Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Campus Life

Breakers from across the country compete in Walker Gymnasium

Break dancers from across the country filled Walker Gymnasium on Saturday, November 7 for the 3-on-3 B-boy competition, Ill Skilled Kings 2, presented by Five Elements and New Jersey Dance group, SKILLZ DE ILL. November is Hip Hop History Month and the essence of hip hop was felt as dancers used creative moves to battle their opponents. The competition was divided into preliminary matches, semi-finals and the final showdown where only two teams made it to compete for $300 and the title "King." Pro break dancers Moshe (Skill Methodz, FL), Abe (Flexible Flav, CA), and Meen187 (Dynamic Rockers, NY) participated to judge the competition. Jazzy Ivy (Rivers Crew, Korea), in a classic Bulls cap with the matching number 23 jacket, hosted the event with fresh swagger and an old-school hip hop tone.
In the preliminary rounds and semi-finals, teams came out strong. DJ Skeme Richards (Rocksteady Crew, Sesion 31) played a mixture of new school and old school dance beats that truly fired-up the crowd by the final match. The final match was between Repstyles (Philadelphia, PA) and Floor Obsession (New York, NY), a traditional Phillies vs. Yankees face-off. The six round, final battle was intense with the two teams using routines along with freestyle moves to display their best abilities. Repstyles won the competition. The judges admitted it was a tough decision. Medal, who has been dancing with Repstyles since 2004, is originally from Bermuda. His background attests to the diverse break dancing culture. "We train every day and we practice in everywhere," said Medal. Medal's drive to be the best is shared among many B-boys who dance on street corners, in train stations and anywhere they can express themselves.
Break dancing, also known as breaking is a unique culture in which dancers have a different style depending on their region and city. YBS Crew from Japan contributes to the break dancing culture in their unique style just as Infamous Zebra Mob of New Jersey adds their stamp of originality with nice air flares.
The event host, Jazzy Ivy, cemented the hip hop culture's International presence. Born in Brooklyn during the 1980s, Jazz grew up in the hip hop community. He moved to his family's native country Korea and brought with him the Brooklyn elements. He founded the Seoul City Rockers and quickly became the voice of the B-boy culture in Korea. "Through hip hop I open up doors," said Jazz. "I believe in being humble and being fresh."
Similarly, groups like Five Elements are committed to bringing the hip hop culture to Stevens. According to Five Elements President Barney Alvarez, the competition was originally planned to be hosted at Seton Hall University. "When Seton Hall fell through, I was approached by two Five Elements members that had ties to the dance competition and I agreed to bring the event to Stevens," said Alvarez. Five Elements members Armand Reyes, Oscar Jimenez, Sean Vasquez and John Holandez worked diligently to make the event a success. Red Bull sponsored the event to promote their Breakdance Championship One competition which took place on Wednesday, November 18, in New York City.

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