[Deathwatch] Wayne Frost, 'Flashdance' breakdancer "Frosty Freeze",44

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

'Flashdance' breakdancer dead at 44
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/04/obit.frost.ap/index.html

NEW YORK (AP)  -- Wayne Frost, a hip-hop pioneer known as "Frosty
Freeze" whose acrobatic performance with the legendary Rock Steady Crew
in the 1983 hit movie "Flashdance" set off a worldwide breakdancing
craze, has died. He was 44.

 Frost died Thursday after a long illness, said Jorge "Fabel" Pabon, a
senior vice president of the crew where Frost and other so-called
b-boys (for beat or break boys) made their name performing complicated
and daring dance routines.

Breakdancing emerged from the Bronx and Harlem in the early 1970s, part
of the hip-hop culture that also included graffiti, MCing or rapping,
and disc jockeys scratching and mixing vinyl records on turntables.

During extended pauses, or breaks, in the music, b-boys would mimic
James Brown's showmanship and footwork and Bruce Lee's martial arts,
adding their own signature moves.

Frost was known for his energetic style, intricate choreography and
fearless moves including back flips and head spins. One was even dubbed
the "Suicide."

Frost got his start in 1978 with the Bronx-based Rock City Crew. In
1981, he became part of the Rock Steady Crew, joining such acclaimed
breakdancers as Ken Swift and Lil Crazy Legs.

Frost toured the world with the Rock Steady Crew and other hip-hop
artists, including Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000 and Kool Lady Blue.

As a member of the Rock Steady Crew, Frost also appeared in several
movies on hip-hop culture, including "Wild Style," "Beat Street" and
"Style Wars." He also appeared on the cover of the Village Voice in
1981.

Many thanks to TheLenGuy for posting this obituary