Singapore hosted its first ever Red Bull BC One cypher (or competition) today at Helutrans, an art space at Keppel Distri Park. To the cheers of a 250-strong crowd, the four B-boys, Sean Shagaran (B-boy Sean, 20), Mohd Ridwan Bin Jamaluddin (B-boy Oneski,21), Gerald Chan (B-boy Gerald, 18) and Firman Bin Razali (B-boy Kidd Kingsmen, 22) were crowned the BEST B-boys in Singapore. Red Bull BC One is the most important B-Boy competitions in the world today and it started in 2004, to give the art of B-boying a much-needed international platform to showcase the dance in a powerful and spectacular way. 23 of Singapore’s B-boys battled it out in a spectacular 1-on-1 knock-out battle for the 4 top spots to represent Singapore at the upcoming Red Bull South East Asian cypher in Singapore on 23rd June, where they will battle against 12 other South East Asian champions from Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand to win at the Asia regional qualifier in New Zealand. If the B-boy is successful there, he will battle in the final stage in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in the later part of 2012 and stand a chance to take on the title of “World Champion”.
Red Bull Blue & Silver (of European origin) decided to host both a Singaporean cypher as well as the upcoming inaugural Red Bull BC One South East Asian Cypher here in Singapore to help promote the vibrant and growing communities of B-boys in the Asian region who are often looking for such platforms to showcase their skills. “Supporting the culture scene and developing local and Asian B-boys is something that makes us at Red Bull very happy to do. There is a definite need for support in this and many aspect of the arts in Singapore and we will do all we can to give aspiring talent a platform for success”, said a Red Bull spokesperson.
Sean Shagaran, a 20 year old student aka B-boy Sean who won first place said, “I was very surprised to win but I am extremely proud but nervous to be representing Singapore in the upcoming Red Bull BC One South East Asian Cypher. This competition is one of the most important ones in the world. I will do all I can to win that.” Sean started break dancing at the age of 15 after being inspired by a friend in secondary school.
Gerald Chan a 21 year old student of Temasek Polytechnic won 3rd place said that Singapore definitely needs to support the B-boy scene. “There are very few competitions for B-boys in Singapore unlike in the USA where there are many every week. More support in funding and organization of events will help elevate the culture of B-boying and also the technical skills of locals here.”
He added, “A lot of people have a negative impression of B-boying but if you look in-depth into this art, it is a lifestyle that teaches you a lot. It has taught me that there is no easy way out in life and it ultimately comes down to your own hard work and not the strings you can pull. Hip hop is an expression of yourself that you lay out there for everyone to see.” He aspires to make a living out of his dance in the future.
About the Upcoming Red Bull BC One South East Asian Cypher
Singapore will again play host to the upcoming Red Bull BC One South East Asian Cypher on Saturday, 23rd June 2012. Here, the 4 Singaporean B-boys will compete against 12 other champion B-boys from Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand to win a chance to represent the Asia Pacific region in New Zealand. The B-boy has to battle other Asia Pacific champions in order to make his way to the grand finale in Rio De Janiero, Brazil.
The South East Asian cypher will be judged by 3 internationally renowed B-boys, 2 of whom are Red Bull BC One All Stars, Cico (Italy) and Pelezinho (Brazil). They have proven their mastery and now their main goal is giving back to the community by spreading the message of Hip Hop culture, where being creative, disciplined and respectful are the most important things. The last judge will be B-boy Wing from Korea.
These 3 judges will also be imparting their knowledge and skills by hosting 2 workshops in Singapore to students as well as more advanced B-boys.
The inaugural Red Bull South East Asian Cypher:
Date: 23rd June 2012, Saturday
Time: 7.30pm – 10 pm
Venue: Far East Square Pavilion, 28 China Street, Singapore
The event is free and is open for the public
Source: Redbull
