Anyone who knows anything about me knows that dancing simply isn't my thing. But if there's a b-boy battle going on in my neighborhood, you can bet your oversized hoodies and beanies that I'll be there. I am Korean, after all, so I must have some b-boy nation blood running through my veins, right?
I headed out to the Palladium on a blustery Saturday afternoon to attend the 16th "Who Can Roast the Most" competition, an international b-boy competition based in Miami, Florida. Despite feeling sorely out of place, I had a great time. The floor was wide and open, allowing easy access to the action. For people like me, who chose to hang back and observe the activities of people who actually knew what they were doing, there was a little area in the back in front of the concession stands with small tables where you could hang out with a cup of tea. The size of the venue was fairly intimate without being crowded, and the concession stand pushed way in the back elevated by a few steps and banister allowed a good-sized counter without intruding too much on the floor space.
I'm sure it would depend on the event, but it was nice to see parents who had brought their young children to watch the b-boy competition. There were people of all ages, from people who were clearly tourists to those who were clearly locals, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. While the area is pretty close to Jonction and Planpalais where you can find plenty of places to eat, the actual street where the Palladium is located is pretty dead. So be prepared to eat before or after the event, as you probably won't be able to step out for a quick bite (I was at WCRM for over four hours, and they were still only up to the quarterfinals. I imagine the hunger situation wouldn't be as bad for normal-length events).
Oh, and where do retired b-boys go when they've grown up and had kids? They bring their little b-boy (and b-girl) babies to battle it out with other little b-boy babies on the dance floor. Absolutely adorable. read more