Breakdancing Around The World

Breakdancing around the World: Iraq (Again)

Posted on April 2, 2009

Though breaking started in the Bronx, NY, it has since grown from a U.S. fad to world-wide phenomenon. I‘ll periodically post a “Breaking all over the World” blog to showcase b-boys and b-girls from all around the globe.

I blogged about breaking in Iraq last December but had to revisit once I saw this clip. I’m constantly amazed at how ubiquitous breaking has become. It’s everywhere!

The dreams and fears of these Iraqi b-boys are equally conveyed in this clip. They aspire to open schools and want to be allowed to break in peace. But they also recognize that their dancing, which is seen as Western, is still unacceptable in their society and are aware of the consequences. Some even cover their faces as to not be recognized by passerbys and hope that a power outage prevents the footage from being shown on TV.

Truely amazing. I can’t wait to see Iraq represented at a Battle of the Year.

I wasn’t able to embed the clip but you can view the footage here: http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/2067.htm

April 2, 2009 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: India

Posted on February 24, 2009

Though breaking started in the Bronx, NY, it has since grown from a U.S. fad to world-wide phenomenon. I‘ll periodically post a “Breaking around the World” blog to showcase b-boys and b-girls from all around the globe.

I used wonder if India, the world’s second most populous country, had a strong breakdancing scene. Despite Battle of the Year and other global events, the nation was never represented. But with so many people there, and with their booming economy, it was only a matter of time before some desi’s started making noise.

Coming straight outta Mumbai, UD Kombat Crew has emerged as one of the country’s top crews and is helping to spread breakdancing culture all over the sub-continent.

Like they mention in the clip, this crew is in high demand. They’ve done commercials, started a breakdancing school in Mumbai and have also been on India’s Got Talent.

February 24, 2009 | In Breakdancing around the World | 3 Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Boliva

Posted on February 15, 2009

Transworld Sport had a great piece on breakdancing in El Alto, a suburb of La Paz, Boliva. At 13,615 feet, it’s one one of the highest elevated cities in the world and is the fastest growing city in the country. As you can see in the clip, commerce isn’t the only thing growing there. Breakdancing and other elements of hip hop are becoming ever more popular. It’s been captivating the city’s youth since the late 90’s, when cable TV and the internet became widely available:

February 15, 2009 | In Breakdancing around the World | 4 Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Vietnam

Posted on January 24, 2009

All B-boy Kingz was thrown in Ho Chi Minh City this past December and demonstrated that there are some serious beasts from the East(ern most country of Indochina)! The event, which was thrown by Peace United, pitted 16 of the country’s best b-boys to see who came out on top. Here’s a sample of what went down:

January 24, 2009 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Canada

Posted on December 30, 2008

I’ve never understood why Americans poked fun at Canada so much but their b-boys are definitely no joke. I wrote about the impact of Canadian b-boys Buddha and Lazy Legs but some others have also been very influential. Bag-o-Trix and Supernaturalz crews both helped popularize threading, an intricate footwork style (also known as origami style) that many b-boys do today.

Here’s a highlight clip of Dyzee of Supernaturalz Crew where he does a lot of threading:

December 30, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Iraq

Posted on December 7, 2008

This dance is seriously universal. There are breaker’s in Iraq, a country where adopting western styles can get you killed. The group’s first b-boy, who learned breaking while traveling abroad, was even killed for it. Here’s the piece that CNN did on the group:

December 7, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Cambodia

Posted on December 6, 2008

The NY Times recently had an article on Tiny Toones, an outreach program in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that uses breaking to empower Khmer youth. It was started 4 years ago by Tuy Sobil after he was deported from the U.S. on a felony charge.

Born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Long Beach, CA, he was unaware that he was actually a Cambodian citizen. Nor was he familiar with the U.S. law that mandates deportation for all Cambodian refugees convicted of a felony. He had been breaking for many years before being deported but didn’t plan to teach it when he first arrived. He initially worked as a drug counselor and started Tiny Toones only as a crew to practice with. After seeing the interest and impact it had on area youth, he decided to open it up, converting it to a full community outreach program.

Sobil now teaches breaking full-time and has over 150 students in Cambodia. For more information, check out the Tiny Toones website.

December 6, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Brazil

Posted on November 25, 2008

One of the world’s top emerging markets has a not-so-emergent breaking scene. Analysts and investors may regard Brazil as one BRIC’s four horseman but in the b-boy community, Brazil has been on the map for a while.

Coming from Sao Paulo, Tsunami All Stars take their city’s motto, “Non ducor, duco” (”I am not led, I lead”), to heart. From local dance floors to Battle of the Year in Germany, this crew is leading a new wave of Brazilian b-boys. Here’s a clip of their performance at South Korea’s World B-Boy Champion and Urban Arts Festival (R16) this past May:

November 25, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | 2 Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Iran

Posted on November 8, 2008

The U.S. is currently bumping heads with Iran and many speculate we me soon be at war. Instead of causing damage and stacking up body counts, why don’t the two countries settle their disputes the good old fashioned hip-hop way and battle!

I recently came across this video clip of breaking in Iran, including a competition held in Tehran. I don’t know too much about the b-boys in the clip (yet) but I’d much rather see a battle between them and U.S. b-boys instead of a war.

If you know anything about these b-boys, the event or breaking in Iran, please contact me, thanks!

November 8, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments

Breakdancing around the World: Kazakhstan

Posted on November 4, 2008

Though breaking started in the Bronx, NY, it has since grown from a U.S. fad to world-wide phenomenon. I‘ll periodically post a “Breakdancing around the World” blog to showcase b-boys and b-girls from all around the globe.

Like many Americans, I didn’t know much about the country of Kazakhstan until after Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan came out. It’s embarrassing to admit, but it wasn’t until I saw that movie did I pursue more information. To my surprise, I found a country rich with history, culture and an emerging global presence; not only is it the richest country in Central Asia, it’s also the 9th largest in the world.

Another little known fact is that the country has some extremely talented breakers. Check out the b-boys from Simple System and Nu Pogodi at the Threestyle 3 on 3 competition held in Kazakhstan this past September.

Part 1:

Part 2:

November 4, 2008 | In Breakdancing around the World | No Comments