We went backstage at Germany’s national qualifier for the biggest and most prestigious breaking competition in the world: Red Bull BC One. Dancers competed for a spot at November’s World Final in Toronto. Beyond the sweat and intensity was a strong sense of respect, reminding us that this community shows up for each other whenever they can.
Melkez (17), Köln
“Since I was 10, I’ve wanted to stand on this stage. Now I can finally introduce myself.”
Nastyhai, aka Tiger5 (21), Erfurt
“You know, for me, it’s like this.: not everybody speaks the same language. We’re all foreigners to each other. Deep down, if we’re in this hip hop community, we all can understand each other and still have a conversation, even if we don’t talk. That’s what I like about breaking people.”
Vartan Bassil (50), Flying Steps CEO & Artistic Director, Berlin
“In the breaking scene, we love to battle each other, but always creatively. That’s why this is one of the biggest competitions. For a lot of people, the goal is to win this once. That’s why it’s the top of the top. B-boys and B-girls of the world meet on this high level, and when you win this, you know you’re one of the best.”
Adamant (22), Berlin & Daniel (21), Munich
Adamanat: “I’ve been breaking for 11 years. The vibe is crazy. It’s my lifestyle. It depends on what your goals are, but if you want to go big, this is the place. But it’s good not to get so stressed. Just be calm.” Daniel: “I’ve been breaking for nine years now. It means a lot to me, but you need to also have something else in your life. Sometimes, you get tunnel vision. Breaking is everything and you want to be the best. Then you’re standing in your own way sometimes. It’s really important to find a balance between breaking as a competition and breaking as your whole lifestyle.”
Vanessa (27), Hamburg
“I’ve been breaking for three years, so I’m a newcomer. I used to do hip hop, choreography and dancing theatre. I love being on stage. I met some breakers and we started practicing together. I learned new moves. I just love the music and the athletic part and combining it, and I fell in love. Since then, I’ve been practicing every day.”
Minja (26), Berlin
“Dance is a version of self-expression. So is style, clothing and fashion. If you’re a dancer, they go hand in hand most of the time. This is what I’m comfortable in, this is how I normally walk around and this is also how I dance. I always dance with a hat or a beanie – anything on my head. Mostly because you have to protect your head. ”
MP Freshly (Rapper), Frankfurt
“I had a show last year at Red Bull and they introduced me to breakdancing. The community in Germany is so strong. I was overwhelmed. Since then, I got more into it. Now I just love it. I’m performing at the half-time show today. I’m gonna tear up the stage and I need the energy from all the dancers. I’m hyped.”
MJag (30), Dortmund
“When I was on stage, I felt the crowd, I felt the people and I felt really good about it. I used to get nervous – seriously. But now I learn to trust my body and just feel it, you know?”
Lennyesterday (22), Köln & Simox Slime (23), Baden-Baden
Lennyesterday: “Breaking is really hard to explain because this is just like a big family. There’s a lot of love in the community, a lot of respect. Everybody can be whoever they want to be. In general, hip hop values are still held high in breaking. That’s what I love.” Simox Slime: “You have a place to sleep everywhere in the world. This is a thing I saw in my career. Anywhere I was in the world, I had a place to sleep, I had friends. And this is the story of how we met.”
Sapphira (18), Berlin
“I’ve been a B-girl for almost two years and it’s my first time here. I’m really excited. It’s very special to be on the BC One stage. I just want to enjoy the moment.”
Sanam (23), Pforzheim
“I’m known for my power moves, which are not usually for girls. That’s my strength, f’sure. But this year, I want to be more fresh, dancing more – a combination of both. This is one of the biggest competitions in breaking, so it’s everybody’s dream to win it and be on the world stage. That’s what makes the Red Bull Cypher so special.”
If you’re interested in the Berlin breakdance scene, read up on B-girl Jilou here.
