OVER9000
by The Unguided
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‘OVER9000’ by The Unguided, Out of Bounds (2025). Photo by Jeff Busby.
— Bass, Kick, Snare & Clap
OVER9000 explores Bounce and Rock, two foundational Hip Hop grooves that build on elemental rhythms as both structural and expressive tools.
Here, groove becomes more than a foundation; it’s a living language of connection, resistance, and resilience.
Mapping the depth of Hip Hop freestyle and collective exploration within The Unguided, OVER9000 is grounded in the principles of cyphering, research, and play as choreography emerges organically through embodied practice and shared knowledge.
Working within an energetic spectrum from stillness to intensity, the performance channels the essence of freestyle battles and jams into a theatrical context, exploring the elasticity of presence and the power of the body in motion.
An offering and an extension, OVER9000 is a continuation of lineages, pushing beyond perceived limits, and a testament to the ever-expanding possibilities of Hip Hop dance.
Choreographers The Unguided
Performers Jimmy Nguyen, Mario Cheung, Oliver Le, David Prakash
Sound Design Merrick Craven
Lighting Design Giovanna Yate Gonzalez
Costume Design Mario Cheung
Director/Lead Artist David Prakash
Producer Cypher Culture
The development of this project is supported by Dancehouse & Cypher Culture, LGI and WXYZ Studios, Passion Studios, ‘Out of Bounds’ by Lucy Guerin Inc & Dancehouse and Darebin Arts Speakeasy program.
Special shoutout to the following dancers from the community who came through and shared with us in the early process of the work: Amelia Vu, Sannie Ek, Kihmo Quintela, Gino Hammal, Simone Etheve, Jerinel Bay.
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David Prakash has over ten years of experience in so-called Australia’s street dance culture, with the past six years focused on a choreographic practice grounded in Hip Hop and Krump. He has worked with leading artists including Priya Srinivasan, Jo Lloyd, Bella Waru and collectives such as Chunky Move directed by Antony Hamilton, performing in 4/4 and U>N>I>T>E>D locally and internationally. David’s choreographic works include Staged (2019), EVOKE (2020), Insert Self (2022), and DISRUPTOR (2024), alongside multiple ongoing developments of OVER9000 with ‘The Unguided’ and GAMER supported by DRILL Dance.
Oliver Le is a self-taught street dancer/artist who has been dancing for 8 years, and is diverse in styles such as hip-hop, freestyle, and breaking. Currently, Oliver represents ‘The Unguided’ crew and is an advocate for Hip Hop culture, through education (dance and knowledge) to ensure the preservation and continuation of the Melbourne Hip Hop freestyle scene for the next generation.
Jimmy Nguyen is an Australian/Vietnamese self taught artist/student who practices in hip hop freestyle. An existing member of “The Unguided“ crew, he has collaborated and performed with creatives from different street dance styles. He shares, improves and inspires the current and next generation within the hip hop freestyle scene.
Mario Cheung is a passionate hip hop dancer influenced by diverse styles worldwide. Mario loves sharing his art, and often attends dance battle events, bringing joy and energy to those who watch. Mario’s dance embodies freedom, expression, and a deep love for the hip hop community. Mario graduated from his fashion design course and has championed his own brand ‘BUSY MEN’. In OVER9000, he will step on board not only as a dancer, but as costume designer for the creative process.
Giovanna Yate Gonzalez is an Australia-based lighting designer from Colombia. With a background in dance, she brings a unique sense of movement to her work. A VCA graduate, her credits include Flesh Vessel, LUSH, and Rumbleskin. She’s part of MTC’s FUTURE CREATIVE program and participated in the Malthouse’s Besen Program.
Merrick Craven is a Melbourne-based composer and sound designer working across film, contemporary dance, and multimedia. He draws on a diverse background, ranging from experimental and electronic music to acoustic textures, and has collaborated with Melbourne’s vibrant music community. Merrick has also contributed creatively to advertising projects with Universal Music Group, adding depth and character to brief sonic moments. His practice favours thoughtful collaboration and understated detail, shaping atmospheres that support and enhance narrative, movement, and mood through focused sound design and musical composition.
