From Clowns to Crowns
Unveiling their unique clown-inspired performance, the dance crew, STNY Brothers, secured a remarkable 2nd place in Super24 dance competition of 2022. Beyond the glitz of their routine, dive into the captivating journey of passion, perseverance, and unbreakable bond that propelled them to the pinnacle of creative expression.
Written by: Roberts Chloe Renee
Photos courtesy of: Mohammad Izzadely
Established in 2018, dance crew STNY Brothers, known as the ‘Jack of all Trades, Master of One’, was founded by the duo Lutfil Hadi, 27, and Noor Affendy, 26. The crew is not actually blood related, however, they collectively named themselves as brothers.
This 40-strong crew’s mastery extends across diverse dance genres, ranging from hip-hop to open choreography and more.
1st Runner Up for Super24
In 2022, STNY Brothers clinched second place in Super24 with their unique clown concept routine that was performed within a tight 90-seconds window, leaving an indelible mark on the crowd.
Super24 is an annual dance competition in Singapore that began in 2013. It differs from a typical dance competition of “front view” judging, and instead has a four-sided judging.
To challenge themselves, the crew crafted two entirely different routines for preliminary round and finals, showing the depth of their creativity. The crew had spent two weeks practicing for their preliminary routine and six weeks to complete their final routine.
One way or another, the brothers had decided to sacrifice their time. Muhammad Arfan Bin Abdul Aziz, a 25-year-old dance committee member shares, “Because some of the members are working full-time and have other commitments, we would start at 9pm and end at 1.30am.”
STNY and Clowns
The crew started conceptualising by choosing the rock music titled Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold. After thorough research, they concluded that “Killer Clowns” would perfectly complement a carnival-style circus theme.
“After researching the different killer clowns, we decided on ‘Pennywise’ as it was the scariest we came across,” says Arfan.
Arfan poses with STNY Brother’s iconic clown outfit.
When it came to the character and portrayal of the “Killer Clown” look, Arfan shares that the crew had spent a full day watching clown films to study as a whole. “We take quite a bit of time to research individually and as a group, to see what are the nuances of the character – from how they smile to how they walk and act.”
Since the competition, STNY Brothers’ clown video reached 16,000 and 24,000 views on OSchool’s and Joseph Lim’s YouTube channels.
Beyond online success, the crew brought their longer clown routine to the Asean Alpha Dance Championship in Malaysia, snagging a fourth place win. They even had a special gig at Resorts World Sentosa, where they performed for “Party in the Park” to showcase the Halloween Horror Nights 2023 offerings.
Passion and Motivation
Despite being a dance crew, the STNY Brothers view themselves as more than mere friends; they see themselves as a close-knit family. “What we have is a brotherly vibe, it is not a typical friendship,” Arfan mentions.
The crew shares a collective eagerness to achieve success in competitions, showcasing a mindset where no sacrifice is too great. Every member is dedicated to a common mission and vision.
Even when facing challenges, the crew finds motivation in their brotherhood. “It is beyond just dancing and entertainment for us,” Arfan shares, in addition to the boys having a passion that goes beyond the surface level of their performances.
Ever since the STNY Brothers introduced their clown performance, they’ve witnessed a surge in supporters. Arfan says, “Our supporters, whether friends, family, or audiences, are an extension of the team. The only difference is that they aren’t physically on stage with us.”
STNY on their Achievements
In 2023, the STNY Brothers triumphed in various dance competitions. They won first place at the Lion City Dance Convention on August 2023 which landed them a spot to qualify against international teams at Vietnam in March 2024. Thereafter, they placed first at the World Supremacy Battlegrounds in Singapore and the team is set to compete at Sydney in July 2024.
\With so much that the team is looking forward to, they also started holding their first auditions to extend the team that currently holds 40 members.
Advice for the Youths
Arfan shares valuable advice for youths venturing into dance, “A lot of youths who learn something new want to be the best at it. I think it is important to be patient with yourself, take your time and do not compare yourself with others.” He also emphasises the normalcy of looking funny and making mistakes in the initial stages of dancing.
Beyond their dance moves, the STNY Brothers has expressed their gratitude for the support they get, especially from young dancers who see them as role models. Arfan acknowledges the responsibility that comes with the crew’s influence.
“With great power, comes great responsibility.”
As the STNY Brothers keep dancing through life, their story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and finding joy in the journey can lead to something truly special – brotherhood.
