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Left to Right: David “MEX ONE” Alvarado, Jose’ “Keebz” Chapa, and Ronnie Abaldanado”

Ronnie Abaldonado (Red Bull B-Boy RonnieBoy 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, 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.

Like Abaldonado, Robles has been dancing for more than half of his life and has already seen his share of sacrifice for the art.  He left his family in Texas and moved to Orlando where he continues to hone his skills dancing at a local theme park.

“B-Boy life…it’s got it’s ups and downs, you know? Sometimes I feel like I ain’t doin’ this shit forever. It’s a struggle…but I love it.” Robles says.

Though a lot was said about the struggle, more was said about Ronnie’s example and the hope it brings for the future of B-Boying.  If Orlando’s enthusiastic reception of “Turn it Loose” is any indicator, B-Boys around the world will soon have a lot more to look forward to.

Ray “Sticka” Robles and Ronnie Abaldonado trade war stories

World class B-Boys breaking bread at Graffiti Junktion

After dinner, the crew spent a night out in Orlando.  The first stop was a packed house at Tabu Nightclub and then hours later, The Dragon Room on Orlando’s historic Church Street.

Tabu Nightclub welcomes Ronnie

A packed house at Tabu Nightclub

Ronnie and crew

The Dragon Room’s DJ keeps the crowd moving

The Dragon Room

Cramped spaces couldn’t stop this local

 

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