Zulu Gremlin and Speedy Legs are two individuals that have taken part in numerous citywide breakdance competitions. Each year as our culture of Hiphop grows it is important to produce bigger and better events. This year we are working on a complete program geared directly towards the dance aspect of the Hiphop culture which is planned to be an annual event.

This event will be formatted into three segments:
1. Rehearsal/Preliminaries
2. Battle for Supremacy
3. The Ultimate Circle

Skills 3000 will be an important part of building our own history of Hiphop in South Florida which will give international exposure to the dance element of Hiphop.

Agenda

Part I. Open rehearsal at F.I.U's south campus in "The Pit". Each participant will have the time to show their skills and warm up for the following events.

Part II. B-boy battle at F.I.U's south campus. Each participant will go up against one another in an all out dance battle to decide who is the best B-boy. This event will be judged be various legends from around the world.

Part III. The Ultimate Circle. A ring where each dancer shows his stuff, not in competition, but in unity with all the other dancers. This event takes place in a suitable venue.

The activity on Miami's hiphop scene begins to pick up in late September and early October as the industry prepares for the upcoming music seminars and conferences. This year, we will feature Miami's native talents and business entities in a one of a kind hiphop event. It will further demostrate the artistci wealth found in Miami.

Formatted as a film/theatrical performance, Steady Buildin', will be an historical monument to the hiphop culture. It will be a catalyst for cultural awareness and also a great opportunity for Miami to witness the talents of its natives.

Steady Buildin' will be held at Florida International University. It has been planned as an evening event which will last only a few hours. This allows those who attend ample time for late night club events and shows.

The evening will begin with a choreographed dance routine. This will lead into a filmed documentary of the hiphop culture. There will be brief exhibitions of different types of "battling" including: MCs, DJs and B-boys. Each piece will have an introduction. The graffiti element will be unveiled onstage. A small panel of guest speakers will introduce the grand finale which will be a theatrical medley of Miami's recording artists.

Unlike a regular conference, Steady Buildin' will not be on how to make improvements, but how to create an industry that is united with a staff that promotes teamwork. If you are interested in a sponsorship program or need further information on Steady Buildin' please contact: Steve Roybal @ 1-718-299-4486 or Richard Fernandez @ 1-305-483-0557.

"Doin’ it in the park" celebration will bring the Pro-Am to a close with a graffiti convention with a live MC/DJ throwdown. Between the artists painting, the B-boys/B-girls on the linoleum and the freestyle session on the mic, this will be an ideal way to network and make last minute connections with international Hiphoppers before they depart until next year. Doin' It In The Park will be held at Flamingo Park, 1245 Michigan Avenue, in Miami Beach, Fl.

What is B-boyin'?
B-boyin' is one of four main elements in Hiphop culture. The media has labeled in as "breakdancing," but this term is not correct. The proper terminology is Break Boy, Beat Boy or Boogie Boy. The word B-boy is used loosely, but B-boys are not just Hiphop fans--they are dancers.

When did B-boyin’ originate?
B-boyin’ originated as a dance form in the early 1970’s.

Where did it originate?
It originated in the South Bronx, New York City in the early 70's. B-boyin’ was done at parties and outdoors jams. Some say its early roots came from other dance forms in Harlem and Brooklyn.

How did it evolve?
In the early 70's, B-boyin' was focused mainly on uprock styles and finesse. There was little floorwork involved. After this period, it phased out. In the late 70's and early 80’s, however, it was revived by a new generation. The dance became more spectacular at the introduction of powermoves and combined with floorrocking.

What are powermoves?
Powermoves are spins and combination moves that are more acrobatic and involve a great deal of strength.

Are they important?
Powermoves are important to an extent, but the real core of breakin' is in flavor, the artistic characteristics of dance. The new generations of b.boys must remember the true essence lies in style, art and character, rather than acrobatics.

What are the tools of B-boyin?

• Toprocking..................the introduction
• Footwork......................patterns done with leg maneuvers
• Freezes........................sudden stops and the finishing of moves
• Powermoves...............spins and acrobatics
• Brooklyn Uprocking or Burning...taunting, warlike dance made at the opponent
• Locking
• Popping
• Other styles of Boogaloo

Does B-boyin require physical training?
Yes, as many other dance forms, it does require training. B-boyin' is a strenuous artform, that requires the body to defy gravity and perform feats of incredible flexibility and endurance.

Who were some of the first dancers/crews?
Just to name a few...Rock Steady Crew, Rockwell Association, Floor Masters (New York City Breakers), Dynamic Rockers, Scramblin’ Feet...

Did B-boyin’ evolve from gangs?
Usually those who did dirt, stuck to dirt. Those who wanted some form of positive and recreational activity got involved in B-boyin'. Some gang members became dancers and were the ones who set the fashion for all of Hiphop.

Is it a cultural dance?
Yes it is, but unfortunately, many people do not know or understand the roots, heritage, triumphs, fallbacks and the upliftment of the dance.

How does B-boyin’ mix with boogieing and locking?
Breakin' is the acrobatical component of B-boyin’. Popping, boogie, and locking are miming, robotic, freestyle danceforms. These dances developed in the same era as breakin’, but are not the same thing. Because they evolved around the same time, they have similar characteristics. Popping, locking, and boogieing were usually danced to disco or funk. People often confuse them, but they are distinctly different danceforms.

What music is it danced to?
B-boyin' is usually done to breakbeats, which are the segments of a record that highlights the drummer. The art or lengthening breakbeats into one steady track was created by early DJ's.

Who gave the dance its name?
DJ Kool Herc from the Herculoids. He was one of the early DJ's in the Bronx.

Were there other DJ’s?
Yes, of the most popular in those days were Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Hollywood and GrandMaster Flash. There were many others, but that is a whole other element of Hiphop.

Why was the dance considered a fad or wrong to do?
Because of ignorance and exploitation, many people (even within the Hiphop community) considered B-boyin’ a passing thing. In the 80’s, the media hyped up the acrobatics of the dance, exploited it and then played it out. As a result many people gave it up. Others quit because they couldn’t keep up with the complexity of the moves or style.

Nonetheless, Breakin’ is a deep form of expression, and like all other artforms, will continue to evolve and thrive. Despite criticism, many true original masters continue to push for the recognition of the dance, and also pass it on to the youth as a positive form of discipline.

This is just a brief summary on the art, history and mechanics of B-boyin’. Future lessons will go into greater detail on this art that stretches so far from east to west and around the world.

Deepest respect to those who paved the way for the evolving of our artform. Your work will always be recognized.

For those who gave it up, you should never quit. For those who stayed true, much love and respect. You know who you are.

THE ART OF B-BOYIN’ IS IN EFFECT!!! PEACE.