MOHAMMED ALBARAKATI - DIMEMOND OF THE WEEK - JUNE 22 2015

NAME: Mohammed "Sharky" Albarakati

AGE: 25

BACKGROUND: From a village between Mecca and Jeddah, but born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

OCCUPATION: Student studying Sustainability and International Business at Royal Roads University.

Mohammed, better known as Sharky, was approached by Dimemond Mentality, to be added to the roster of Dimemond's of the Week for his incredible talent of being a great ball of energy, when it comes to dancing.

Mohammed is also known as Sharky in his social life, the dancing community and his identity in the Vancouver nightlife. He gained the nickname back in 2010 simply by one of his outgoing hairstyles. He had a mohawk which looked very similar to a 'shark fin', most said, and from there his name Sharky came and took over his government name, to only become a staple identity for him, especially in both the dance community within Vancouver, as well as the nightlife community.

He began dancing at a very young age, but it really had an affect on him almost 8 year ago. When he first saw Michael Jackson's infamous moonwalking technique, he thought it was magic and crazy. A little over 8 years ago, he started to take dancing a little more seriously, continually infusing himself in learning, observing, understanding, and eventually freestyling. From moonwalking, to crip walking, his dancing formed into passion of his.

Although if you were to ask Vancouvers' nightlife regulars if they know or have seen Sharky dance, they would be able to point him out in a heartbeat. But, dancing infront of a crowd or around people, wasn't always Sharky's cup of tea. He first started to feel more comfortable dancing and freestyling in front and around people, when he travelled to Malaysia for 9 months in 2007. That is also where him and his great friend, and also quite a big name in the dance community within Vancouver, Tee West, also known as T-Swagg, met as well. Ever since then, they found themselves, both in Vancouver for education. Sharky and T have been known to bring to good energy and a feel good vibe to dancing in Vancouver ever since.

Check out Sharky, Tee, and as well as Trey K freestyle dancing in this video curated by Sabrina De:

Sharky truly believes in, in order to gain positive energy, you have to give positive energy. When individuals observe and take the time to get know to Sharky, his taste in music, and his endless fashion choices, he truly gives positive energy out in his dancing, but also in his outgoing personality. Dimemond Mentality believes that Sharky, as the greatest potential to become one of the biggest names for dance freestylers in the Vancouver community currently. His passion and personality both bring the utmost highest energy when you give him a good tune, and that is something not everyone can do, and simply share within a crowd. He is very conciousess about trying to initiate a bigger freestyle community in Vancouver. He wants to be able to come together at least once a week, in a communal space, and just be able to share and vibe off the freestyle energy that is created within dancers, and also support one another on their raw talents. Big ups to Sharky on  wanting to continuously shine!

What does Dimemond Mentality mean to you? Do you think it will be successful?

"It means that there are people who still believe in people's talents. Yes, why not? You never know what [may] happen tomorrow. Just keep working."

What do you enjoy about Vancouver?

"Friends, [the] cool views, [and the] activities."

Why do you feel dancing is one of your greatest outlets of expression? What do you think 'most' people miss about the art form of dance?

"Dancing is one of my greatest oulets because, it can let me speak my pain through dancing and it can also keep me away from [any] troubles. What people miss about the art of dance is the extreme joy of it and [the] creativity. If you are a dancer, you have to have the personality for your dance moves. Don't be afraid to show them [that] you believe in yourself."

How do you think freestyle dancing can be better implemented into Vancouver?

"I think there are freestyle sessions already in Vancity but it is not enough. I think most Hip Hop classes focus on teaching new or old students only choreography, that's what I know of. Is it because the teachers don't know how to freestyle, or [that] they just don't care about freestyle or they really don't know what dancing is? I don't know."

Do you think that there is a lack of sense of a dancing community in Vancouver?

"I think there are great dancers who are trying to spread the love through dancing but some others don't, just because they have more followers on Instagram or think they are just too cool, but it when it comes down to freestyling, they can only freestyle on the songs they know, or can't do anything at all."

How can Vancouver do better?

"Vancouver can do better if some of these battle organizers or judges or dancers start to be fair and open their minds about dancing. There is no such thing called 'old school' and that's what I love. We came from old school, I will never say it's not good anymore but the old school, but the [older] generations never taught us to not to build on, and just stay the same. It's 2015."

Do you have any aspiring role models you look up to? Why?

"So many. Actually who ever is great will touch my soul, young or old, because it is not about big names, it is about who is creating their own magic, in a natural way."

If you could potentially choose any career (if you were given the opportunity handed to you), what would it be?

"Well, right now I have no idea but what ever job that can benefit me and others and that can help me feed myself and my future kids."

Follow Sharky on Social Media:

Sharky on Instagram