Being B-buoyed

When you’ve been popping and locking for 15 years straight, dancing possibly comes easier than walking. So it is no surprise to find out that Bojin Chen and his crew won the third place in the world at the Battle of The Year (BOTY) world championship last year.

A dance competition solely for B-boys, the event’s India and Asia chapter has been underway for some months now and the B-boy master is in Chennai as part of the judging panel. The Taiwan-based judge offered a word of advice to budding B-boys in the city ahead of the big final to be held here on Sunday, “As a teenager, getting the foundation right can be pretty hard,” he says. Then adds as consolation, “But once you get that done, it only takes about three hours of practice a day to be good enough to get famous.” Boy, if three hours is a low count, one can only imagine what it takes to make a decent base with this dance form.

“I’ve met some B-boys from Mumbai who came to Taiwan two years ago,” Bojin states. Then quickly adds, “So I know what to expect.” And having been a part of the panel of high profile competitions in the United States, Malaysia and Australia, there is little debate that this man has seen it all. But we wonder how different the dance scene is in China, as compared to what Bojin has observed in Chennai so far. He thinks for a moment, before responding. “I think the culture is the biggest difference that I see here (Chennai),” he states. Then goes on to explain that in Taiwan, dance affects what Bboys do every day – their eating, choice of clothes, entertainment and they make a living with it. “Also, there is usually a hip hop event every week back home,” he adds. “I know many Bboys from India, but I have no idea what they do to make a living.”

So what are his own plans while in Chennai, apart from BOTY? “I love the culture here, so I want to visit some temples and definitely the Taj Mahal if I have the time,” he responds in accented English. Surprisingly he adds, “And if it’s possible, I would also love to do a few workshops for lesser privileged kids.” He smiles, “Hip hop is about peace, love, unity and having fun. So we must give them more to love.”

Asked about where his travel schedule is taking him next, and Bojin is all smiles. He reveals, “After we placed in the world championships of BOTY last year, I’ve taken a break from dancing.” Instead, the B-boy master is busying himself organising large events to serve as a platform for his passion. “This year I organised the Bboy World Asia Festival 2012 – it was awesome,” he says. “And in December, plans are underway for Juste Debout Taiwan.It’s one of the biggest hip hop events in the world. So it’s going to be special.”