This month, the Winter Music Conference in Miami celebrated its 25th anniversary, and it’s safe to say things have come quite a long way — and maybe not so long — since its inception in 1985. But there’s been some speculation about the WMC in the past few years: is it relevant? Or has it devolved from the trend-setting, groundbreaking event thousands of people flock to every year, to something insipid and boring?
The Clinic
Day two began with a two hour b-boy clinic lead by Red Bull BC One champ and 17yr veteran Ronnie Abaldonado. 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.
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.