Bboying, a dance form that involves a lot of jumping is more commonly pursued by boys. It is also known as ‘breaking’, as breaking is done on Hip Hop beats. But have you watched any women perform this rock solid dance form? Well, we caught up with three B-girls that completely changed our perception on the dance form.
Preeti Tiwari a 23-year-old, who is pursuing her final year in Bachelors of Commerce, took up Bboying in 2008. A timid girl based in the suburbs of Mumbai, Preeti was introduced to this violent yet artful dance form by her friend and Bboying executioner, Anup Sathe who is now a well-known master of the form.
For 19-year-old Deepa Singh, a student, who loves to break in her free time, dancing has brought a new lease of life. She was drawn towards this dance form, when she watched a well- choreographed ‘breaking’ battle, at a college event. “I was enchanted when I saw those boys perform in such coordination. I wanted to get on the floor and try it out. Soon I decided to try it out on my own.”
For Mugdha Mangaonkar, another enthusiast who has been practicing for the last one year, break dance is a way to enjoy herself and let loose. She says, “It’s a form with no restrictions where you can simply flow”.
The 21-year-old who recently graduated is extremely passionate about the art form and is proud to be called a ‘B-girl’.
The challenge:
As someone who loved to dance, Preeti took it up as a challenge and put in years of hard work to match the boys, who are by nature more sturdy and strong. It required hours of training for Preeti to master the form and be able to get on stage. No wonder then that Preeti is now very flexible and agile.
Fitness:
Mugdha’s fitness routine fluctuates between footwork and flow. But recently she has also started practising some power moves. She does stretching exercises in the morning, which helps her stay flexible. That’s not all! A daily two-hour practice routine helps her keep up with the demanding form.
Preeti, on the other hand, shares that dancing and breaking is her only secret to fitness. Apart from some basic stretches that keep her muscles from cramping, while she’s in the act, she doesn’t do any other exercises. Her daily dance practices go up to three hours.
The journey so far:
Preeti’s journey as a breaker has been a fun-filled joy ride with ups and downs. In spite of the injuries, the low-pay scale and the limited scope, she describes it as fulfilling. She is eagerly waiting for the next international competition, where she will be able to represent her country and be an inspiration.
The diet:
Even though Deepa doesn’t have a strict fitness routine, her daily 45-minute walks keep her active. Her practice lasts for two hours every day and that seems to work for Deepa. “I consciously try to avoid junk and oily food,” she says.
Preeti is a vegetarian, who follows a healthy diet routine. Her seven-year career as a b-girl has left her with multiple injuries and doctors have insisted to include eggs in her diet.
Advise as a pro:
As a word of advice, these girls don’t hesitate to share their lessons of life.
“I would advise all the breakers to stay fit and never neglect the aches. Love your body and practice from your heart. If you love your body, it will work according to you and it will turn you into a good dancer,” points out Preeti.
“People think there’s no scope for breaking in India. But if you try and break hard, opportunities will come your way. Practice hard and don’t give up just yet,” shares Deepa.
Mugdha wants more sustainability for dancers. “It isn’t easy for dancers as they usually have to take up other jobs, for sustenance and also practice, at the same time.” She hopes the future will be better.
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