Break dancing has evolved into a global phenomenon, culminating in its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Summer Games. However, the sport remains deeply connected to its roots in the city where it all started.
On May 9, the top breakers from around the world assembled in the heart of the Big Apple for the Red Bull BC One New York Cypher, held at Racket NYC in Chelsea. The event marked Red Bull BC One’s second stop of their U.S. circuit, preceding the National Final in Denver, Colorado.
Over the last two decades, Red Bull has given “wiiings” to breakers across the globe, establishing itself as the leading platform for international breaking. While the sport is enjoyed worldwide, there’s something special about celebrating breakdancing in the birthplace of hip hop.
“One of the beautiful things that you get out of Red Bull BC One New York is that it’s the Mecca,” B-Boy Prevail, a New York City-based breaker and co-host of the event, told amNewYork. “You get to see it from the birthplace, you get that energy, because it was created here… I love New York because it’s a melting pot, and it’s one of those places that just brings it all to the table. You see it all, everything – diversity, beauty. You mix it all together and then you get breaking… New York is where it’s at, and shout out to the Knicks.”
A sold-out crowd filled Racket NYC to watch 104 talented breakers take the floor in the preliminary stages, competing across the B-Boy and B-Girl categories. While the audience enjoyed the elite competition, they were also treated to a performance from Queens-based rapper Rome Streetz.
The event boasted a highly accomplished judge in Victor Montalvo, better known as B-Boy, a two-time Red Bull BC One World Champion and BC One All Star. Montalvo made history as the first American breaker to qualify for the Paris Olympics and went on to win a bronze medal. Speaking with amNewYork, he detailed what makes New York’s breaking scene so special.
“It comes from here, of course. There’s that rawness of the dance, the dancers, and how hungry they are, so that’s something cool to see.”
That raw energy was on full display as New York-based breakers and first-time BC One competitors, B-Boy Break and B-Girl Krazy, emerged victorious in their respective categories and earned their spots in the National Final. The runners up, B-Boy Gravity and B-Girl Nikki, also punched their ticket to Denver.
“This was my first Red Bull BC One, and I felt a little bit nervous, but I’m just very proud that I went out there, did my thing, and felt the music out,” said B-Boy Break. “I’m really excited for Denver and think I’m going to do really good, but the job’s not finished yet.”
Added B-Girl Krazy: “It felt so amazing [to compete] because this is just what I’ve been training for. I’ve been watching Red Bull BC One since I was younger, and I’ve just been waiting ‘til it was my time… my time came, and I won!”
The Red Bull BC One USA National Final will be held from May 16-18 and will be livestreamed on the Red Bull BC One YouTube and Facebook channels.
