Three decades have come and gone as I have explored our culture, as a Breaker, DJ, Rapper & Writer. Breaking ultimately became my primary livelihood.
As I continue to be inspired by the young artists who are making their way through the ranks of the culture, it keeps me pushing my body so that I can be an example of what lies ahead for them.
Since 1999 I have been on the road as a Breaker, performing on the theatre stage, and have had the opportunity to witness many cultures share their skills around the world. But to be honest, I never thought it would continue growing as rapidly as it has. I’ve been awarded major support to tour and keep breaking and it continues to be amazing.
My new work, ‘The Unofficial Guide to Audience Watching Performance,’ hits the road in February and runs through the fall; I don’t have the time I would like to go to a lot of jams, because I’m touring, but I do manage to make it out when I’m off the road. Recently I went to the ‘Going Away Jam’ battle in Philly, honoring three breakers who are entering the U.S. Army. The event was sponsored by Silverback Bboy Events and the Pro Breaking Tour. The first thing I noticed was that the jam was free; the next thing I noticed was a concrete surface covered with three large-sized sections of padded vinyl flooring to throw down on, and that is exactly what the breakers were doing. There was even a monster cypher with K-Mel, Lino, Hannibal and several young breakers off to the side on the concrete putting it down. Everything raw about Breaking was right in front of me and it felt good to see everybody going in like that. The event also included some of the most fair judging I have seen, all handled by the three breakers who were actually going away to the Army. Salute to them!
UDEF is quickly creating a major buzz with the launch of the Pro Breaking Tour this year. The Tour is creating a great opportunity for Breakers to fine tune their skills, create an internal support group and gain maximum exposure for endorsement deals, sponsorship and the possibility for a lasting career, if they want it. We have to support each other more now than ever for this to come off well. The time, energy, money and collaboration being put into this Tour is the first of its kind and I for one can’t wait to see it up and running. I’m always going to be a fan of Breaking, as well as a practitioner. I’ve dreamed about having a major tournament-style battle called the Glide-Rite Invitational. (breakin’ gear company ‘95). It seems I can live this fantasy through the Pro Breaking Tour and UDEF, and some of the most incredible Breakers of our time. Heck, I might just enter one! It could happen so don’t count me out!
Raphael Xavier, aka Viazeen
Email: viazeen@gmail.com
Website: www.RaphaelXavier.com
Twitter: @RaphaelDances
Viazeen Breaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Toprock Session: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
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