Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
With intricate footwork, head spins, and power moves, the dance floor in Ngau Tau Kok buzzed with energy as more than 130 breakdancers from around the world battled in Hong Kong last month.
The competition, “Under the Lion’s Rock – Rise of the Dark Horses”, was organised by UTLR852 Breaking Club. The event aimed to elevate Hong Kong’s breaking scene to an international standard.
B-girl Mirage, whose real name is Jessica Siu, organised the event and founded UTLR852 Breaking Club.
She said: “There is a lot of potential all over the world, and I want them to be seen.”
Siu’s goal is to introduce more people to the art and culture of breaking while nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Rising stars
Two young breakdancers, Baobao from Hong Kong and Wato from Japan, performed at the event. They showed exceptional skill and poise even though they are only 11 years old. The duo joined the “Youth is the Future” battle in the under-13 category.
Baobao, whose real name is Summi Tong, began breakdancing at the age of six. His achievements include winning the junior division of Hong Kong’s Annual Breaking Competition-cum-HK Team Selection in 2021 and 2022.
“Although I was nervous and couldn’t perform my best at the competition, I’m happy because I’ve already accomplished something,” the dancer explained.
“I have a lot of confidence in achieving my dream because I will work very, very hard to make it happen. I want to show other B-boys and B-girls that Hong Kong’s B-boys are very strong.”
Visitor from Japan
Wato came to Hong Kong to showcase his skills. He has already won many titles, including the youth championship prizes at the 2021 and 2022 Battle of the Year, which is one of the world’s largest breakdancing events. He also has two consecutive wins in the junior division of the JDSF All-Japan Breaking Championship.
“My goal is to become [the] number one B-boy in Japan and participate in more major international contests,” said Wato, who is a member of the youth division of the Japanese national Olympic team.
Many people are especially excited about breaking because it is debuting at the Paris Olympics this summer. This will bring recognition to the dancesport. Both Tong and Wato have their sights set on the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Use the puzzle below to test your knowledge of the vocabulary words in the story.
Suggested answers
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What goals does Wato have for the future? Wato wants to become the number one B-boy in Japan and compete in lots of international events, including the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games.
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What is special about the Paris Olympic Games this summer? This is the first year that will showcase breakdancing as a medal-winning event.
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What are some achievements that Baobao has already accomplished? Baobao won the junior division of Hong Kong’s annual breaking competition in 2021 and 2022.
