The I Am Kenny J Productions performance team, "Sophisticated Funk" (a.k.a. Da Funkstas), made its first appearance in March of 2003 at the 1st Annual Line Dance competition held at the Stardust Ballroom in Pennsauken, NJ, sponsored by Feel the Beat Productions. This competition had group representation from places throughout the Tri-state area to include Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey; and at the time was the major R&B line dance competition in existence on the East Coast. As a matter of fact, it was at this competition that Sophisticated Funk received its name. Actually Sophisticated Funks’ original name was to be Synchronized Funk, however, when the late Matthew Frazier (an original member) gave the announcer our music and our name he misstated the name as Sophisticated Funk. Hence, we were introduced at the competition as “Sophisticated Funk.” The routine performed that evening fit the name like a hand in glove and from that day forward we were known as Sophisticated Funk.
Da Funkstas were initially comprised of only students from the ”I am Kenny J Productions” network of classes. Kenny J, while new to the line dance community combined his unique stepping experiences from his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, his marching experiences from his days as an army Drill Sergeant and his love for dance to choreograph Da Funkstas’ routines. Although most of the original members of the group were also new to line dancing, they were not new to performing or dancing. Each one offered a special talent that stemmed from high school and college days with cheerleading, African dance teams, drill teams, ballet and even (Zeta Phi Beta and Delta Sigma Theta) sorority stepping.
Even as the underdogs, probably because Da Funkstas were unknown, Sophisticated Funk earned 1st place in the competition as they raised many heads, with their upbeat, precision and pin-pointed style of dance. This group of men and woman won that competition and raised the bar in terms of performance expectations.
Da Funkstas represent dancers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania and now, even the DC area too; and is comprised of some of the most exciting dancers within the line dance community. Not to be outdone, and to ascertain that the results of the 2003 competition was not a fluke, Da Funkstas repeated their 1st place earnings in the 2nd Annual Feel The Beat Productions R&B line dance competition held in 2004.
Da Funkstas now consider the Atrium Dance Studio of Pennsuaken NJ their home, where Kenny J is now a student of Barbara Capaldi. It is at the Atrium that Kenny J’s routines are enhanced with assistance from both Barbara’s unique dance style and the exciting hip-hop moves of Face Da Phlave , the illest Hip-Hop and Funk dance company on the East Coast.
Da Funkstas perform at many events to include the Annual United We Dance Reunion held in the Mid West, The Atrium Dance Studio’s annual Holiday party, The NBC 10 Fit Fest in Philadelphia PA, The University of Penn Multicultural Black History program and many other exciting and benefiting venues. Expect great things from this group as it evolves into one of the most progressive line dance groups in the area.
If you’re having an event and are looking for some exciting entertainment, by way of dance contact Kenny J. Da Funkstas “have wheels - will travel.”
Da Funkstas are always looking for new blood. If you are interested in becoming a Funksta, contact Kenny J or Kim "Lightfoot" Parks. The only prerequisites are that you become a member of the IAKJP Social Club and that you bring something exciting and unique to the world of dance. A small audition will be required prior to acceptance. 
