Rhythm King Editorial

RHYTHM KING EDITORIAL Written By Adam Gaytan Summer time in Boston is hot and humid, but the picturesque parks are vast through out the city. The trees cover the streets and make it a pleasure to walk around comfortably.  The days last longer in the summer time and you have to dress accordingly in the city. Kevin Davila is wearing all white in different shades, short-sleeve button shirt and pleated shorts. He looks, cool comfortable and confident. He is a young man but his eyes reveal a wisdom beyond his years. He is currently living in Lynn, north of Boston. He is passionate when he speaks about his experiences and motivations. He tells me about hoping to raise money to go to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend a dance competition, the hip hop international. “I will be hosting a birthday party/fundraiser to help send my team “Phunk Phenomenon” dance company from “America’s Best Dance Crew” to the competition.” Phunk Phenomenon is also involved in raising awareness for sanfilippo syndrome with jaredsfight.org. The team performs phunk snap a combination of different elements of the snap style (hip-hop vs. vogue). Kevin has been dancing since he learned how to walk. “My mother was also a dancer and she shared her love for it with me.” Life has not always been easy for Kevin but dance has helped him through his darkest days. “When my father passed away in 2000 dancing helped me cope. The event changed my life.” Kevin’s face lights up when he begins to talk about his passion. “Dance is my alter ego, I’m very quiet, (dance) makes me come out of my shell.  I feel free and I can express myself. ” The death of his father hit him the hardest. He went to counseling, and became distant from his family. Then in 2007 he lost his best friend and her aunt. For Kevin dance is his escape. “I need dance to live.” In a box his best friend gave him as a gift he keeps 19 reasons why she is his best friend. His memories and his passion for dance keep him sane. One day Kevin hopes to open a pet rescue and help juveniles by allowing them to do community service. “Dance molds into my life,”Kevin says. “(And) I want to teach the world that life and dance are one!”