Break-dancers in a spin over BC One Champs

Who will be the next B-Boy or B-Girl?

BUNTU PLAN, of Mitchells Plain, has travelled the world for his break-dancing exploits, but believes the magnitude of the Red Bull BC One Championships will put all the participating dancers to the test today.

When Plan, 30, walked into a B-Boy challenge on his first day of high school in 2001, he fell in love with break-dancing.

Today, Plan, whose stage name is B-Boy Bax, gets a chance to participate in the biggest solo B-Boy event in the world.

The three-day event, which started on Thursday and ends today at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, is about finding the next B-Boy or B-Girl.

Plan suffered life-threatening back injuries after a car crash in 2009, but bounced back and began winning titles and travelling to overseas battles. However, it is this championship that makes him both thrilled and nervous.

“I’m excited because I will be showcasing my talents to the world. It also gives me an opportunity to inspire the kids who will be watching from the sidelines, where I’d been watching over the years,” Plan said.

“To be able to finally participate in the event is a big thing for me because the championship draws big crowds.”

Charl van der Westhuizen, a B-Boy from Eerste River, made it through the qualification stage on Thursday, and will be competing today. “Khoi Boy”, as he is known in B-Boy circles, is thrilled about his fifth appearance at the championship.

“My plan is to do me: keep it short, original and powerful,” he said.

Khoi Boy said he spent yesterday energising himself for the competition. “You have to be really prepared because this is a good platform, and winning it is my goal,” he said.

“The Red Bull championship has put the Cape Town B-Boy scene on the map, with so many dancers I know getting overseas exposure.”

Among those with international exposure is three-time champion Brendon Peterson, who will be a judge in today’s finals.

Peterson, 30, known as “The Curse”, said the event was run professionally and benefited the dancers, making it any break-dancer’s wish to compete.

Peterson, who won the championship three times in Cape Town in 2012, 2013 and 2016, said winning the event was a difficult feat as talented local dancers gave it their all to win it.

“People are also eager to see the competition. The professional treatment the B-Boys get makes them want to give their all and to come back for more.”

He described B-Boying as a lifestyle and as giving the artist freedom of movement. “The way you dance represents your stories and your life.”

Event organiser Darryn Lee said the top-16 contestants included six wild cards – including B-boy Bax – from around the country. They would have automatically progressed to the finals based on their performances during the year.

The remaining top contestants selected from the Last Chance Qualifier will compete at the national final today.

The Red Bull BC One South Africa Last Chance Qualifier took place on Thursday. Pictured: Cape Town B-Boy and three-time local winner of the BC One break-dance competition, Brandon Petersen, aka B-Boy The Curse.

The Annual Red Bull BC One break-dance competition returns with the National Final taking place at the Cruise Terminal V&A Waterfront in the Mother City today.