Choreographer Lloyd Marengo was a judge at the first Cypher Cats dance competition. This underground dance battle platform organised its first dance battle, or 'cypher', in Suriname at the end of February.

A dance battle cypher is a freestyle dance competition where dancers take turns showcasing their skills in a cypher (a circular dance space). "It was done a lot in the past, and we're trying to bring that back," says Kevin Thompson. He is one of the initiators of the platform with Bboy Dizzy Ingway Sabajo and the President of the Association Mind Your Own Business MYOB (French Guiana). It combines the raw energy of a battle with the open exchange of a cypher, with a focus on creativity, musicality, and individual style. Dancers challenge each other with dynamic movements, improvisation, and self-expression, often reacting to the music and their opponents in real-time.

WORKSHOPS FOR TECHNIQUE AND MUSICALITY

Visitors can take a workshop for the dance battle cypher. "Many people know breakdancing, but they don't always know the names of specific moves or how they are performed correctly," says Manuella Ronokarijo, PR for the organization. In the workshop, Bboy Kidcastic teaches upper body technique and musicality, while Bboy Dizzy focuses on footwork. Dancers can immediately apply their new knowledge later in the dance battle cypher.

THE CYPER CATS

At the dance battle cypher, Lloyd Marengo announces the 'Cypher Cat'; the winner of the event. "Cypher Cat refers to the agile and strategic dancer, just like a cat that moves smoothly and always lands on its feet," Ronokarijo explains.

Marengo had to select a winner from over 30 hip-hop and breakdance enthusiasts and dancers who attended the dance battle cypher. He thoroughly enjoyed this. Because the cypher is important; it's the root of b-boying. It really drains your energy, adrenaline, and abilities. "That's important for your development," Marengo said.

Ultimately, he chose bboy Dryx from French Guiana. "It's important that the beginning, middle, and end are right. And that was the case with him. His performance was also clean and had musicality. The b-girl who declared Marengo as Cypher Cat, b-girl Nadia, was also the DJ. She was measured and creative.

Even the non-winners got something out of the event. "It's not just about winning, but above all about connection, self-development, and strengthening the breakdance community," emphasises Ronokarijo.

MORE DANCE BATTLE CYPHERS IN SURINAME

The intention is to organise Cypher Cat in Suriname at least two to three times, but that depends on the interest. There's already interest from the Association of French Guiana. They also sent 6 people to the workshop and dance battle cypher in Suriname.