SKYLER DE LEON

MANILA.Philippines — In 2010, “StreetDance 3D” became such a big hit (it grossed 11-million sterling pounds at the UK box-office), and the film’s success spawned “StreetDance 2.”

“StreetDance 2” tells the story of Ash (Falk Hentshel) who sets off to gather the best dancers in Europe, so together they can beat the world’s best crew in the upcoming Street Dance world competition. Accompanied by his newfound friend, Eddie (George Sampson), this task takes them from London to Rome, Ibiza to Berlin, and Amsterdam to Paris. And while discovering the magic and power of street dance and Latin combined, Ash falls in love with a beautiful salsa dancer (Sofia Boutella) as they prepare for the ultimate global dance off.

Producer James Richardson described the process of making the sequel as “really organic…We sat down and asked ourselves what made ‘StreetDance’ as a film, and we all agreed that it was this fusion of dance style.”

Leading man Falk Hentschel (“Arrested Development”) readily got excited about the prospect of dancing as a couple which is not usually associated with hip-hop. “I think hip-hop is still scared of sensuality and passion between one another, it’s more about power and assertiveness… So to take that element of touching each other while you dance hip-hop and focusing on somebody else, that part of it really intrigued me

James, Dania, and Max have long wanted to work with Algerian-born dancer Sofia Boutella because of her extraordinary talents. She is known as the “Nile Girl” of Nike Women, and has gone to world tours with Madonna, who, she says, has taught her to start everyday with a workout. Playing the role of Eva is also a perfect timing for Sofia as she’s been doing acting lessons in LA for a couple of years, and it challenged her own ideas on dance

“Britain’s Got Talent” grand winner, George Sampson, reprises his role as Eddie from the original “StreetDance 3D.” Director Max said, “The audience can identify with him, as well as with his character, so they’ll like to see where he goes and what he gets up to.”

Watch out for “StreetDance 2,” also in 3D. It opens May 9, through Viva International Pictures.

• • •

‘Skycapes:’ A Piece Of Heaven

Skyler De Leon, 11 years old, a Grade 5 student and president of his class at La Salle Greenhills, started drawing when he was four.

At preschool, he never drew stick figures, but would make elaborate body shapes and mix colors to the surprise of his teachers. The parents, none of whom were artists, were called to attention but they simply thought it was a budding talent.

Now, Sky has more than 100 paintings, doing at least one a day. They enrolled him in an art summer class by Gemarie Gamas for two months.

All throughout his early grade school years, Sky was consistently “Best in Art.” In January 2011, he competed and bagged the first place of the “On the Spot Drawing” of his school. His artwork was chosen as the school’s official entry to the 42nd World School children Art Exhibition in Taiwan, China.

His parents were now looking farther and chanced upon master artist Fernando Sena. They enrolled him in his Basic Drawing Class. In two months, he was painting with the adults, in Advance 3. “This boy is definitely going places. He draws like an adult,” said Sena, his mentor.

“Skyscapes” was Sky’s first major art exhibit slated to be held on Aug. 13, at the Bahay Tsinoy, Intramuros, Manila. He had since joined group exhibits at the Philippine Heart Center and Cinema Lobby, Citywalk 2, Eastwood, Libis. He joined another exhibit this April 2012 at Chef Jessie, Amorsolo Square, Rockwell, Makati City.

When asked why he paints, Sky shyly smiles, “I love painting. When I paint, I feel at peace.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 3, go to Hans Bondoc, Alex Van Hagen, Marlo Braun, Slade Garzon, Carmenchu Carino, Alyana Timbol and Antonio Conejeros of San Francisco, CA...