It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to introduce the community award and lifetime achievement individual who has been instrumental to many in our community of Urban R & B SOUL Line Dance.

Their journey in dance started as early as 2 years old where they were introduced to Tap Dancing that later influences of dance with Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance were added to their dancing ‘STYLE’ – This nurtures the appreciation we all have for the smooth style, SLIDE or GLIDE the closes with the smooth SNAP in each and every move on the floor. 

When the EAST COAST began to meet and greet the Midwest at the LINE, he was right there with his Smooth and Suave manners yet ROCKING it out on the floor with the best of his dance colleagues.

The beginning of his Soul Line Dance journey is attributed to the Godfather of Line Dance, Dave Bush who introduced the Philadelphia Delaware Valley area to this dancing style known as Line Dancing. The early dances that marked a start of his enjoyment with dance was with the “Stiff Leg” Style and engaging in various challenges and competitions that started way back in his high school years. The early connections to dance with the God Father of Line Dance, Dave Bush were known as ‘Silky Smooth’ and “Carpet baggers” between 1964-1966. The first SOUL line dance learned was the “Detroit Strut’ also known as – Jazzy Lady.

Over the years of his LOVE for dancing he has shared his vocals, choreography, and SMOOTH STYLING on the LINE, Chicago Stepping and to the native Bop, Strand and 2-Stepping in Philadelphia. He has also taught with a Philadelphia late and great “Otis Givens” with Salsa and Chicago Stepping. 

Early influences with choreography were during his performance and singing career – he would prepare the routines for stage engagement. Although his creative style and energy began throughout all of the aforementioned experiences, when he retired in 2005 – he was determined to enjoy life and, in his words, “Do what HE wants to DO” – This meant teaching all the styles of dance that he enjoyed and loving the performances, showcases, competitions and opportunities he began to encounter. 

He would be known to gather dancers within the Dave Bush Dancers and later Tri-State Elite to showcase a new choreography at every opportunity that his mind would CREATE! He has shared that his favorite collaboration was with fellow Lifetime Achievement, Bernardette Burnette – “Share My Life”. Additionally, he favors the dances and collaborations of “Fab 4’, “Kick that Shhh…”, “Level 322”, ‘Sensual Sensai’, “Daddy V and HUSH – just to name a few. 

He was one of the original dancers of “Souline” TV show and the next generation of Soul Line television with “Grooveline” Promo TV. When his daughter Victoria was 5 years old, he introduced her to the community with Dave Bush Dancers and she has collaborated with her father and other dance contributions as well. 

He values and believes in maintaining health with movement and variety of other strategies. Movement is one of the most important things to him for everyone. During the pandemic, he held Line Dance, Salsa, and Chicago stepping class outside at the tennis courts in Philadelphia Fairmont Park. 

His grounding energy that he promotes in ALL things is that we are ‘FAMILY’ and we should have ‘FUN’ when we come to the dance floor. You will often hear him say, “Keep it FUN”, “Respect the other person”, “Never think you are Bigger”, and “Leave the Drama outside the Door” - - All these things can be shared and then he would harmonize a course or two before walking back on the dance floor to pour it ALL out. 

He has been acknowledged with various showcases and been honored as he has traveled around the country for dance events in the Midwest, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Baltimore and much more. 

As we welcome him to the floor to greet and acknowledge his contribution and achievement at the current age of 74 – We refer to him as the Sensai, the Master Teacher – the One and Only Raymond Boyd. We honor your contributions to the urban dance community and welcome you to this community with your fellow LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS and plenty more years of LOVE, Dance and Freedom.

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More info about Raymond Boyd (Ray Boyd) from UC Star Awards Jan 2023.

age - he said, "74 and looking for more"

referred to as - "Sensai", "Master Teacher", or "Ray, Don't call me Mr."

Ray loves performing it makes him very HAPPY. His mother taught him to tap dance at the age of 3 and by 5 years old, the "ledge" in his basement was his stage.

He attributes the beginning of his Soul line dance journey to Dave Bush, "The Godfather" of line dancing in the Delaware Valley. Starting with the "Stiff Leg" Style Cha Cha Challenges back in High school in 1964 thru 1966, where Dave and Ray danced with groups like "Silky Smooth" and the "Carpetbaggers".

