Breaking takes the stage in Hong Kong as dancers gather from around the world for ‘Under the Lion’s Rock’ competition
- More than 130 breakers gathered for the event, which featured 2024 Paris Olympics athlete Phil Wizard as a judge alongside Japan’s Fukushima Ayumi
- Young dancers Baobao and Wato showcased their skills in the under-13 category, expressing hopes to compete in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar
“Under the Lion’s Rock - Rise of the Dark Horses” saw two aspiring young breakers, Baobao from Hong Kong and Wato from Japan, participating in the “Youth is the Future” battle in the under-13 category. Photo: Haru Graphics - FE Works, Ayato Photographer, Ching On PhotographyIntricate footwork, head spins, and power moves – the dance floor in Ngau Tau Kok buzzed with palpable energy as more than 130 breakdancers from around the world came together for a battle in Hong Kong last Saturday.
The competition, “Under the Lion’s Rock – Rise of the Dark Horses,” was organised by Hong Kong-based UTLR852 Breaking Club as part of its international event series. The event aimed to provide a global platform for B-boys and B-girls to connect and elevate Hong Kong’s breaking scene to an international standard.
Excitement for breaking has surged ahead of its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer, bringing widespread recognition to the dancesport.
The competition drew some of breaking’s biggest names as judges, including Phil Wizard from Canada, a top contender for the gold medal in Paris. Fukushima Ayumi, the 2021 women’s breakdancing world champion who has already secured a spot at the upcoming Olympics, joined him on the judging panel.
At the event, two aspiring young breakdancers, Baobao from Hong Kong and Wato from Japan, both aged 11, took part in the “Youth is the Future” battle in the under-13 category.
Exuding poise and confidence, the duo showcased their exceptional athleticism despite their young age, captivating the audience with flair and dynamic spins.
Baobao, whose real name is Summi Tong, began breakdancing at the age of six. His notable achievements include winning the junior division of Hong Kong’s Annual Breaking Competition-cum-HK Team Selection in 2021 and 2022.
“I want people to know that Hong Kong has talented young B-boys. Although I was nervous and couldn’t perform my best at the competition, I’m happy because I’ve already accomplished something,” he said.
Visiting Hong Kong to showcase his skills, Wato has already won numerous prestigious titles, including youth championship prizes at the 2021 and 2022 Battle of the Year, one of the world’s largest crew and singles breakdancing events, and two consecutive wins in the junior division of the JDSF All Japan Breaking Championship.
“My goal is to become [the] number one B-boy in Japan and participate in more major international contests,” said Wato, a member of the youth division of the Japanese national Olympic team.
Both Tong and Wato have their sights set on the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
“I have a lot of confidence in achieving my dream because I will work very, very hard to make it happen. I want to show other B-boys and B-girls that Hong Kong’s B-boys are very strong,” Tong said.
The competition featured a mix of rising dancers and established athletes who have already left a mark on the global stage. Notable competitors included Ives, Isaki, Yuina, and Davy, who showcased their exceptional skills.
Hong Kong’s B-girls set their sights on breakdancing on Paris 2024
B-girl Mirage, whose real name is Jessica Siu, organised the event and founded UTLR852 Breaking Club. She hopes to introduce more people to the artistic and cultural aspects of breaking while nurturing the next generation, as reflected in the match’s title, “Youth is the Future.”
She said that breakers worldwide hold immense promise, describing them as “dark horses” full of untapped talent: “There is a lot of potential all over the world, and I want them to be seen, even if they may not be the star or number one [in] their country.”