BREAKDANCE in NEPAL

A BREAK FROM THE ORDINARY

In Kathmandu, in Pokhara, in Patan, anywhere in Nepal, anywhere in the world,

kids want to work out and meet friends,

do things together, have fun,

they love music, hip hop, funk,

the rhythm gets in their feet,

they move to the beat, they dance, they break

“Breakdance has been introduced in Nepal only six years ago, but Nepalese b-boys and b-girls can easily stand comparison with break dancers in Europe, where we have been practicing it for over 30 years now,” says Cristian, a top break dancer from Italy.

He has come to Nepal to meet young people who share his passion, to get inspiration and to inspire, to learn new moves and styles and to share his long time experience. Breakdance for him is not just a sport or a hobby, it is a way of life. He has travelled a lot to meet breakdance groups all over the world, in South America, in other parts of Asia. Wherever he goes, getting together with his fellow break dancers is like visiting family. Travelling with him is an idea: breakdancing is not an end in itself, b-boy and b-girl groups which become socially envolved can make a difference in this world. He is one of the co-founders of  wedoWE (http://www.wedowe.org) an organisation that helps groups go ahead with their projects.

After a warm welcome Cristian is invited to participate as a member of the jury in the 2015 Nepalese Breakdance Competition organised by the Everest Crew on August 8 in Patan (Lalitpur).

The first thing that strikes him in Nepalese youths is their motivation and their sense of sacrifice.

“They have travelled for more than 14 hours on busses coming from remote parts in Nepal and even from India,” Cristian says in admiration, “they payed their participation fee, 300 rupees, which may not seem a lot to us but for them it is.”

The event is well planned with the organizers having advanced their own money for the rent of the location risking not to break even in the end.

participants paying their fee

When the b-boys and b-girls first arrive they are too shy to practice their stunts so Cristian goes ahead to break the ice.

the onlookers are impressed

After a while

under the scorching sun the “warming up” starts

Waiting for the festival to begin

The youngest are 12 and 13 years old

They are disciplined, calm.

The excitment is in the air filled with the stomping beat of the music.

Finally the show starts

one of the organisers opening the event

 Cristian’s difficult task as a juror or (as they say) as a judge begins.

Competition is tough, the dancers are really good and the judges have to look on and concentrate for hours. Cristian is impressed by the seriousness and the commitment these young people demonstrate.

The competitors

their sense of equilibrium

their fastness

their flexibility

their strength

their courage

they are cool

they are winners

In a gym in Kathmandu: b-boys and b-girls practising together.

Togetherness, that’s what it is about, and many more things …

it’s about self-esteem

it’s about tenacity and creativity

it’s about freedom

Their breakdance group gives b-boys and b-girls a sense of belonging.

Class, ethnic or religious affiliation don’t count.

friends beyond borders

positive leaders

It gives them role models

their motto: say no to drugs and violence

They find someone they are willing to listen to and who listens to them

advice and encouragement 

And Nepalese b-boys and b-girls have plans for the future: they want to work for the benefit of their community. They feel lucky because they have found something that they enjoy and that helps them grow up to become self-confident, successful adults. Now they want to share their passion and their experience with other youngsters. They want to go out and teach street kids to dance, they want them to have fun and to have something meaningful to do. This way the breakdancers hope to help them stay away from drugs and other bad influences.

We wish them luck!

 Contacts:

Everest Crew: facebook Everest Crew

Telephone number: organiser Arbin Thapa +977 9849197554

For more info or to get in touch:

http://l.facebook.com/l/IAQGIrBjGAQGr7h9NIuOn_2zDGoQpwxc5RvIK_t4GkyDWew/www.wedowe.org

twitter @CriBoscheri

facebook: breakingandimpact: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakingandimpact/?fref=ts