Ray said the first line dance was singing groups. He did choreograph for groups he sang with back in the day.

Ray went to a South Philly Dance Academy learning Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance. We can see the influences of this training in his "STYLE" of dance and choreography. He likes to Slide, Glide and gives us that "Snap".

When Ray retired in 2005 he decided he was going to "DO what HE wants to DO".  That was teaching dance. Throughout this time he taught, choreographed, and performed with "Tri-State Elite", Shante Lee (SILK), and the Dave Bush Dancers.

The 1st Soul Line dance he learned was the "Detroit Strut" (Jazzy Lady)

The 1st Soul Line dance he Choreographed was "Mr. Quick"

He does Salsa, and taught Chicago Stepping with the late Great "Otis Givens".

Performed in both Competitions and Showcases

Traveled around the country for dances and events in the Midwest, has been honored in Atlanta Baltimore, Philadelphia, and through the line dance community nationally.

Brought the youngest of 5 children, 33-year-old Victoria to Dave Bush's class with him when SHE was only 5 years old. She later continues to dance and also collaborated dances with her dad.

Some of the dances and collabs Ray created: "Share My Life", "Fab 4", 'Kick that SH..", "Level 322", "Sensual Sensai", "Daddy V" and "HUSH" just to name a few.

Ray was one of the original dancers on the "Soulline" TV show and "Grooveline" Promo TV

During the pandemic, Ray Boyd held line dance classes outside at the tennis court.

Ray promotes "FAMILY" and "FUN".

From Urban Line Dance Connection Interview Profiles. Thanks Nichol.  

My name is Raymond Boyd Sr. and my nickname in the industry is Sensei.  

I am from North Philadelphia, and Philadelphia is my home.

Professionally, I’m a dance instructor. In addition to dancing, I   enjoy playing tennis and chess.

In my home town we call this dance craze “line dancing”.

The very first dance group I was affiliated with was the Dave   Bush Dancers.  In addition, I was with Tri State Elite Dancers and   Carpet Baggers.

I have been dancing all my life.  My mother taught me   how to tap when I was 2.

I got involved with dancing when Dave Bush taught in his   basement.  I wasn’t really a student….I was always a dancer.

After I attended my first class I felt special, confident and   happy as hell.

I used to do choreography for my singing group in the early 60's   called Ethics Group.  Observation: He never told us he was a singer! LOL Back to the normal questions.

I have created over 50 dances and the first dance I created was   Mister Quick.

My favorite collab is Share My Life and my favorite   solo dance is Kick That Shhhhhhhhhh.

That’s simple…..what makes dancing special is the Freedom!

I’d like to see more unification.

I can be a physical guy. I‘m very protective of the people I love.  Just stay on my good side. LOL

410 TV 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7MGMVqQFRs 

Facebook: 

Rob Johnson “The Line Dance King” has been teaching Line Dancing for over 30 years. You can find Rob Johnson teaching line dance each, and every Saturday in his T.V. Show called “Line Dance Cleveland” on channel 19 Cleveland every Saturday night at 12:30 pm. He currently resides in the city of Cleveland, OHIO. Robert Johnson also MC & DJ Weddings, Receptions, Corporate Functions, Festivals, etc... to book him for your next event, please contact him at (216) 778-0401. 

410 TV 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP7evGQI4zk

My name is Shante’ Lee and I have several   dance nicknames…..Sun-Shan, Coach, Shanny, Judith Jamison, QV and Phyllis.

I’m from Chester, Pa. but the   State of Delaware has been my home for more than 20 years.

In my professional life I am the Program Director for New Foundations Inc. (Foster; Kinship Care Agency).  I’m an   Independent Contractor as a Behavior Specialist Consultant and Clinical Consultant.

My special hobbies include horseback riding,   swimming, singing and miniature golf.

We call it Line Dancing

S.I.L.K.  (Smooth Brothas/Sistas In   Line Kickin)

I’ve never attended school for   dance; however, it has been a hobby since I was in grade school.  I’ve been Line Dancing for close to 14 years. Prior to   Line Dancing, my friends use to tease me saying I was always OFF BEAT or   heard something different.  It just so happens to be appreciated in   the World of Line Dance, for the most part….lol….Freedom to Express J

Going to clubs, I remember seeing a group of Dancers on stage in sync doing the same steps to various   songs.  I fell in love with one particular dance they were   doing.  Found out the name of the song and dance and learned it on   the floor. Not that night, over several nights.  I kept going back   until I got it down pact.  BTW-that group of dancers happened to be   the Dave Bush Dancers….who knew? And the dance was The Running Man by Dave   Bush.

