Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 2)

Welcome back to “Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 2).” Get ready for another thrilling exploration of the vibrant world of breakdancing as we introduce you to eight more incredible b-boys. From their innovative moves to their captivating performances, these dancers continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop dance culture. Join us as we shine a spotlight on their talent and delve deeper into the diverse styles and influences that shape the dynamic art of breakdancing. Whether you’re an avid breakdancer or simply curious about the scene, prepare to be inspired by the creativity and skill of these remarkable b-boys.

What are b-boys? B-boys, also known as breakdancers or breakers, are dancers who specialize in the art of breaking, a dynamic and athletic form of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the late 1970s. B-boying, or breaking, is characterized by its acrobatic movements, rhythmic footwork, intricate freezes, and power moves performed to the beats of hip-hop music.
B-boys often engage in battles or “cyphers,” where they take turns showcasing their skills in improvised dance routines, demonstrating their creativity, agility, and musicality. Breaking is not only a physical expression but also a cultural movement rooted in creativity, self-expression, and community.
B-boys and b-girls (female breakers) often form crews or groups to collaborate, train, and compete together. These crews serve as a support system and a source of camaraderie within the breaking community.
Overall, b-boys are highly skilled dancers who contribute to the vibrant and dynamic culture of hip-hop through their performances, battles, and dedication to the art of breaking.

Victor

Victor Montalvo, affectionately known as B-Boy Victor, stands as a towering figure in the world of breaking. Hailing from Kissimmee, Florida, Victor’s journey into breaking began at the tender age of six, under the guidance of his father, himself a former b-boy. It wasn’t until he turned 11, encouraged by his cousins, that Victor began to earnestly hone his skills in breaking. Now a proud member of esteemed crews such as Squadron, MF Kidz, and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, Victor’s dance style is characterized by its innovative fusion of foundational moves executed with grace and fluidity.

Renowned for his trademark moves like the Super Montalvo one-hand spin and the back-flip-into-flare combo, Victor has left an indelible mark on the breaking community. His competitive debut at the age of 14 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey filled with notable victories and achievements. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when Victor emerged victorious at the Red Bull BC One Cypher in Tampa, Florida, propelling him onto the global stage and opening doors to international competitions.

Among his extensive list of accolades are the 2015 and 2018 Silverback Open championships, the 2015 Red Bull BC One World Finals, and victories at prestigious events such as the Undisputed World B-Boy Series in 2015 and 2017, Outbreak Europe in 2017 and 2019, the 2019 World Urban Games, the 2021 WDSF World Breaking Championships, and the 2022 Red Bull BC One World Final in New York. With his latest triumph, Victor joined the elite ranks of only five breakers who have secured the coveted title more than once.

Hong 10

Hong 10, a living legend in the global breaking community, has cemented his legacy as a three-time Red Bull BC One World Final champion. Hailing from South Korea, Hong 10’s remarkable journey in breaking began in 1998. With wins at the prestigious Red Bull BC One titles in 2006, 2013, and most recently in 2023, he stands as only the second breaker in history to achieve this remarkable feat.

Reflecting on his latest victory, Hong 10 expressed his gratitude, stating, “My goal was to reach the final stage with Phil Wizard, so I was already content when I made it there. I’ve trained extensively with Phil; he’s on another level, but in battles, anything can happen. It’s never over until it’s over.”

At the tender age of 13, Hong 10 found his passion for breaking after being inspired by a friend’s practice session. Fuelled by his belief that he too could excel in the art form, he embarked on a journey marked by unparalleled determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Throughout his illustrious career, Hong 10 has captivated audiences with his breathtaking performances and a penchant for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Today, Hong 10 is revered worldwide for his mastery of the craft, boasting a repertoire of signature moves that have become iconic within the breaking community. His enduring impact on the art form serves as a testament to his unrivaled skill, dedication, and unwavering passion for breaking. As Hong 10 continues to inspire generations of breakers around the globe, his influence on the culture of breaking remains immeasurable.

