Rock on

When it comes to any performing art form, laymen hesitate to come in front. But there are some lots who can go to any extent just to keep going on. And there are some equally mad organisers who can do anything to make these dancers follow their dream. Red Bull BC One is definitely one of them. The breaking competition returns to India for its fifth straight year in the country. The first-ever edition in India in 2015 saw breakers from around the country travel to Mumbai to participate in workshops and Cyphers, with Flying Machine being crowned the first Red Bull BC One India Champion. Since then, the competition has grown in leaps and bounds in the country, with six City Cyphers being held last year. It is considered to be the most prestigious one-on-one breaking competition in the world. Every year, thousands of dancers across the globe vie for a chance to represent at the World Final. Sixteen breakers earn the right to enter into an all-out battle on the Red Bull BC One stage, but only one is crowned the champion.

This year, the competition is set to expand even further, with City Cyphers being held in more cities and the addition of four regional people of the same category. In previous editions breakers competed in City cyphers to earn their spot in the Cypher India; this year, those that are selected in the City Cyphers will then compete in the regional ones of their respective region. And, for the first time in the country, each region will also host B-Girl Cyphers, with two India Champions ultimately being selected at the national stage – one B-Boy and one B-Girl.

Kicking things off later is the East Zone, with Cyphers in Guwahati and Kolkata. Up next is the North Zone, with workshops and a City Cypher in Jalandhar on March 6, Delhi on March 8 and the Cypher North Zone in Delhi on March 9. Red Bull BC One All Star Lil G will judge proceedings in the North Zone.  Born Gibrahimer Beomont, Lil G began breaking at the age of 11, inspired by watching Venezuelan B-Boys Shadow and Cannon perform. He was given the name Lil G by his crew, Speedy Angels Family. When dancing, Lil G’s focus is threefold: power, style, and rhythm. Known for his intricate, original power moves and transitions, the dancer brings with him an extreme confidence that makes the most difficult moves look effortless.

The new format for this year includes additional regional Cyphers in each of the four regions of country, with the top 15 for the Cypher India being selected after these rounds. Good news for the time being, registrations for the north zone in Jalandhar and Delhi are now open. So go and rock.