10.11.2011 > WE B*GIRLZ: BRING IT ON!
WE B*GIRLZ: BRING IT ON!
In the build-up to the Braun BOTY finals all eyes are fixed on the b-boy crews. But some of the hottest moves on display will take place the previous night at the We B*Girlz International Battle. The unique event will contain plenty of hip hop flavour, intense battles and b-girl attitude!
Nika Kramer, tireless promoter and organizer of the b-girl scene for almost ten years, explains the scene is filled with some fiery personalities and attitudes.
‘The opinions are very different,’ she says. ‘Take the term b-girling. Some girls would never call it that. They say when it originated it was called b-boying and that’s what it should stay. Some don’t like to be split up by gender and don’t like the female events. They say it’s one culture and not a sports event and they want to battle with the boys. But most just love to battle and that’s the bottom-line.’
Kramer’s love for breaking has seen her traveling the world to unite the scene. She collaborated with Martha Cooper on the definitive b-girl photographic book ‘We B*Girlz’, and is a driving force behind the scene.
Kramer is hoping to hold 16 qualifiers for b-girls next year- but it’s not easy given the lack of media exposure and sponsorship for b-girls. ‘Work certainly needs to be done to address the balance — the b-girl scene deserves as much support as the boys. We need to strengthen and support these girls so they have the opportunity to reach their potential and set the world on fire.’
‘Breaking is harder for girls,’ she adds. ‘They don’t have the same upper body strength. They don’t like to hear it, but they need to work harder to succeed. It’s a lot more work for them and their dedication has always been a big inspiration to me.” says Kramer. With this in mind, it’s no coincidence who the favourites in Montpellier will be: ‘The French and Japanese b-girls are always among the best because they work so hard. Their dedication is incredible.’
B-girls are famous for the breath-taking combination of gymnastic ability and stylish top-rocking. Kramer says that some of the best b-girls have gymnastic backgrounds. ‘B-girls are better at the dancing aspect of breaking. In breaking, style can beat power and the girls use this to their full advantage!’
Two legendary b-girls, Movie One from Spain and Valentine from France will judge alongside b-boy Poe One from the USA. DJs Taj Mahal, Renegade and Kid Stretch will be on the decks with MC Trix hosting the show.
Another reason to see the We B*Girlz competition is the chance to meet the grandmother of hip hop, Krazee Grandma, better known as ‘Krazee G’. The 70-year-old Swedish b-girl practices with other B-Girls and B-Boys in her graffiti-covered basement. Krazee G is a hip hop legend, and jumps at the chance to battle. Don’t believe us? Watch .
The We B*Girlz final takes place on November 18 at the Rockstore in Montpellier at 21:30. Get your tickets here.
