Decisions Decisions and...More Decisions....o.O

Since I couldn't sleep late last night ( or rather, this morning ) around 4 am...my mind couldn't help but ponder into the world of bboying. Looking back, I remembered and realized that I went through several different phases of learning about the culture since I first started. Then I compared to my current goals as a bboy to the goals I had set for myself back then...oh boy...what a big difference.

Like many bboys that first started out, I was merely mesmerized by the pure physical capabilities that a bboy can reach. In other words, the field of power moves was, undoubtedly, my ultimate goal as a bboy years ago. Reasons? Well, to be honest, was probably to gain some additional brag rights :P DON'T LIE! IF YOU ARE READING THIS YOU KNOW THIS IS TRUE! But, that was back when I was a junior in high school. I was not exactly into the Hip Hop culture as much as I am now. Quite frankly, I am actually rather ashamed of myself back then. Why? Because I only focused on the physical aspect of the dance instead of the spiritual and musical aspect of the expression. No, it is more accurate to say that back then I viewed bboying not as a dance, but as a sport.

Enough of my shameful past. Now let me show you where I stand in my philosophy/perspective in terms of bboying. After almost 5 years since I was first exposed to the scene, I have learned quite a bit. Hats off to all my mentors and crew mates for illuminating the path which I followed as a bboy. See that picture on the right? His name is bboy Zeshen of the Havikoro crew. I wouldn't say he is my current favorite bboy, but he is definitely one of the bboys who I can watch over and over again and never grow tired of him. His styles is so original and inspiring that I can't help but keep watching him as he dances to the music in his own way. Few have strong enough will to continue to create and follow his or her own path while not conforming to the popular preference of the mainstream bboys/bgirls. Like the infamous Paranoid Android, who also emphasizes on his own personal style regardless of the popular opinion, Zeshen has created a whole new category of dance that is sure to be followed by many future bboys who share the same determination and passion for the dance. At this point of time, this is very important for me. Due to academic pressure, I am chained down to a desk and study my behind off instead of training to be a better bboy. However, with the limited time which I have to do so, I learned to session however the heck I want and disregard many other criticisms. Though I have felt that I may have "dropped down" in the "social hierarchy" of the scene here in Champaign, I do not feel one bit of regret in what I do and how I train as a bboy.