In Your JREAMZ: Meet the Phoenix Dancer Taking Her Street Style Worldwide
Written by Daphne Bryant
All images courtesy of Marina Oya / Red Bull Dance
18-year old JREAMZ is all about pure emotion, authenticity, and heart. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the half-Vietnamese, half-Lao dancer got her start breaking under the moniker B Girl JREAMZ—a tribute to her name, Jossette, and the song that inspired it. Today, she weaves those b-girl roots with krump, popping, and soulful freestyle. Before she claimed the national crown and won the whole damn thing, Dreamworldgirl Zine caught up with JREAMZ to talk about heritage, mentorship, and inspiring others on and off the dance floor.
Daphne: Our magazine, I would say, is a very whimsical and uplifting space, and it’s called Dreamworldgirl so we obviously love the name JREAMZ. Where did the inspiration for JREAMZ come from?
JREAMZ: So when I first got into hip hop and street dance, I started breaking and my dad had given me the name B Girl JREAMZ. It’s spelled with the J because my actual name is Jossette. I was named after a singer. Her name was Jossette, and she sang a song called“ In a Dream.” My name came from that song, and then [JREAMZ] just kind of stuck.
Daphne: That’s so special! And I’m glad you mentioned breaking because I was actually going to ask you about that. I went to the Red Bull BC One National Final earlier this year [and] it was my first time seeing breaking IRL. I was so blown away. It’s actually insane. How would you say breaking influences your personal dance style?
JREAMZ: Breaking was actually the first style I learned. I use a lot of the breaking, like, floor work and tricks, [in] my freestyle, even though I don’t break anymore.
Daphne: Right.
JREAMZ: And then the culture of breaking and battle culture itself, I also tie [that] into my dance.
Daphne: Ah, I love it. I feel like I can totally see that in your movement and style. How would you describe the krump and freestyle scene in Phoenix, specifically?
“The krump and freestyle scene in Phoenix is growing tremendously, and I feel like we have so many gems. My krump and dance mentors are amazing. They’re leaders and teachers, and they help grow the community that we have.”
JREAMZ: I dance at a studio called Jukebox, and we teach different street styles across the board: vogue, popping, krump, house, waacking... all the things, you know? In Arizona, we have a small but really strong and growing community.
Daphne: It sounds pretty diverse too! Now, how would you say you’ve mentally and physically prepared for the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final this weekend?
JREAMZ: I’ve been so excited for this. I was here for nationals last year, so I’m coming back [and] I’m like:‘ okay, this is what I took away from last year, and this is what I’m going to take from that experience and bring into this year.’ With my movement, I’m just being myself and letting myself be free and not holding back. [Letting] my body [do what it] wants to do, whether it’s crumping or popping or [however] my body feels like moving. Just really tapping into the music and moving with a lot of feeling and authenticity.
Daphne: I love it, I can’t wait to watch you. I’m literally so excited bro. What’s the best advice a mentor has ever given you?
JREAMZ: Oh, there’s been so many things that people have told me. Can I, like, summarize the things?
Daphne: Yeah!
“[I’ve been told to] keep going. Throughout my years of dancing, [my mentors have] always told me to keep going, and without that advice, I wouldn’t be where I’m at, you know what I mean? That’s the only way you’re going to [achieve] your fullest potential: Work hard, stay humble.”
Daphne: Amazing advice. Who’s your favorite artist to listen to when you’re training?
JREAMZ: I don’t have a favorite artist specifically, but I love dancing to R&B music. I love krumping to R&B. Even if it’s sad R&B, like, sultry, sad R&B vibes, I love that.
Daphne: Are you big into the 90s and 2000s?
JREAMZ: Yeah!
Daphne: Okayyy, I love a throwback vibe, period. And then my last question: what doors do you want to open for yourself within the dance community? Where and how do you see yourself evolving?
“I want to travel the world. I want to inspire other dancers around the world, other kids and young adults like me. Dance is more than just dance, and there’s so much feeling and power behind movement. I want to inspire others beyond [the movement].”
Daphne: Where would you want to go, as far as traveling?
JREAMZ: I’m half-Vietnamese and half-Lao, so I would love to go to Asia sometime, specifically my home countries. Definitely Asia, Asia’s on my bucket list for sure.
