The first thing B-boy Ronnie does is correct me: apparently, the fast paced, acrobatic dance style is not actually called ‘break dancing’.
‘B-boying is politically the correct term for the dance that we do, and it is one of the four elements of Hip Hop. For someone that hasn’t seen it before, it is a dance that consists of top rock dance steps, footwork, power moves (spins), and freezes,’ he says. He knows of what he speaks: he won the Redbull BC One in 2007, before going on as part of Super Cr3w, who placed second in the second season of America’s Best Dance Crew.
Shows such as that have helped to popularize the dance, and in recent years you can see people all over the world practicing their best tricks. That’s how Ronnie himself got started.
‘[I learned] by watching old school movies and emulating my older brother. I was young and hungry to learn something new, like most kids,’ he says. From there, he practiced until he became good enough to get noticed.
‘It is a street dance so we don’t necessarily need special shoes like tap or ballet,’ says Ronnie. ‘It is a rare dance form that incorporates other styles like capoeira and gymnastics but it still has a foundation that defines what a true b-boy is.’
The Red Bull BC One started in 2004 and has grown from there, becoming what it is today: an international competition where b-boys battle it out one on one in knockout tournament style. Sixteen b-boys will compete in each country, before going on to face off in the regional competition. The best 16 from around the world will head to the finals, this year in Rio de Janerio, Brazil, to see who will be crowned ‘The One’.
In Doha, there are two chances to make it to the stage. On May 3, there’s the Workshop & Qualifier, where dancers will get a chance to learn from the best, the judges of this year’s competition: B-boy Ronnie, B-boy Lamine and B-boy Neguin. Anyone can participate, and organizers are hopeful that new talent will get a chance to shine this year. But even though amateurs are welcome, Ronnie says those with more experience may have an edge.
‘An experienced b-boy who has battled before will probably have the best chances. My advice is to be patient and train hard before entering a big competition,’ he says. ‘I will be looking for good form and technique, foundation, power, dynamics, good style and originality, musicality, and of course charisma!’
The judges will then select the 16 dancers who will compete for the Qatar National Final on May 4.
‘It is challenging and fun at the same time. Also, if you are passionate about music and dance it is hard not to do it!’ says Ronnie. It’s also fun to watch. He says people all over the world participate, as well as turn up just to watch the twists, turns and tricks.
‘People all over the world that support the hip hop culture and the art form [come out],’ he says. ‘When they see something they’ve never seen before or something they can’t do, they applaud.’
He’s been on the road with the rest of the judges, bouncing all over the Middle East looking for the region’s best dancers.
‘I love travelling the world and meeting new b-boys and exploring different cultures. It is amazing that I have a common interest with b-boys all over the world, and I am able to share my experiences, knowledge, and philosophy,’ he says. ‘The culture [here] is definitely different but the b-boys share the same language when it comes to the dance. B-boying (break dancing) breaks barriers, and when we get down in a cypher, we speak the same language.’
The Red Bull BC One kicks off with the Workshop & Qualifer on May 3 at the Renaissance Hotel Doha. Anyone can participate, but must register by calling 6600 4820. The best 16 will move on to the national final on May 4 at the Pearl-Qatar, starting at 6pm. Entrance is free for spectators. The final 16 will be randomly selected to compete against each other, with one b-boy or b-girl to represent Qatar at the regional final in Cairo. For more information, check out www.redbullbcone.com.
