UK B-BOY CHAMPIONSHIPS WORLD FINALS 2011 LINEUP: POPPERSThe success and popularity of the World Popping Battle make it one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions at the B-Boy Championships. 2011 promises another incredible display of dance skills from 8 of the world's best. Popping is the dance of 'hitting' your muscles to the beat of the music to create a snapping effect. It involves funk, illusion, mime and musicality and creates an amazing spectacle of standing dance. A heavyweight line up, including entrants from US, France, Germany, Korea, Japan and the UK, all capable of taking the title, set the stage for some awesome battles. |
Over the past 6 years, French popper Nelson has been battling on the international circuit winning many of the world’s prestigious competitions including Juste Debout, Who Is Who Battle and Hip-Hop Session. In 2010 Nelson was the triumphant winner of the UK B-Boy Championships popping battle and will be back this year to defend his title. With some hot challengers up against him this year, will Nelson make UK Champs history and become the only person to win twice?
Franqey is one of France’s finest poppers and over the last decade, he has built a strong reputation worldwide. His accolades include multiple wins at Funkin’ Styles and Juste Debout Benelux. Franqey’s charismatic style is much admired and he is able to surprise opponents and audiences in spectacular fashion. Franqey will be bringing his unique flavour to the dance floor to challenge his rivals at the UK B-Boy Championships World Finals in October.
Mechanikool discovered his passion for popping in his teenage years and has never looked back. He has been an active member of the UK scene for a number of years, striving for success and inspiring younger generations to embrace the art of popping. Tall, funky and full of flavour, Mechanikool’s journey continues as he represents at this years UK B-Boy Championships with a home crowd spurring him on to battle harder than ever before!
Tokyo popper Kite is one of the world’s most respected poppers amongst his dance peers, students and general audiences across the globe. Well renowned for his strong boogaloo foundation and incredible footwork, Kite is one of the funkiest dancers on the planet. His original flavour and musicality coupled with his attention to detail and impeccable skill make Kite a fierce contender in the UK B-Boy Championships 2011 popping battle line-up.
Having danced hip-hop from his early childhood, Bruce is beyond doubt one of the worlds most experienced international competitors. As the founder of the world renowned Juste Debout competition, Bruce is not only a highly skilled as a dancer but is also a bona fide ambassador within hip-hop and funkstyles dance culture. He has pushed the boundaries over the past 10 years in a way that not many could achieve over a whole lifetime! At last years UK B-Boy Championships, Bruce was in the judge’s seat and this year he will be back on the dance floor battling for the ultimate honour of the solo popping title. Bruce is ready to show everybody that he is still top of his game.
Hailing from London, Marvel will be representing the UK for the first time in the 2011 popping line-up. With a name born out of his passion for comics and animation, Marvel naturally incorporates animatronic styles into his dance and is known for his inventive isolations. Since his school days Marvel has been inspired to keep pushing himself to achieve new skills and reach higher levels competitively. A real up-and-coming talent, Marvel will be keen to make waves at this year’s UK B-Boy Championships popping battle.
When 2Face first started dancing it was hip-hop and b-boying that were his passions. He soon recognised his enthusiasm for animation and popping and has since become one of Germany’s most technical and creative artists. His dedication knows no limits. As a result of many years of building his technical ‘know how’, 2 Face has developed his own characteristic popping style and is fired up to share his unique movements on an international stage. After winning the 2011 UK B-Boy Championships German eliminations, 2 Face is ready to represent Germany to the fullest. He will be laying his dreams on line and will take great pride in challenging his competers for the 2011 UK B-Boy Championships popping world title!
Having been triumphant at the 2011 UK B-Boy Championships eliminations at R-16 Korea, Pop Kun will be representing in London in October after a year of Korean absence. Pop Kun also qualified for the popping solo battle back in 2008 and 3 years on, he is back in the running and all set to fight hard in the battle to claim one of the world’s most coveted titles.
Poppin C will be bringing his funky flavour to London in October after his win at the UK B-Boy Championships qualifier in Switzerland. Having competed all over the world at top competitions including Juste Debout, Poppin C will be sure to give his rivals a challenge in his quest to win the ultimate popping title.
Tesme successfully secured his place in this year’s UK B-Boy Championships popping line up with a triumphant win at the Scandinavian qualifier. He is an energetic dancer who is able to create interesting shapes and effects with great control. Tesme will be flying the flag for Italy and giving his all to try gain a place in the Hall of fame as the first ever Italian winner.
Having narrowly missed out on the title in 2009 as the runner up, Slim Boogie will be back in London with an even bigger drive to claim the crown. With his slick delivery and unmistakeable groove, Slim Boogie has won many battles over the years including the coveted Mighty 4. He is also a member of Machine Gone Funk crew and has travelled the world extensively performing, judging and competing. Slim qualified for the 2011 UK B-boy Championships Popping Finals with finesse at The Notorious IBE and will be a tough contender for anyone who comes up against him.
French popper Cintia will take her place in the UK B-Boy Championships line up after successfully battling her way through the gruelling qualifications at The Notorious IBE once again! This year will be Cintia’s third appearance in a row at the World Finals! Last year, she successfully battled her way through to the quarter finals but hopes to go all the way this time round. Will she be the next female to join the Hall of Fame? The challenge is on!
Pro Phenomenom crew member Gator trounced his opponents at The Notorious IBE 2011 to claim victory and secure his spot in the UK B-Boy Championships popping line-up. He has travelled the world extensively and his name is becoming synonymous with his powerful stage presence and groove that has blown many away. Gator is no stranger to tough competitors and will be ready to give them all a run for their money in London in October.
In 2010 Greenteck reached the semi-finals of the UK B-Boy Championships solo popping battle. This year he will be back to try and go all the way to the top. Greenteck has a strong reputation worldwide and is well known for his great precision, impeccable style and funky flavour. He will certainly be bringing the heat to the competition in October.
Miami based dancer Jon Boogz has been popping for over ten years. He was first introduced to the style from seeing the Electric Boogaloos in a Rennie Harris show. Jon made his name in the early 2000s in the underground battle scene in Miami and has since competed against some of the top poppers in the world, including many former UK B-Boy Championships competitors. Jon is known for his energetic and aggressive battle style and will definitely make his opponents pay attention! He is the first popper from Miami to compete worldwide and is looking forward to representing his city and his crew, Control Freakz, on such a big stage.
After winning Battle of the Year 1998 with his former b-boy crew, Rock Force, Bionic gained international acclaim and is now recognised as one of the world’s fiercest competitors in popping. He has competed globally and has a strong influence upon many up and coming poppers. Bionic is one of the co-founders of his California based popping crew Machine Gone Funk, who have a wealth of credits to their name. He has also recently started dancing with the highly acclaimed LXD. Bionic came in 2nd place at the 2007 UK B-Boy Championships and is constantly working to improve his skills and learn more about the history of his art form. He is one of the strongest and most versatile dancers in the scene and is set to light up the stage with pure funk at the World Finals in October.