Phil Wizard

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Phil Wizard’s journey as a breaker began at the young age of 12, inspired by the electrifying performances of the N.O.N crew on the streets of Vancouver. Drawn in by their mesmerizing moves, Phil turned to YouTube to delve deeper into the world of breaking, quickly developing a profound passion for the dance form. Mentored by the N.O.N crew and influenced by B-Boys JBugz and Reflex, as well as the Soul Felons crew, Phil found further inspiration from legendary breakers like Hong 10, Wing, Victor, and Issei, utilizing YouTube as a valuable tool for learning and motivation.

Now a proud member of the United Rivals, 7 Commandoz, and Red Bull BC One All Stars crews, Phil possesses a unique and creatively fluid style, characterized by its complexity and innovation. His journey to mastery has been fueled by rigorous training, a genuine love for the dance, and the invaluable guidance of his mentors and peers. Phil’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have propelled him to the pinnacle of the breaking world, earning him numerous championship titles.

Among his impressive accolades are victories at prestigious events such as the Red Bull BC One Cypher LA 2017, the Red Bull BC One Cypher Canada 2018, and the 2018 Undisputed World B-Boy Series in Morocco. Additionally, Phil achieved consecutive triumphs at the IBE solo competition in the Netherlands in 2018 and 2019, solidifying his status as one of the world’s top b-boys.

For Phil, breaking transcends mere dance – it’s a passion that has not only shaped his identity but also enriched his understanding of life. Through breaking, he has learned invaluable lessons in consistency, hard work, and gratitude. Phil’s philosophy for success in breaking centers on embracing individuality and authenticity, urging fellow dancers not to compromise their unique style for the sake of victory. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep connection with one’s art, advocating for dancers to find comfort and confidence in their own creative expression. As Phil continues to inspire and innovate, his impact on the breaking community reverberates far and wide, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.

Lee

Lee, a rising star among the new generation of Dutch breakers, hails from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. His journey into breaking commenced at the astonishingly young age of two, inspired by the rhythmic movements of his b-girl mother. Growing up immersed in the breaking culture, Lee accompanied his mother to competitions, where he developed a deep appreciation for the art form and nurtured his ambition to become a dancer himself.

Under the mentorship of Shailesh Bahoran from the Illusionary Rockers crew, Lee’s skills flourished as he absorbed knowledge and exchanged ideas with his mentor for five formative years. In 2010, he found a home in The Ruggeds crew, forging strong bonds with his fellow members and embracing a sense of camaraderie within the group.

Throughout his training with The Ruggeds, Lee cultivated a distinctive breaking style characterized by dynamic flexibility, seamless fluidity, and an element of unpredictability. His repertoire includes original sliding moves and traveling windmills, with his signature move being a mesmerizing combination of elbow slides and windmill rotations, showcasing his unparalleled agility and creativity.

Lee’s remarkable talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including victories at esteemed competitions such as Crashfest in 2020, the 2021 Red Bull BC One E-Battle, and the 2022 Dutch Breaking Solo B-Boy competition. Notably, he teamed up with fellow crew member Phil Wizard to claim the championship at the 2022 LCB 2v2 competition in Belgium and emerged victorious alongside B-Boy Link at the 2022 World Breaking Classic 2vs2 competition.

As a proud member of the Red Bull BC One All Stars, Lee remains committed to surrounding himself with individuals who share his passion for breaking and who are dedicated to showcasing the art form to the world. With his unwavering drive and boundless creativity, Lee continues to push the boundaries of breaking, leaving an indelible mark on the global breaking community.

Summary

In “Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 2),” we continue our journey into the world of breakdancing by introducing eight more exceptional b-boys. From their innovative moves to their captivating performances, these dancers showcase the diversity and creativity within the hip-hop dance community. Through this exploration, readers gain insight into the unique styles and influences that shape the dynamic art of breakdancing. Whether you’re a seasoned breakdancer or simply curious about the scene, this series offers an inspiring look into the talent and passion of these remarkable b-boys.