CP NEWS: The B-Boys (and Girls) of Summer

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-Derreck Johnson

Formed way back in 1977 (when most of you Clubplanet readers weren’t even born yet), the Rock Steady breakdancing group was merely a way to stay occupied during the days and nights. Little did these Bronx kids know that their brainchild would become a global phenomenon, a key part of the dance community, and a major influence in the growth of hip-hop.

Every summer, the Rock Steady Crew converges in New York City to celebrate their existence and, more important, to educate the ignorant on this art form. B-boys and b-girls from all over the world join in the fun to meet each other and to show off their moves. For Rock Steady's 29th Anniversary, crobar opened up their doors to the festivities as RSC hosted a 2-on-2 b-girl battle, a general b-boy battle and team battles. Here's what we learned.



1) Whatever you do, don’t try this at home.

Many of the moves may seem easy at first (when you’re good, you can make things look easy), but involve a tremendous amount of flexibility, physical strength, and mental dexterity. Don’t go clearing out your bedroom and moving furniture to the side to attempt a head spin. I promise you will hurt yourself. Badly.

2) Don’t get nervous. They’re not gonna fight.

A very important ingredient to a b-boy battle is attitude. The whole point is to show your opponent that you are better than him or her. So to accentuate your style, you may want to get in their face to fluster them, flip a few birds and/or generously simulate fellatio to get the crowd behind you.

3) Your most important ally is the music.

The whole point of battling is to see who has the best moves in conjunction with whatever song is playing. The b-boys and b-girls of the old school fine tuned their craft to “breaks,” old school records that a specific point in a song, “break down” to the essence of the production, the drum. So you could get all Cirque du Soleil on the dance floor with your fancy flips and what-not. If it doesn’t look good with the music, just have a seat and watch someone that knows what they are doing.

4) Don’t go shopping for a new outfit before the battle.

It’s kind of like the old pick-up basketball story. The new guy who walks into the park wearing a brand new jumpsuit, goggles, wristbands and sneakers with everything matching to perfection PROBABLY isn’t that good. Dress comfortable when you’re about to go do your thing. Loose clothing and broken-in kicks make for an easier battle.

5) Do your homework.

If you think you’re ready, chances are you’re STILL not ready. Watch DVDs, go to b-boy battles and hang out with veterans before you even attempt to step into a circle to do your thing. Your goal is to do something new, something that has never done before. If you’re really itching to get your practice on, go to your local club and challenge that skinny guy that comes every week w/ the Dragon Ball Z haircut and glowsticks. He’ll accept. Guaranteed.

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