I would dab a little when I   was going to clubs but eventually got thirsty to learn more.  At   that time, I was in school so I didn’t fully jump in.  When I   graduated; I found a class in Chester, PA.  Ray Boyd was the teacher and the rest is history.

I was excited after my first  class.  I was happy to be able to remember the steps but also this was the start of my obsession with Line Dance. Or as my Non-Line Dance friends would say Line Dancing “CULT”….they don’t know any better.

How I got into choreography? Well….while going to Ray’s class on a   consistent basis, Ray and a few other guys created a dance solely for   men.  It was called GQ. When we would go out dancing, the men would   perform and the women had to sit on the side line cheering them   on.  We (Ladies) were told we could not join in. After the first   time of cheering them on, I decided to have a friendly competition with the   men and picked a song and created a dance for Women Only. I took the dance to   Ray for guidance being it was my first dance and he was my teacher. Ray and   another student, Neicy Brown both assisted with molding the final   piece of the dance. Every time we went out and the guys would perform GQ, the   ladies would perform Pure Essence right after.

I do not keep track of my choregraphed   dances so if I had to take a guess, I would say more than 30.  Pure   Essence was my First.

Of all your dances which one would you say is your favorite? This is a hard question for me as I get bored   quick and love challenges so I would have to say my favorite has not been created yet.

Dance is special because there   are no rules, restrictions, or guidelines.  There are various   levels and styles.  It doesn’t discriminate. (age, sex, or   race)  All Welcomed…!!! A party can consist of a school age child   to a fully matured adult, all under one roof enjoying being in the same   space.  I don’t know any other parties that would have those same   demographics and all had a good time other than a line dance event.

 I wouldn’t want to change anything about dance because everyone should have the freedom to express their   way.  Everything isn’t for everyone and it is enough dances and   styles for everyone to enjoy.  What I would like to say is Everyone who Line Dance, Things may occur within the bubble of Line Dance that may   turn you sour towards dance….Try to remember the reason you started, the reason you fell in love with it, the reason your Non-Line Dance friends filed missing reports on you, the reason you need a second job to pay to travel to more LD events….Try not to allow any outside obstacles that are not relevant to the reason you were drawn to this recreational, stress relieving, family oriented hobby we all share and love….!!!

What would the community find   surprising about you? Well, you may not have known this yesterday but after   reading this, you should know, I can be a wordy person….And actually, this   was cut down from my normal but I saw I was hitting for 3 pages..ooops…LOL…sorry   for the length…..And I am approachable  JIf customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

The lifetime achievement recipient has been known across the city of Detroit for her love of dance, music, skating, and ultimately writing her powder blue Harley-Davidson.  From early on the recipient the recipient's gift of the love of music from her father, a known Blues man, the rhythm masters using that passion to become a known DJ across the world.  Parents were great skaters and she too has picked up on that talent. Not only are they very talented they have passed those talents on to their son and daughter who also are great skaters and son is a known DJ. 

Also known for DJing and being one of the greatest hustle creators around.  But they have influenced so many upcoming DJ's around metro Detroit. With dancing being their passion, they formed the hustle group Hustle Mania with members known as the Hustle Maniacs. She has been the queen of bad girl hustle. She later went on to create fan favorites such as “Nod your Head”, “Bring it Back” and a plethora of others across the dance floor. 

What many do not know she is also a retired nail professional. One of the first women in metro Detroit to do airbrushing. She is a woman of many talents and those talents are what keeps her going and keeps her useful. Anytime you see her out she is a ball of energy and living life to the fullest. 

Although her light was dimmed momentarily when she lost the love of her life in April of 2020 due to COVID,  that never stopped her from enjoying the things that keeps her happy.

It is the love of dance music and family that gives her the will to keep on going.

She has received many accolades for her contribution to the music and hustle world and also deserving for all she has done and will continue to do so. 

So without further introduction – We present the Lifetime Achievement Award to none other than Wanda Mac better known as DJ magic.

Presented by Renee River

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