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Just dance
World breakdancing champion Ronnie Abaldonado talks about the local dance scene and his new gig judging B-Boy battles
- PUBLISHED: Sun 2 Oct 2011, 11:47 AM UPDATED: Tue 17 Sept 2024, 12:01 PM
Just dance
World breakdancing champion Ronnie Abaldonado talks about the local dance scene and his new gig judging B-Boy battles
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What does it take to be a top B-Boy?
It takes a lot of practice, commitment and dedication.Most of all one must learn through experience.
How did you get to be a breakdancer?
I started at age 10, emulating breakdance moves from TV. Since I was young and limber, the moves came natural to me. At first, like all rookies all I wanted to do was spin. Through the years I learned that there was more to the dance - and I never would have thought that it would end up being my career.
How would you describe your style?
I have a very intricate style. A lot of my transitions flow and connect fluidly, like I am telling a story. I have a threading style but I incorporate all other elements of breaking as well.
How much time do you spend dancing every day?
I train at least two hours a day, five days a week.
What's the craziest thing that's happened to you on stage?
The craziest thing that happened to me on stage was actually falling off stage!
You've been a judge for Braun Battle of the Year, tell us a little bit about that.
The Braun Battle Of The Year (BOTY) is the biggest B-Boycompetition I've judged so far. I've never seen a stadium filled with so many spectators there solely to watch B-Boys perform! I'm sure it's also gonna be a hell of an event this year. I also think now that BOTY has teamed up with the guys from Braun, this adds an additional lifestyle component to it, which I think is pretty nice. After all, breakdancing is also about expressing your style and looking cool and beards are a part of this.
What will you be looking for in the winner of the Braun Battle?
At times it can be difficult to rate other B-Boys in a competition because the dance is so subjective. Because I've been doing it for so long there are categories that I pay full attention to like musicality, stage presence, originality, foundation and - most importantly - execution. It's a lot easier to vote against someone if they mess up though!
Are you surprised by the level of talent found here in the Middle East?
Each time I visit the UAE, the talent in the region seems to get better and better. The UAE is bursting with young energy, and I'm sure that there is so much potential here which will come out on to the international scene. We will all have to watch out for it.
