Dominica Breaking Association (DBA) presented the second edition of the Break Free Hip-Hop Session on Saturday, April 15th at the Old Mill Cultural Center Dance Studio! This event was a celebration of all elements of hip-hop culture, including Breaking (breakdance), Rapping, Graffiti, DJ’s, and MC’s. The public participated in a dance workshop taught by Yves Milome of Martinique, open mic, battles, and cypher. The event was well-attended by dancers, rappers, artists, and fans! We were honored to host influential public figures, including Melissa Poponne-Skerrit.
One of the main events was a dance battle to qualify for the Afro-Caribbean Championship to be held in Martinique, May 19-21. The qualifiers were judged by B-Boy Resist (France), B-Girl Oken (Martinique), and Robert (Bam) John (UK). Three of our dancers have been sponsored by the Discover Dominica Authority to travel for this event next month. Bboy Elite (Ghandi Robin) won the Adult Breaking Championship, while Bboy Jade (Jerrel Victor) won the Under 18 Breaking Championship and David Joseph won the Stand-Up Battle. The younger students of the Dominica Institute for the Arts performed a delightful exhibition battle. DJ Drixx provided tunes and the entertaining Master of Ceremonies Jose Knight led us through the event. Waitukubuli Artist Association artists Jenae Bell, Edward Collins, and Ray Francis set the scene with their awesome graffiti pieces.
We wish to thank our sponsors Shopdm, Discover Dominica, Astaphan’s, Rel Kapcha, Commonwealth of Dominica Division of Culture, Dominica Institute for the Arts, Daily Fresh, Kairi FM, Miniyas 7-11+, Reubens bakery, Dominica Olympic Committee, Ma Boyd’s , Federacion Afro-Caribbienne de Breaking, and Exquisite Occasions.
The Dominica Breaking Association is a non-profit working to create opportunities for local hip-hop dancers and related artists, helping them to grow as artists, athletes, and community members. As Breaking (break dance) has recently been adopted as an Olympic sport, our goal is to raise the level of Dominican breakers to be regionally and internationally competitive.
