When I was growing up, I didn’t have access to a breaking class. My teachers were the breakers I saw in music videos and movies.
I admired Turbo most. He was a character portrayed by iconic b-boy Boogaloo Shrimp in the ‘Breakin’ films. I remember he popped up a wall, like a breaker Spider-Man, then started to break on the ceiling.
Obviously, Turbo wasn’t the victim of a radioactive spider bite that gave him his abilities. He couldn’t actually stick to and climb walls. In my eyes, though, he was indeed a superhero.
Boogaloo, a captivating performer in real life, was also a representative of the culture, philosophy and practice of breaking.
For the kids who attend our “Breaking 101” classes, instructor B-boy Young One is their Turbo. I don’t think they’ve seen or expect him to climb the classroom walls and perform above their heads, but they are witness to his teachings that build skill, confidences, and serve as a window into an important aspect of the culture.
Our breaking class is a space to immerse in the culture, philosophy and practice of breaking. |THIS.
All of the Above HipHop Academy is a 501(c)3 organization of artists and educators using the elements of Hip-Hop culture to mentor youth, support their artistic expression, build their confidence, and nurture their development into community leaders. Our program teaches writing, break dancing, music production, and street art, meeting the needs of the youth across Lansing, MI
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker]
We go “Above & Beyond” every Wednesday at 8:00 AM!
