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

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

WORKSHOPS FOR TECHNIQUE AND MUSICALITY

Visitors can take part in a workshop for the dance battle cypher. ‘Many people are familiar with breakdancing, but don't always know the names of specific moves or how to perform them correctly,’ says Manuella Ronokarijo, PR for the organisation. In the workshop, Bboy Kidcastic teaches upper body technique and musicality, while Bboy Dizzy focuses on footwork. Dancers can then immediately apply their new knowledge 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,’ explains Ronokarijo.

Marengo had to select a winner from more than 30 hip-hop and breakdance enthusiasts and dancers who came to the dance battle cypher. He thoroughly enjoyed this. ‘Because the cypher is important; it is the root of b-boying. It really emphasises your energy, adrenaline and ability. That's important for your development,’ says Marengo.

In the end, 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 musical.’ The b-girl that Marengo proclaimed as Cypher Cat, b-girl Nadia, was also the DJ. ‘She was on beat and creative.’

Even the non-winners benefited from 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 at least two to three times in Suriname, but that depends on interest. The Association of French Guiana has already expressed interest. It also sent six people to the workshop and dance battle cypher in Suriname.