2019 Freestyle Session World Finals

The 2019 Freestyle Session World Finals was held in San Diego, California November 23rd and 24th. This iconic event has been organized and produced by CROS1 and Grassroots Productions for over 20 years. School of Breaking sent a group of two instructors (Bboy Raw Skeleton, BGirl Tweezy), three students (Cyrus the Virus, Natetastic and ZoZo) and supportive families, to experience Hip Hop culture at it’s finest.

 

There were bboys and bgirls from all over the world vying for a chance to be crowned FSS World Champions in several different dance competitions. Day 1 Breaking prelims were held at World Beat Cultural Center, which is known for its community classes and performances that promote presenting and preserving the African Diaspora and Indigenous cultures of the world. In a large and open room with the lights turned down low, bgirls and bboys danced in cyphers for hours; playing and calling each other out. The prelims consisted of multiple cyhpers with one or two judges per group. Bboy Cirus the Virus made the cut for the Top 16 in the Kids 1v1 battle. Bgirl Tweezy advanced to the Top 16 in the 40 & Up 1v1 Battle. Later that evening the brackets were narrowed down to the Top 8 who would battle on Sunday. The venue became packed when the 3v3 crew members showed up to get ready for battle. Every bit of floor space was occupied by dancers or spectators.

 

Day 2’s finals were held at the Sycuan Resort and Casino, in ballrooms equipped with large screens that streamed each battle to allow the large crowd to witness some amazing and inspiring Breaking skills. Vendors with breaking gear and Hip Hop paraphernalia lined the entryway halls. The Queens from Meeting in the Ladies Room interviewed some key people from our community and dropped some beats for the kids. Winners of the recent Redbull BC One World Finals in Mumbai were present. Many of the dancers in the room are people from crews we’ve been following for years. Style Elements, Monster Energy, Floorgangz, Motion Disorderz, The Freakshow, Body Carnival, HZK, Rock Force, 808 Breakers, Underground Flow were some of the crews that competed. Weapon X won the Kids 1v1 battle. Bboy Wicket took home the win in the 40 & Up Battle. The Red Bull BC One All Stars were the Crew 3v3 champions.

 

If you’ve never been to a Freestyle Session it is one you should put on your list. The music was fresh and the vibe cool. Although the bgirls and bboys from around the world come to FSS with the intent to knock their opponents out of competition, this event is one big family reunion.