BOOGALOO SHRIMP
BIOGRAPHY
Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers (born November 13, 1967) is an American dancer and actor known for his role as "Turbo" in the 1984 film Breakin' and the sequel Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. In both movies he is credited as Boogaloo Shrimp, a name that remains linked to the Hollywood phase of popping, boogaloo and robot dancing, as well as the freestyle art of b-boying.
Born in Wilmington, California, Chambers is the youngest of four. He grew up in a small town, but a community with a diverse mix of ethnic groups and cultures. Initially, he formulated his style of dance through his interest in fantasy and sci-fi television shows, including the work of Ray Harryhausen and other stop-motion experts. He credits his older brother with introducing him to the "moonwalk", a move he would later perfect, and share with pop superstar Michael Jackson.
While still a teenager, Chambers' older brother would take him to a local pier where he would perform his moves for money. He claims to have earned hundreds of dollars through his street performances. To solve the problem of anonymity, Chambers' sister gave him a jacket that read "Mike aka Boogaloo Shrimp", his street dancing name. Chambers' dancing would increasingly draw the attention of promoters, and particularly Adolpho "Shabba Doo" Quinones, who was seeking to form a new dance troupe after the breakup of his previous group, The Lockers.
Chambers would also meet other popping/dance legends during this time, including Bruno "Poppin' Taco" Falcon and Popin' Pete. Falcon and Chambers would share ideas and styles, building upon their own individual foundations . Both would later be featured in videos and movies, including Breakin'.