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B-Boying, breaking, or breakdancing as the media and pop culture called it is back, or was it ever gone? B-Boying is one of the key stylistic elements of the hip-hop subculture that also includes MCing, DJing, and graffiti writing. HipHop and b-boying developed in the 1970’s in the Bronx of New York city. “Rappers Delight” is widely regarded as the first hip-hop recording to gain widespread popularity in the U.S. Since then hip-hop has grown and diversified in its genera’s but just as hip-hop never died, neither did breaking.
A team of men who practice and compete together in breaking competitions is called a crew. B-Boy crews are very careful about letting non crew members observe, let alone photograph, their dance moves and graffiti. This is highly protected and personal to the crew. I was fortunate enough to be given permission to photograph a group of very talented men known as the BRICKHEADZ crew at the New Cicero Resource Center in Cicero, IL as they readied themselves for upcoming competitions.
The crew practices on average three times a week for three hours at a time. They range in ages from 19 to 37 and many have been doing this since they were teens.
Each of the crew members is there to support and learn from each other. This is an art form and they each study the others moves and technique to better themselves and the crew.
and then...THE B
BATTLE BEGINS!
As quickly as it began it ends. Each B-Boy, sweaty, tired, sore, and proud packs up there belongings, say there goodbyes, and head out into the cold autumn night. They go back to their families, jobs, schools all the while knowing that they are different, better, changed for being part of something special.
Special thanks to: The New Cicero Community Center Outreach Department Director Eddie Lopez Marco Sepulveda and the BRICKHEADZ crew
Created and Designed by:
Michael P. Murphy