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 | |
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