BUFFALO, N.Y. — When it comes to breakdancing, what comes to mind?
If it’s the viral performance by Raygun at the last summer Olympics, then there’s a lot more you have to discover.
Every time Shreya Dunna steps into the studio, she feels like she’s opening up a whole new world.
“The person you’re seeing now is definitely not the Shreya that was 10 years ago,” she laughed.
She’s a B-Girl with B.Flo Girls. They are the brainchild of DJ Lisa Lux and B-Girl Resolve.
“The four foundational elements of the culture are breaking, emceeing, DJing and graffiti,” said B-Girl Resolve, aka Stacy VanBlarcom. “We’re really aimed at uplifting women in hip hop culture, as well as […] creating spaces for people to learn, share, exchange, connect with each other.”
It’s a culture that drew them all in.
“I grew up in the 80s in New York City and Manhattan,” said DJ Lisa Lux, aka Lisa Latempa. “Before I became a DJ, I used to emcee. I used to rap in the hallways of school.”
On this day, she was curating vibes and sharing history.
“Now the break could come down to this part,” said Latempa as the music counted down…”One, two, three, four, get it.”
From the foundations of DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell, to today’s artists.
“I went to that class and did a six-step, which is one of the most foundational footwork moves,” said VanBlarcom. “And just kind of fell in love.”
It takes time to get to a certain level.
“All of these movements were not easy for me,” said Dunna. “I used to question myself, like, ‘Do I belong here? Am I even qualified to be part of this group?’”
B-Girl Shreya will tell you though, when you find your footing, it’s special.
“That’s something I always wanted to have, like a sister, like a B-girl, just where I can talk girl-to-girl talk,” Dunna added. “That’s when I found Stacy. [I] just perfectly got my wish.”
There’s a takeaway for everyone – at every event, practice and battle.
“I am not the end all be all of everything hip hop,” said Latempa. “I’m learning so much as I’m continuing to just expand my craft.”
That is why the dance floor is open to all.
“Hip hop culture is Black culture, and I have, as a white person, as a guest to the culture, I have always been welcomed into spaces, and I think that’s really beautiful,” said VanBlarcom.
Every individual piece fits together.
“[You] just sort of vibe with the people, and their expression elevates yours,” VanBlarcom added.
It’s and education that continues with every new dancer that comes to their door.
“It’s never too late to start,” said Dunna. “Just get in there and have fun.”
B.flo-Girls hopes to create a bridge from New York City, through the state and to Canada to create a bigger community and build bridges for future generations.
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