Last weekend, the CDS National Championships transformed Vancouver into the epicenter of Canadian Breaking. Talent from coast to coast left their hearts on the dance floor, turning the event into a national spectacle. It was more than just a championship; it was a grand showcase of the growth, vibrancy, and resilience of the Canadian Breaking scene. Young Breakers from every corner of the country battled for Gold, demonstrating the evolution of the sport across Canada and signaling a promising future.
Under 9 Division
In the Under 9 division, the competition was fierce, with breakers as young as eight demonstrating exceptional talent. Fierce from Quebec emerged as the champion, followed closely by Bboy Luu from Ontario and Breaking News from BC.
10-13 Division
Dancing far beyond their years, the 10-13 division left the crowd floored. A sibling showdown from BC saw Lucas nab silver and Bboy Rizz bronze. But the gold? That went straight to Medicine Hat's finest, Bboy Ash1. Son of Bboy Aplus, Ash1 didn't just bring his A-game, he brought gold to Alberta!
14-17 Division
The 14-17 division was a preview of the future Elite division, with teenage competitors demonstrating skills and styles that could rival their senior counterparts. The highlight of the division was a definitive BC sweep. Proving that British Columbia is a breeding ground for breaking talent, Gryffin, Doctr Drew, and Taane owned the podium, bagging gold, silver, and bronze respectively.
The message was clear: BC breaking isn't just on the rise, it's setting the bar high for the entire country
ELITE 1v1 B-Girl
Riding the wave of her recent victory at the Red Bull National Finals, BC's B-Girl Emma once again stole the spotlight in the Elite B-Girl category. Dominating the final battle by sweeping two out of three rounds, she not only secured another win but also booked her ticket to Belgium for the World Finals. Meanwhile, Alberta's SashaFox and Quebec's B-Nice proudly repped their styles, taking home the silver and bronze respectively.
ELITE 1v1 B-Boy
Showcasing the diversity of Canadian breaking with representatives from all regions, the B-Boy Elite category was something to watch, from start to finish. Mass from Quebec and Ontario's JC Fresh went head-to-head in a final battle that could have swung either way. Round one went to Mass in a split decision, while in round two, JC Fresh came back strong, taking all five votes. But in the decisive third round, Mass pulled out all the stops to secure the round, and with it, the gold. Alberta's Frescy rounded off the podium with a bronze, underscoring the rich spread of Breaking talent across Canada
Beyond the individual and provincial accomplishments, what stood out at the Championships was the strength and promise of the Canadian breaking scene. With Phil Wizard a strong candidate for the Olympics, and now Emma and Mass preparing to represent Canada at the World Finals in Belgium, the future of breaking in Canada is incredibly bright.
As we gear up for the 2023-2024 season, keep an eye on our vibrant Canadian breakers. The new Canadian Team - featuring Phil Wizard, Mass, JC Fresh, Onton, Emma, Tiff, Sasha Fox, and B-Nice - represents the diverse and dynamic talent that Canada has to offer.
So here's to the new sport of Breaking and the rise of our Canadian talent. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep supporting our Canadian Breakers. The scene isn't just growing – it's thriving!
Photos by: Yo Yozhik @cameragirl_natyo
