Laureate 2023

Active since the early 1980s, David Dundas, a.k.a. DKC Freeze, is considered a living library for the Canadian street dance community, where he was able to bring about change and instill a new vision. Dance as we know it today could not have been as diverse and rich without the contribution of this pioneer, who undeniably revolutionized the face of dance in Quebec. Dedicated to young people in the community, this passionate self-taught man poured his heart and soul into his work every day, encouraging active youth in his local environment. He also set up one of Montreal’s longest-running street dance events. As such, he has been an inspiration and mentor for over 40 years to the street dance community, which embraces the same values of generosity, sharing, pride and accomplishment. The Prix Éthel-Bruneau 2023 committee is therefore very proud to offer this recognition to this much-loved and respected street dance mentor.

Self-taught street dancer from the first generation of Canadian street dance

Born in Montreal in 1965, DKC Freeze is a self-taught street dancer from the first generation of Canadian street dance culture. In 1982-1983, he was a member of the Flash Trick group. From 1983 to 1987, he was a member of the legendary New Energy, one of the most influential Canadian groups of the time. He was a member of Flow Rock from 1995 to 2003, and has been a member of the Legz Crew since 2004.

DKC competes and judges at events all over the world, and has been invited on the jury of the Just 4 Rockers festival in France three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. He has played for James Brown (live concert in 1985), DJ Grand Master Flash and during the 1986 Montreal Expos series. He has performed at various festivals, including the Francofolies de Montréal, the Festival de jazz de Montréal and the Festival B-boy in Nancy, France.

An active community leader for decades, DKC Freeze has influenced thousands of families over the past 20 years as youth coordinator at community centers in Côte-des-Neiges and Laval. He founded and ran one of Montreal’s longest-running street dance events, Gravity Rock. DKC Freeze is one of the newest members of the Bboyizm Dance Company, where he continues to influence the evolution of B-boying.