he is the perfect candidate to instill my expertise in teaching the style to and pass on the legacy of being a cultural ambassador for the art form. He is in the community, respected by nearly all of the community, and arguably one of the most positive souls in how he interacts with others in the community.”
