Bboying itself, originated from New York USA in the seventies thanks to James Brown and other legendary performers. After becoming the in thing in the 80s, it then spread its wings to other countries in addition to incorporating new complex dance moves. For this dance event bringing the oomph of break dancing organized and developed by Joe Nene, its first edition began in July 2011 - a success.

With this debut event of the year, he and his crew inspire to have the Kenyan break-dance scene in the form of Bboying recognized internationally, not just locally.

Currently, other genres of dances like salsa in Kenya are quite popular in which salsa dancers have won awards in Europe as they performed with other international competitors. Other Kenyan dances such as traditional ones are performed in school music festivals and sometimes aired on TV.

However, Bboying requiring acrobatic stunts is relatively new and unique according to organizers especially when it comes to battles like those of American street dancers, making the event special.
Yet, in the 80s, it was popular attracting competitions and champions in the country. The former MD of Amalgamated Properties Ltd, David Muriithi as a youth for instance, was a champion of the Kenya National Break Dancing Competition back in 1984.

Those were the days break-dance, likened to Bboying was introduced in US then to other countries.
It has a history too. According to analysts, James Brown's performance in his song, "Get on the good foot", birthed break-dance. His dance moves which include floor work and leg moves became popular with the youth and street gangs, they say. In fact, street gangs allegedly used the dance as a substitute to fighting in which gang members would compete in competitions with other gangs.

Later on, the old break-dance was developed further by other performers like Rock Steady, in which more moves were introduced such as headpins, windmill, hand gliding to mention a few, making the dance style more complex.

That was just a few years before Kenya's Joe Nene, also known as Bboy Kay began dancing. Thus far, his 17 year experience of dancing has been inspired by renowned performers like Usher, Missy Elliot, and late Michael Jackson and Aliya.

As it makes a comeback, Joe and his crew hope to bring its grove back with new advanced Bboying moves with elements of top rock, down rock, power moves and freezes. Toprock involves a series of steps performed from a standing position including popping, locking or house dance. Downrock includes any movement on the floor with hands supporting the dancer as much as the feet. Six or three step is an example.

Power moves are the acrobatic like moves such as windmill, wipe, head spin, requiring momentum, speed, strength and control. While freezes on the other hand, include funky poses requiring the breaker to suspend himself/herself off the ground using upper body strength. An example is where the dancers fall on their stomach supporting themselves with their hands. Most of these moves are performed by break-dancers also known as Bboys or Bgirls.

In this vibrant event there would be battles, short performances, MCs, DJs, and lots of hiphop music, concur organizers, focused on bringing back the groove of break dancing.

The event will take place at the Goethe Institute Auditorium, Loita Street Nairobi this Friday January 13 from 7pm. Entrance is free. But for those who miss out on the event, can contact Joe Nene on 0202224640 (Goethe Institute) for details on future events.

By Stella Kabura