B-boys in the Bayit

July 11, 2007 - 1:59 PM by

Thursday night, date night in Tel Aviv. One of these Thursday night trips to Dizengoff introduced me to another awesome aspect of Israeli culture: the B-boy. For those who are (or were) as unknowledgeable as me about the subject, a B-boy, or B-girl, is a guy or gal who break-dances. So “breakdancers in Israel”, you say?

In the corner of the mall, close to Shape and across from the movie theater, seven B-Boys were dancing. Surrounded by an older and less limber crowd, the boys weren’t just dancing; they were flipping, spinning, “coffee-grinding” (that’s a breakdance move, if you didn’t know). Luckily, I had my trusty Cool Pix with me to record this awesome event.

I spoke with Elad Slim (he is pretty slim) about the group which started back in 1999 and has gone through numerous reincarnations over the years. Elad himself began dancing after he had finished his three years of army service. When asked about what reactions he and the other B-Boys get, Elad laughs: “You always have people walking around the mall who stop to watch. Some of them cheer. Some people ignore us, but many ask questions, or want to learn a certain move in 30 seconds. The reaction is very positive.” Elad offered me a lesson for being so interested in their group. Unfortunately, close to 17 years of tap, jazz, and ballet, would not have prepared me for it, so I kindly declined.

Although Elad has no professional aspirations in breakdancing, he believes that break-dancing in Israel is on the rise and will soon match to the scenes that exist in both the United States and Europe.

Tags: • Category: General 

Comments

4 Comments on B-boys in the Bayit

  1. MICHAEL bENNETT on Thu, Jul 12th 2007 3:16 PM

    2. Good job interesting article. What do the rebi say abouut dancing on shabbas?

  2. Elad on Sat, Jul 14th 2007 3:43 PM

    3. Hey Shayna,

    Thank for the interview. when you get the time drop by the center again.

    As for Michael’s question, in general the training spot (the center) is opened on saturday evening – so even you are religous you can come to practice, and if you are not religous, then do what feel right for you.

    Peace

  3. Erwin on Sat, Jul 14th 2007 3:51 PM

    4. for more information about bboying

    visit: http://www.bboyworld.com

  4. Dvora on Tue, Jul 24th 2007 8:32 AM

    5. How do I get in touch with these bboys? I’m a Jewish bgirl/writer based in NYC and ever since I learned that there were Israeli crews, I’ve been dying to connect with them.

    Peace

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