February
2004
B-Boys and B-Girls |
|
|
 |
| Steady,
upside down |
|
|
In
a head-on collision between the increasing popularity of Hip Hop and
the ever-growing 80s revival, Derby Dance Centre has started running
breakdancing lessons.
Elizabeth Kneale went along. |
|
When
I arrived at the Derby Dance Centre, I walked into a scene from Breakdance.
Decks had been set up in the café for the monthly 'Elements
Flex' night and the music was blaring.
There were baggy trousers and hoodies all round and a group of lads
were showing off their moves on the dance floor. I couldn't help but
feel out of my depth so I was relieved to discover there is a separate
'B-girl's' lesson once a month and I'd come on the right night.
Andrea Parker, who took the B-girl's group, is the UK number one,
better known as 'B-girl Firefly'. She was friendly and the beginners
visibly relaxed as she started talking.
 |
| Junior
spins |
One of
the major influences in breakdance is the Brazilian martial art 'capoeira'
which was developed by African slaves in Brazil. Fighting wasn't allowed
but singing and dancing were, so they prepared for rebellion by introducing
fight moves into their dancing.
A crowd would circle the dancers and if a guard came close, the fighting
would turn into a dance again. A lot of kicks and spins come from
capoeira, as does the idea of dancing in a circle.
Firefly took us through some 'top rock' to warm up. This is what breakers
use to introduce themselves and move into the centre of the circle.
It's their way of saying "This is me".
Breakdancing started out in the New York dance clubs. Gangs would
be thrown out if they fought, so they 'battled' using dance instead.
Breakers use 'battle rock' when they are in a competition situation.
It's like saying: "Come on then mate, give me your worst."
I think mine said: "Pick on me."
Senior Dance Development Worker Lenny was pleased to hear I was going
to come regularly. "We're trying to encourage more females to
come, then we can make the B-girl class a regular thing."
Until then, I'll be braving the Strictly Breaking class every Wednesday
at 7.15pm.
Elizabeth
Kneale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Contact
Us |
BBC Derby
PO Box 104.5
Derby
DE1 3HL
(+44) 01332 361111
derby@bbc.co.uk |
|
|
