When seven of the world’s finest holed up in a cargo van to participate in the Red Bull BC One– a no holds barred, 3-minute b-boy competition to decide who’d get the throne and bring all other dancers to their knees – it was a chance bond with fellow b-boyers to develop friendships and even participate in a little friendly competition. But what began as an amicable journey ended up getting a little dysfunctional, as tempers flared and one of the boys decided to go Greyhound.
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.
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.