Hundreds take to the floor to show their b-boying skills in Dubai

The Fridge at Alserkal Avenue hosted the dancers, who came from across the UAE and other GCC countries, where b-boying has made its way.

Dancers compete during the Slam Jam breakdance competition in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National

DUBAI // Hundreds of people took to the dance floor to show off their b-boying moves and ­enjoy the music with their friends and peers.

The Fridge at Alserkal Avenue on Friday hosted the dancers, who came from across the UAE and other GCC countries, where b-boying – a form of hip-hop street dance born in the backstreets of New York City – has made its way.

Federica Miani, 26, was one of the women who took part in an event that was dominated by male dancers.

“I love to dance, and I love competing with others and learn from them,” the Italian said. “Once I’m inside the circle, my body moves with the beat of the music and I just entwine with it and express my emotions through my moves.”

For Ahmad Fathi, known as Biggie to his friends, b-boying, he said, was one way he could ­express himself.

“The music is amazing. My friends and I compete against each other, show our best moves and just enjoy the atmosphere here,” said the 23-year-old Emirati. “The music and dancing is just another way for us to release the energy we have in a beautiful way.”

Iraqi Mohammad Al Khafaji ­organised the b-boying event with a friend from Lebanon, ­Mazen Hammoud.

“It’s an underground event where we share our love for the music and dancing,” said Mr Al Khafaji, who is known by his nickname, Spiky. “It also lets others who share our love for the music express themselves on the dance floor.”

Spiky is the founding members of Slam Fam, a community that unites regional b-boys and b-girls.

The Slam Fam Warehouse Jam 2016 featured three tournaments: BBoy One vs one, Hip-hop battle 2 vs 2, and a regional BBoy crew battle.

Brothers Omar and Ahmad ­Abdullah drove all the way from Muscat to compete.

“We have a lot of b-boying groups in Oman, and we love taking part in events in the UAE,” said 24-year-old Ahmad, while his young brother, Omar, was more than happy showing his moves.

“When I was introduced to b-boying, I immediately fell in love with it, then I started learning moves and trying to dance to the music,” said Omar, 16.

Cheering her Jordanian boyfriend, Slovakian Tatiana Syteskova, 21, said the ambience and vibe on the dance floor was “amazing”.

“All the people here are smiling and happy, enjoying their time, and dancing to their favourite music, it is a very friendly event where each individual has music in common with all the participants,” said the 21-year-old.

Her boyfriend, Nader Issam, 23, said the competition helped him to learn moves and compete with others.

“I have been a professional dancer for three years now, and taking part in this competition is another way to enhance my skills and enjoy my time,” said the Jordanian.

American Akram Ahmad said he had been b-boying for as long as he can remember.

“I have been dancing for the past 15 years, it is a way for me to express my feelings, and share the love of music with my friends and others here on the dance floor.”