Best Street Performer

James "J-Wizz" Hathorn
J-Wizz understands that the most entertaining form of dancing isn't found on perfect-footwork TV competitions. It's found in places like Westport and the Plaza. It's the sort of disjointed, outlandish, pop-and-lock stuff that kids try in the privacy of their own bedrooms but never whip out in public. Except for James "J-Wizz" Hathorn. With a ghetto blaster, a water jug, sweat towels and business cards that read "Street Dancer 4 Hire. Cheap But Not Free," the 35-year-old is on a mission to show that it's just that sort of unpredictable, spastic staggering that can shock and amaze. Dancing, after all, is about self-expression, not self-consciousness. Yeah, he's got a bucket, and you can toss in money if you like his moves, but he won't break step to thank you. His theory on his seizurelike moves is exactly why crowds flock and give up their dough: Laugh all you want, but you can't do it. You're too scared to even try.

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