Austin Gears Up for an Exciting Weekend of Breakdancing and Film
Austin, Texas, is set to become the center of the breakdancing world as it hosts the 30th annual BBoy City XXX competition this Labor Day weekend from August 30 to September 1. The event promises to be packed with action, featuring breakdancing battles, a mini film festival, and a lively block party, all celebrating a culture that is 30 years strong in the competitive scene.
Celebrating Breaking’s Olympic Debut
This year is particularly significant for the sport of breaking, as it marks its debut in the 2024 Olympics. Though Austin may not be a typical location for breakdancing scenes in movies and music videos, the city’s breakdancing culture is vibrant and thriving.
The event is presented in partnership with the Snipes Pro Breaking Tour, which is a national competition circuit. Some competitors are expected to participate in this local competition, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere.
A Call for Change in the Sport
Notably, B-Boy Victor, an American dancer, clinched the bronze medal on the men’s side during earlier competitions, while sadly no American women secured medals. The Olympic spotlight has shed light on pressing questions regarding accessibility and representation within the sport, which have been significant points of discussion among dancers and enthusiasts alike.
Film Festival Kicks Off the Celebrations
Kicking off the weekend’s festivities is the Shoot to Live film festival, which will take place on August 30. This partnership with the Austin Film Society aims to highlight the art of breaking through film. With films focused on the culture and lifestyle surrounding breakdancing, there will also be a panel for determining the best film. The festival is expected to last for only two hours, leaving ample time for attendees to head over to the kickoff party immediately afterwards.
Kickoff Party with a Bang
The party will take place at the downtown cocktail bar ReyRey and promises a fun-filled evening with hip-hop DJs, a VIP lounge, a cosplay contest, and exciting giveaways. While the party is open to everyone, attendees must be 21 and up. The first 100 guests can enter for free, with general admission priced at $10.
Breaking Battles Await
The breaking battles will commence the following day at the South Austin Recreation Center, known for its popular breaking classes. Entry for each competition day is set at $25. Saturday will feature preliminaries, with the final selection of the athletes announced later in the day. On Sunday, competitors will face off in both group and youth solo battles, with winners receiving exciting prizes including trips to Los Angeles for renowned events like the Freestyle Session and the national championship for youth breaking.
A Heartfelt Mission
The BBoy City event has a social conscience, as it was founded back in 1998 by Romeo Navarro and Roger Davis to provide kids with an outlet for self-expression and a way to stay out of trouble. As the event continues to thrive, it remains dedicated to its roots and the community it serves.
Additional Events in Austin
This weekend doesn’t only boast breakdancing festivities. Austin is buzzing with activities, including concerts from renowned artists like Sexyy Red, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and more. Visitors can also catch contemporary art exhibitions and comedy shows, making it a weekend full of entertainment.
For more detailed information on BBoy City and to purchase tickets, you can visit their website at bboycity.com.
