Canadian Break Dance Community Builders Awards celebrates 40 years of breakdancing legacy

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Spins like whirlwinds on graffiti-stained ground. Windmills and flares defy gravity’s reign. Each motion a verse in the rhythm’s sweet sound, symphony born from struggle and pain.

Headspins like dreams that defy the night’s clutch. Freeze frames like statues, strength in repose. In the flicker of streetlights, with a gentle touch, breakers weave stories in swift, fluid prose.

Footwork-like whispers, a secret revealed. Toprocks and drops paint tales in the air. With every beat hit, and every wound healed, the dance speaks of life, fierce and fair.

In the circle, a cipher, where energy flows. The art of the break transcends mere delight. It is an ode to resilience that endlessly grows, a battle, a celebration, under the moon’s light…

Breakdancing has significantly enriched Toronto’s cultural landscape, weaving a dynamic thread through the city’s vibrant display of artistic expression. From the streets of Kensington Market to the bustling corners of Yonge-Dundas Square, breakdancing has emerged as a powerful, energetic force, embodying the diverse spirit of Toronto. This unique art form transcends language and cultural barriers, uniting people from all walks of life through its captivating blend of athleticism, rhythm, and creativity.

Breakdancers in the GTA don’t just perform; they tell stories of resilience, innovation, and community, transforming urban spaces into live canvases of bodily self-expression. Their movements echo the city’s pulse, reflecting its multicultural heartbeat and fostering a sense of belonging and pride. In 1983, a public outdoor competition in Chinguacousy Park marked the emergence of a new dance culture in Brampton, Ontario. Teenagers suddenly began spinning on their heads instead of their toes, and breakdancing gained an instant contagious following among the youth.

“June 6th,1983, marks the date that the local radio station AM 790 sponsored the Radio 790 Break Dance Contest Inside Chinguacousy Park,” shares Mark Johnson, founder of the 5 Wizards Of Funk, a well know dance team originating right here in Toronto. “It was estimated 6,000 people filled the park for over four hours to watch 26 crews and seven solo dancers compete.”

The emergence of breakdancing in Brampton was significant in terms of multiculturalism. At that time, the city had a growing population of immigrants, and breakdancing engage young people from different cultural backgrounds connecting them through a shared interest in hip-hop culture. The dance style became a way to bridge cultural differences and create a sense of community among young people.

To celebrate this historic event, Mark Johnson and the 5 Wizards Funk Break City Crew staged the Canadian Break Dance Community Builders Awards on June 8^th, 2024, in celebration of the Canadian Olympic Breakdancing team. The Canadian Break Dance Community Builders Awards is a celebration of the impact that breakdancing has had on the community and a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for future generations.  The stories represented all the names of those who: played music, danced, appeared on TV (Boogie, Electric Circus) and to pay homage, and give recognition to breakdance trailblazers who the new generation has no idea about, and who are not getting credit for the legacy that they have created.

It was a vibrant celebration of breakdancing culture, that brought together legendary groups like the 5 Wizards of Funk and Break City Crew, and many others who shared their riveting stories and journeys, captivating the audience with tales of: perseverance, creativity, and passion for breakdancing. The event featured dance performances and awarded notable figures in the community, including: Evanov Radio Group, DJ Ron Nelson, Nainesh, Injury Law, Scot Turner Radio personality, and photographer George Bishiri.

Honourably recognized were Bobby Spinner Martin (1978 Canadian Disco Dancing Champion International dance championship for salsa, and the man who brought New York City Breakers for Toronto’s 1984 Crunchie Contest), Audley Coley (Getto Boys Locking Group), Casper, Judi Lopez, Christopher (Chocolite Shake) Lee Clements, Tre Armstrong, 5 Wizards of Funk Breaking Dancing Crew, and the Magnetic Rockers.

The gathering aimed not only to entertain, but to motivate and inspire new and existing crews to continue their dedication to the tactical art form. Through dynamic performances and heartfelt narratives, the event underscored the importance of breakdancing as a cultural movement, encouraging participants to carry the torch forward and promote its vibrant legacy.

Keeping the breakdancing spirit alive in the GTA is crucial for preserving the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. This dynamic dance form, with its roots in hip-hop culture, fosters: creativity, physical fitness, and community among diverse groups. By supporting local breakdancing events, workshops, and competitions, we not only honor the pioneers who brought this art to life, but also inspire new generations of dancers.

Breakdancing transcends social barriers, promoting unity and self-expression in a city renowned for its multiculturalism. Ensuring the vitality of this energetic and expressive dance style enriches our cities artistic heritage and strengthens community bonds.

In the GTA, breakdancing is more than a dance; it’s a celebration of individuality and unity, a testament to the city’s ever-evolving identity.