Mello - Longboard Dancer and Freestyler
Introducing Mello, a skilled longboard dancer and freestyler, and brand ambassador for Sunday Shades. Mello has a special love for longboarding dancing. Longboard dancing combines the fluidity of dance moves with the technicality of freestyle tricks on their longboards. Let us learn about Mello and this exciting sport!
Profile
Sport: Longboard Dance & Freestyle, LDP (long distance push/pump)
Name: Mello
IG handle: @mello_rolls
1. When did you discover that this was your passion and that you were going to pursue it as far as you could?
After I won 3rd place for my first online competition after three weeks of skating, I knew I wanted more of it. Coming from a dance background prior to skating, creativity played an important role in influencing me to pursue this activity even harder. As I pushed further and deeper into longboard dance & freestyle, I discovered that this is beyond skating, it’s an art form if you may call it. To perfect a combo requires finesse, consistency and definitely determination.
2. Was there someone who inspired you?
Hans Wouters, a Belgium longboarder. I happened to chance upon his YouTube videos when I was contemplating if I should go into this sports. He was the one that made me fall in love with it and became obsessed with a particular trick.
3. Have you participated in any major competition or events?
My most recent competition was also my first live competition since I started learning how to skate during the COVID-19 lockdown. The competition, aptly named “Happy Feet”, focuses on the smooth flow of footwork along our longboards with highlights of crazy freestyle to accentuate our individual styles. I was really stoked to get a podium placing among the OGs of the scene, one of them being my mentor.
4. In your opinion, what was your best performance?
I strive to make every moment on my board my best moment. I am particularly thankful towards the opportunities that arise since the day I started. Building a local community single-handedly and watching it grow into the hundreds, gaining the recognition and respect from my peers and students as I grow wiser as a person remains a heartening experience for me.
5. What’s your training like when training for a competition?
Minimally, I train four times a week, with each session consisting of short combos. I usually end the session off with repetitions of a full minute of line.
6. Do you maintain a special diet? Do you have cheat days?
Every day is a cheat day, except when I’m training for a competition. Strictly speaking, I have a maximum of three low carb meals, no snacks or sweet drinks. I try to bring down my weight before a competition so that I can push through the fatigue and pressure better during the competition.
7. When not training for a competition, what’s your training like? Do you cross train? What does a typical week look like?
A typical week consist of at least two skating sessions, and I skate more when I feel inspired or motivated. I will prioritise one session with the community, imparting skills and giving free community group lessons to fellow likeminded individuals.
8. Do you see yourself as an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes?
I would love to inspire each and every newcomer that picks up longboard dance & freestyle. The passion and enthusiasm from the community inspires me to become a better skater too. This is also one of the main reason behind the formation of the local longboard community #ChillVibesOnlySG . I am blessed to have the support from our local longboard shop “ThaneLife”. They have been a constant pillar in helping me build and grow the longboard dance and freestyle scene in Singapore.
9. Where is your favourite training spots?
It has to be the Marina Bay Sands Fountain area. Sadly, we have been ordered to stop skating in that area. We have now shifted down to the area under the helix bridge. If it’s overseas, I had the best experience over in Bangkok at Bang Sue Grand Station. The locals over there are always thoughtful, warm and welcoming.
10. If there are readers who would like to get started in your sport, what advice do you have?
Drop me a DM and I will hook you up with whatever you need to get started or drop by our local longboard shop “ThaneLife” where they have the best advisors for all your needs. Of course, once you got a board, you definitely have to head down and join a #ChillVibesOnlySG session, where I hold free community lessons to get every individual started.
11. Do you something else about yourself that you would like to share with our readers?
Before I started longboarding, I have been a Bboy for more than a decade. However, dance-related injuries kept returning and I had to try something different to avoid triggering old injuries. Creativity plays a vital role in both, and was one of the major factor that convinced me to try out longboarding. I always love adding a personal flair to the things I do, and I have not looked back since I started this.
It was a pleasure to speak with Mello and learn about his passion for longboarding. His dedication and skill in the sport is truly impressive. It is clear that Mello has a passion for the sport that shines through in everything he does. It's exciting to see where Mello's skills and creativity will take him in the future. We look forward to following Mello’s journey and seeing more of his amazing performances!