Breakin’ in Fargo

Culture | August 17th, 2016

By Morplay Katana

morplaykatana@gmail.com

When you think of breakdancing, what do you see? Is it the Rock Steady Crew from NY? or maybe the scene in “Breakin’” with Turbo where he controls the broom with “magic” (read: fishing line), and Ozone teaching Special K the “street” side of dancing. Maybe it’s something more recent, like the Jabbawockeez dance crew as seen on Mtv and other movies like “Step Up: All In?”

Or maybe you have been lucky enough to catch the group right here in Fargo/Moorhead, that lights up Broadway and 3rd, right by Top Dogs hot dog stand.. I sat down with a couple of members of the Broadway Beat Rockers to find out what it’s like being a b-girl/b-boy in the FM area.

I sat down with Kimberly M. a.k.a. B-Girl IMMUNE, a dance instructor at Inspire Dance and Wellness and Brian H. a.k.a. BRIONIC, a recent addition to the Broadway Beat Rockerz, to find out more about the culture and the local scene.

When I asked them what made them want to dance. I heard a mix of inspiration by others, self expression, and release of emotions, which sounds a lot like the things a painter might say, or a musician might say, telling me that they see what they do as an art form. and they treat it like an art, practicing to become better at their craft. Listening to everything from “Buffalo Gals” by Malcolm McLaren to “Panda” by Desiigner

B-Girl IMMUNE started Breakdancing after a trip to California. She approached a B-Boy about learning to breakdance, but his response was in no way respectful, telling her that she couldn’t dance like that because she is a girl. This interaction drove her to learn the art. Traveling the U.S to learn and practice with other crews, she gained knowledge and a name.

I asked how one gets a name -- particularly B-girl Immune. Kimberly (B-girl Immune) said “An older person has to name you, that’s the respected way.”

B-girl Immune’s name came from an elder breakdancer, a tradition would dictate, who got to know her and proclaimed that Kimberly was now B-girl Immune, because she was Immune to what hits her, always bouncing back. With years under her belt she began teaching and performing on the street to raise money for various causes.

Recently, with the help of the Broadway Beat Rockerz, she raised money for the Family of Philandro Castile.

You can find the Broadway Beat Rockerz downtown on Friday and Sat. nights or randomly around Island Park, teaching those who walk by if they are interested in learning.

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