Legendary b-boy crew Full Force celebrated their milestone anniversary in Las Vegas on January 2, complete with a full-blown and appropriately decadent after-party at the Red Rock Casino and Cherry Nightclub. Enlisting the most worthy in the rising scene of b-boy talent to aid the party, spectators were encouraged to strut their stuff for the masters, and the party kept a competitive streak while maintaining the family vibe it’s become well-known for. That’s probably why the event felt as much like an all-out battle, as it did a friendly fight between true champions.
Rising break star Artson Rocksteady took to the mic and emceed the event in his usual dramatic flair and razor wit, and DJs BZB and Soulrayne of People of the Sun were there to provide the music. Other breaking gurus there to judge the show included Hong 10 of Drifers/7 Commandoz fame, and Rainen of Full Force/Footwork Fanatix. ChinaShop talked to Ronnie Abaldonado of Full Force recently to get his take on how he thought the event went down and what will hopefully be the first of many anniversary parties to come. It was easy to get a sense of his pride in being part of such a hard-working crew, but also that FF is making it a goal to do more to get the b-boy fans to Vegas. “It’s the entertainment capital of the world, and there’s so much going on here in the b-boy scene.” He also spoke fondly of the family values Full Force had taken time to instill — just a place where b-Boys could feel at home. “It gets competitive, sometimes too much so,” said Ronnie. “That’s part of the reason I think Full Force does anniversaries and celebrations. To remind everyone that it is home.”
Full Force is already talking of doing anniversaries in Vegas each year to keep the competition steady, and the family and friends coming. “This is the first time all the generations of Full Force b-boyers were brought together under the same roof,” said Ronnie. “I think it proved that Full Force is a great crew to check out if you’re looking a have fun and just chill.” That laid-back vibe has also earned them a shitload of titles and a reputation as among the best in the world. We’ll keep you posted on more Full Force events as they take place. In the mean time, check out Full Force’s reality blog.
Words by Jeff Nau
