Dancers' Paradise: Shankle Dip thought he would become a footballer

In Elephant Man's 2003 single, 'Jiggy', the dancehall deejay highlights dancers and their dance moves, including the popular John Squad members - John Hype, Shelly Belly and Royan who soon decided to go by the name 'Shankle Dip'.

"It is the single that changed my whole world. Tony Matterhorn was the one who told Ele about a yute name Royan and his dance moves, and that mention of my name and the dance 'Iverson bounce' was sort of my introduction," Shankle Dip told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The dances, 'Iverson Bounce' named after the former NBA star who was the talk in the late '90s to 2000s; 'Weddy Weddy', 'Jiggy', and 'Look Outta Road' are dance moves that still take a party from zero to 100 in seconds.

Shankle Dip is visibly proud of his contributions to dancehall as he is one of the dancers who created moves that have also inspired those of the current era. However, he said that dancing is not something he had set out to do.

"Is not everything people do is dem choose to do it. Sometimes the road just choose you. I never chose to dance because I am a shy person," said Shankle Dip.

The dancer said that he would sleep with his ball at nights because of how much he loved to play football. As a matter of fact, he, along with colleague, Shelly Belly, were popular footballers at the Norman Manley High School, where the dance group was formed.

"I thought I'd be a baller. I was a left-footer, so I was placed in the position of left-wing. Anyway, right out of high school, the entertainment road called us, and trust mi, it has not been an easy road."

For years, his name was thought only to be a dance move, which was featured in Yuh Too Badmind, another one of Elephant Man's 2003 singles, and the deejay's Good 2 Go album. The dance move later gave birth to other variations like the catchy 'Christian Dip' and 'Revival Dip' moves.

"Half only know Shankle Dip as a dance, not the person," he said. "For the past couple years, I have been focused on my own music and brand."

Outside of his involvement with productions like Woie Woie Woie and Ruler recorded by Harry Toddler, last year, Shankle Dip also released two singles, Balance and Get Outta Here.

In addition, he is hoping to host dance classes at Downsound Records as he is part of the Road to Sumfest team and usually performs with other entertainers for the big event in July.