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 Welsh
Open Bboy Championship – Preview
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QED
 Lets be honest, when you think of Wales it’s likely you’ll think of Tom
Jones, leg waxed rugby stars or indeed the old cliché ‘land where the
sheep live in people’s homes’ before much else. You could be forgiven
for not putting Bboying on your ‘Things I know about Wales’ list,
because frankly there wasn’t much of an association to make. That is
until now!
Whilst the Welsh hiphop scene has seen a resurgence in the last few
years, with the musical talents of Keltech & Johnny B, The
Breaknecks, Headcase Ladz and HSG all championing the
South Wales accent to those over the Severn Bridge, the other ‘elements’
of hiphop may have been viewed as getting left behind; none more so than
the art of Bboying (Breakdancing). However, if you happen to have been
doing the Cardiff or Newport club circuit recently, you may have noticed
some of the Welsh Bboys and Bgirls in action on the dance floor. Some of
these individuals are ‘older’ statesmen who’ve taken a well earned break
and come back to the scene with old skool skills, whilst the others are
the ‘new breed’ of highly charged, creative youngsters. This is what
currently defines the Welsh Bboy scene, the mix of youth and experience,
allowing development of the art whilst staying true to the roots.
“...You
could be forgiven for not putting Bboying on your ‘Things I know about Wales’
list… until now...”
Still, it’s all well and good having the individuals with skills, but
with no real platform apart from the odd grotty club floor to showcase
their skills, how’s the rest of the UK or indeed the world to see what
Wales has to offer? This is where the Welsh Open Bboy Championships
steps up to the mantle. Wales first ever Bboy championship battle
guarantees to display battling of the highest order, with 15 crews from
across the UK and Europe coming to compete. Hosted by internationally
renowned Bboy hero Dolby D of the London All Stars
alongside Dregz and Captain, promoters from Wales’
well-respected and loved urban night - Higher Learning, the event
draws together individuals from across the world, transcending social
and cultural boundaries. But rather than just inviting neighbours such
as Born to Rock and Children of The Monkey Basket into
their own backyard, Wales has two of its own crews, The Uprock
Addicts and H2O, hoping to represent the flag. That’s not all
though.
Described by organisers as a “hip-hop extravaganza”, this day long
spectacular event will not be a ‘Bboy-only’ affair, combining other
elements of hip-hop culture alongside the Bboying competition, including
DJs, MCs and Graffiti art. Spectators will be treated to special guest
performances from world Bboy legends Second 2 None, Welsh hiphop
act The Breaknecks, renowned DJ Jaffa and funk act Dark
Chunk.
The Championship event managers have also preceded the main event with a
number of Jams and qualifiers in both Newport and Cardiff, including:
2ndJuly – DJ/MC Battle (Toucan Club, Cardiff)
13th July – DJ/MC Battle (Zanzibar, Newport)
“...It’s hoped
that many more kids across Wales and indeed the UK will be inspired by what they
see...”
 Whilst the main event may only be a one day show, the aim is to cause
ripples that last for generations rather than memories of a great day
out that fade in a week. Championship organiser, Dennis Mackenzie
explains what he hopes people will gain from it “…importantly it is a
showcase opportunity, engaging young people in a positive and
alternative culture which embraces activity and celebrates hard-work,
commitment and of course the skills of the art.” As a result it’s hoped
that many more kids across Wales and indeed the UK will be inspired by
what they see. For whatever reasons people are motivated to take up the
art, be it exercise, expression or just to show off to mates, this event
is sure to attract more dedicated followers to the world of Bboying. The
fact that this is to take place in Wales, a place to date starved of
such events, is a blessing. With the next generation taking it up, new
fresh ideas will be injected into Welsh Bboying scene, ensuring its keep
safe for many more years to come. Failing that, it’ll be a great day out
for all those who attend! So what’re you waiting for? Make sure you get
your tickets and pencil the date into your diary, because on the 30th
July, an event unparalleled in Wales is about to go off in Newport!
Click here to view the flyer.
The Welsh Open Bboy Championships will take place on Saturday 30th July
2005 @ Newport Centre, Newport, South Wales. Doors open 3pm – 11pm
Tickets will cost £12.50 in advance or £15 on the door.
Further information on the Championships can be found on the Bboy Wales
website, www.bboywales.com.
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