(World class B-Boys breaking bread at Graffiti Junktion)
Ronnie Abaldanado (Red Bull B-Boy representing Full Force & Super Cr3W) descended into the sweltering Orlando heat for the worldwide premiere of Turn it Loose, a documentary about six world class B-Boys battling it out to become the Red Bull BC One Champion.
Joined by the winners of this year’s “Soul Cypher Jam”, Ronnie got down to business in Thornton Park’s “Graffiti Junktion.” Ronnie is considered a fixture within the international community of B-Boys so it’s no surprise that local breakers like David “MEX ONE” Alvarado and Jose’ “Keebz” Chapa are on a first name basis with the former Red Bull BC One Champ. With conversation around the table ranging from the resurgence of B-Boy culture in mainstream media to event promotion and merchandising, it’s clear that for these guys B-Boying is about more than just dance.
(Ray “Sticka” Robles and Ronnie Abaldanado trade war stories)
Ray “Sticka” Robles, a 13yr veteran of the art explains,
“The greatest thing about B-Boying is that it gives you good, humble feelings…all these different artists respect each other cuase we do it for the dance. It’s nice.”
From the start of the night, it’s evident that each of these guys see their role in the B-Boying community as more than just enthusiasts, but rather ambassadors for a culture that many have claimed to be dead.
>>READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE<<
The Clinic
Day two began with a two hour b-boy clinic lead by Red Bull BC One champ and 17yr veteran Ronnie Abaldanado. After a brief meet and greet, Ronnie (accompanied by the Red Bull DJ) launched into a challenging routine that hurtled the students through the basics of B-Boying with the style only Ronnie could bring.
With over 20 B-Boys (and B-Girls) in attendance, the warehouse rehearsal studio heated up as everyone got busy learning how to sharpen their toprock, spice up their footwork, and build toward the perfect freeze. Later on, the students showed Ronnie their power moves in an impromptu cypher.
The Movie Premiere
The highlight of the weekend was the worldwide premiere of Turn it Loose, a documentary about six world class B-Boys battling it out to become the Red Bull BC One Champion. Breakers traveled to Orlando from all over the US from places as far as Colorado!
(Ronnie with Thanarat “Terry” Phuvapaisalkij from Colorado’s dance2live Crew)
Thanarat “Terry” Phuvapaisalkij and Yuta (a fellow breaker) from dance2live Crew hopped a Greyhound bus from Colorado to Orlando just for the world premiere and a chance to dance at an event judged by Ronnie.
“My buddy Yuta found out about the Orlando event JUST THIS WEEK so we bought $300 bus tickets so we wouldn’t miss out” recalled Terry.
Who could argue with that?
As the theater filled all the way to the top row, David “MEX ONE” Alvarado led a Q&A session with Ronnie. The enthusiastic crowd of over 100 B-Boys and B-Boy enthusiasts participated in a conversation about the future of B-Boy culture and what it takes to claim the number one spot.
Judging from the cheers and gasps during the film, “Turn it Loose” was a hit with this crowd.
Terry called from a stop on his 40+ hour bus ride home to share his thoughts on the film.
“I thought it was great” he enthused over the phone. “Before the movie I had this perception that the top B-Boys were superhuman…but after the movie I could see tha tthese guys are really just like me.” After a pause he added, “It gives me inspiration to back get back home and work harder.”
>>READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE<<
>>View More photos in our Gallery Here<<