On February 25, the internationally acclaimed Red Bull BC One Cypher competition descended on East London for the first time to find this year’s SA B-girl and B-boy.
East London is among four stops judges are making nationally, to find finalists to compete to be crowned national winners, who will represent SA at the international Red Bull BC One competition in Paris in September.
The competition was hosted at Hemingways Mall and break-dancers from across the city turned up to compete for the coveted spots.
Lisa Smith, was crowned winner for the women and Leroy Hanse prevailed among the men. This will be Hanse’s first national competition and Smit will be competing for the third time.
MC and representative for the competition, Elly the Entertainer said, “Red Bull always sets out to showcase the art of breaking in the best possible way. The Red Bull BC One cyphers are aimed at keeping the art of breaking alive and well, while unearthing new talent at all times.
“Breakers from East London have always travelled to Gqeberha in order to take part so it’s about time that we bring it to EL as there is a thriving breaking culture in the city.”
The national winner for 2022, B-boy Ranks, said that judges admired Smit and Hanse’s originality, foundation, musicality and confidence.
Hanse said “I didn’t plan to win, I just decided to have fun and let my personality shine through. “
Smit said “I’ve been dancing for 12 years and I am the only B-girl in East London so the opportunity to represent East London is important to me because I want to prove to the local dancing community that girls can break too.”
