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Jose Urbano on LOCAL

Soho House Hong Kong

part of a series on Local (lo·cal) | Resident/Native

About the speaker

Jose Urbano is a competitive street dancer with 13 years of experience, specializing in locking. He has competed in street dance battles and choreography competitions both locally and internationally, establishing himself in the global dance community. As a member of The Quickies, Jose has performed on television programs, concerts, and prestigious award shows. Beyond competition and performance, he teaches regularly in studios and workshops, sharing his expertise with aspiring dancers. Jose actively participates in community events that bring dancers together for exchange, fostering connections and growth within the street dance scene while contributing to its vibrant culture.

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Additional details

Jose Urbano will share his journey as a Hong Kong-born Filipino navigating identity through street dance. Growing up speaking English at home and school, he faced a cultural gap in community college where Cantonese dominated. Discovering street dance in Form 5 opened doors to Hong Kong’s local culture, though language barriers and lacking connections initially made battles intimidating. As he immersed himself in the scene, Jose found his place—competing internationally at Juste Debout, performing on ViuTV and at Mirror concerts, and connecting with dancers worldwide. He’ll explore how community and origin shape artistic expression, inspiring others to examine how their roots influence their creativity.