| A new battle of Alberta
URBAN GROOVE PREVIEW
DMC BATTLE OF ALBERTA
February 9 & 10
Father Lacombe High School
Breakdancing blossomed in New York's underground in the late 1970s, flourished in the ’80s, disappeared for a time and then re-emerged in the late ’90s. Now, competitors in the U.S. and overseas attract throngs of patrons and participants who gather to see the latest retro moves on the dance floor.
Calgary, too, is no stranger to the uprising. A breakdance competition last year attracted approximately 500 faithful, and this year’s Battle of Alberta will likely meet or exceed those attendance figures. The event will be stretched over two days, and entrants are currently registering to compete for prizes to be awarded in three categories: breakdancing (by both individuals and crews), skateboarding and grafitti art.
More than a standard competition of locking and popping, it is an opportunity for enthusiasts and novices alike to continue expanding a community that is inextricably linked to its music and underground culture. Due in part to the nature of the craft, this is a yearly opportunity to connect with other likeminded individuals who’ve spent time developing their skills.
"Anyone can register – these events are a great chance to get in touch with others who aren’t in a crew or who are new to competitiion," adds promoter and event organizer Kevin Bernier.
While there is a lack of infrastructure in Canada for these events, especially on a national level, Bernier hopes this will be its foundation. He says he'd like to have an event similar to one in Germany, where they have the Battle of the Year.
At that annual event, you’ll find 15,000 people crammed into a stadium to witness the spectacle of breakers from throughout Europe competing for the continental title. In Canada, the national standards have yet to be set, so there is still opportunity for the community to grow.
Granted, there is prize money to be won, and an opportunity to appear in videos or compete internationally, but Bernier believes most competitors do it for the love of the culture and for the joy of dancing.
"It’s just a fun thing to watch what people come up with in their routines. It’s people expressing themselves."
The idea of people united through dancing and music might seem strange to the general public, but the lasting effects of B-boy culture can be seen throughout and beyond the music industry. Despite its expansion out of nightclubs and off the streets into more formalized digs – as in the case of this year’s Battle of Alberta, which takes place in the gymnasium at Father Lacombe High School – breakdancing remains a craft that is still close to its roots.
To register, call 781-9587 or e-mail battleofalberta@hotmail.com. If you wish to take in the spectacle, the event starts at 2 p.m., and tickets will be available at the door on February 9 at Father Lacombe High School. If you’d rather take in the post-event celebrations, Cherry Lounge will host the after-party on February 10. The organizers have hooked DMC champ Pump, and Cherry resident Jonas Jordon, who will play with DJ Dopey from Toronto. |
