How a World-Class B-Boy Transformed My Approach to Writing, Creativity and Life
In a world where expectations and stereotypes often define us, some defy these groups by challenging the notion that one must adhere to a single identity. I am one of those individuals, living a life that straddles two seemingly disparate worlds.
On one hand, at the heart of the street culture, Hip-hop reigns supreme where its essence transcends through raw cyphers within the 4 elements of Hip Hop: Graffiti, B-boying, Mcing, and Djing.
In this realm, I’m deep within the B-Boying element under the street alias as B-boy DirtE. Also known as Breaking, this art form allows where every step becomes a brushstroke of athleticism and artistry showcased through dance battles.
On the other hand, I also find tranquillity in writing — particularly blog writing. I have an undying appreciation for digging into diverse synonyms, crafting stories, and experimenting with poetic techniques to share my life experiences on digital paper.
At one point, I even dived into the world of poetry on Instagram, adopting the name yin.docx to express my thoughts in poetic bars.
The contrast between these two realms seems obvious, yet it is within this dichotomy that I have discovered a profound sense of self.
As a Filipino-Hong Konger, I’m accustomed to not being fully accepted by either side, so the contrast between Breaking and writing doesn’t make much of a difference to me.
When people discover my passion for Breaking and writing, their reactions are often a mix of surprise and curiosity. They can’t help but wonder how I find the balance between these contrasting pursuits.
The truth is, despite their apparent differences, these two passions are more connected than meets the eye. Honestly, I even think they are just the same — which was reinforced after I took a workshop from one of the best B-boys in the world.
The Good Artist on a Hong Kong Rooftop
In December 2023, the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) organized the highly-anticipated Breaking for Gold (BFG) World Finals in Hong Kong. Breakers from around the globe gathered to compete for the W and the opportunity to rep their countries in the debut of Breaking at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Luckily for me, I live in Hong Kong. So I don’t need to pay for an expensive airline ticket to witness world-class Breaking.
Witnessing some of my greatest inspirations battling it out in person was an absolute joy. The energy was fire and the Olympic-level breakers were going full throttle with their unique styles from all across the globe.
What made the event even more memorable was the opportunity to meet and greet with some of these international superstars. After the challenges we’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like a true blessing to be able to come together and share our love for the dance in person.
I even was able to finally meet my online mentor from Toronto whom I trained with during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 for the first time.
But at the same time, after watching Olympic-level breaking in person for the first time, it wasn’t for me. Deep down, I knew I craved for something deeper within this dance – artistically.
Following this intense event, an after-event took place the following day, catering to those who appreciate the cultural aspects of the Breaking scene. The jam took place on a rooftop, offering a breath-taking panoramic view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers.
For international guests and even the Hong Kong locals, that’s one crazy venue. I never thought my dating spot would end up being a jam venue.
While the WDSF BFG World Finals and the rooftop jam garnered much attention, my main focus was the workshop led by Bboy Amir held before the jam.
For those who don’t know, the Kazakhstan native, Bboy Amir, rose to meteoric stardom in 2020 with an extra-terrestrial style that took home The Legits Blast Winter solo and crew final with his crew Predatorz.
After that, the rest was history.
He even won the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2021, the most prestigious solo competition in the world of Breaking.
It’s quite obvious that the 2021 BC One Champ has an artistic taste for his style and I wanted to go to his workshop not as a B-boy but as an artist.
Outside of Breaking, he makes films with some animation, which kind of sounds like me with Breaking and writing.
Two contrasting artistic realms.
During the workshop, we were introduced to his freestyle approach which came in themes – such as using your head only. We cyphered with the various themes on the rooftop, even though it was freezing cold up there. Despite the chilly conditions, most of us were eager to get down in the cypher – especially since a myriad of international breakers from the WDSF event attended too.
After about 30 minutes of experimenting with his freestyle concepts, Amir sat us down to engage in a Q&A session with us, which was actually his sole purpose of the workshop.
I couldn’t contain my curiosity and ended up being the first to ask a question. As a writer and copywriter, I have a natural inclination to formulate questions quickly and on the spot.
One of the questions that I asked was about Amir’s thoughts on “biting,” which is the Hip Hop slang for plagiarizing someone’s moves. Amir’s responses were thought-provoking and shed new light on how art and inspiration are much more deeper than we think.
“A real biter doesn’t just bite one move. He or she bites everything, even the character.”
Just one of the many quotes that stuck with me from the artistic individual.
However, there was one particular message that Amir wanted to emphasize above all else. He emphasized that if he had the opportunity, he would devote an entire 10-minute workshop to discuss this one thing.
It left us all wondering what that one thing could be from the world-class B-boy.
This is what he said.
“To be a good artist, you need to be a good person.”
Hmm, what?
I was a little shocked by that statement for some reason. I’m not sure why, but it felt obvious and not obvious at the same time. I must have thought about what he said for weeks. Like, dug into it and mulled it over from every angle. Maybe if you do your thing with your own flavor, people will notice — whichever artistic outlet you decide to pursue.
I’ve got so many thoughts bouncing around in my head after listening to what he had to say. Had to put them down on digital paper to try and make sense of it all.
I don’t really have answer. But here’s basically what I got from that message, so far:
To create good art, I need to strive to be a good person too. It’s debatable, but it’s not bad advice. It could be great advice if you’re a person who’s trying to change for the better and is creative too.
Food for thought from the good artist on a Hong Kong rooftop, literally.
Just Being Me
Taking Amir’s workshop was truly one for the books. Being in that environment and learning from such a gifted individual was incredibly inspiring — even beyond the artistic spectrum.
From quitting a lifelong cigarette-smoking habit to addressing my mental health in 2023, I knew it was time to make my mental well-being a priority. The changes weren’t always easy but feeling stronger and more whole has been worth every penny and Amir’s workshop helped me reinforced my personal development and artistic journey.
I’m letting my art evolve naturally instead of tying myself to any one style or scene — through the art of striving to be better too.
Based on a book I read titled ‘No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering’ by Thich Nhat Hanh, he introduced a morning mantra that I try to live by on a daily basis:
I wake up with a smile.
I have 24 hours to live.
I vow to live them deeply.
And look at the beings around me with the eyes of compassion.
That feeling alone from that mantra gives me a clearer view of my soul — a step closer to finding my true art. There is freedom in being true, in just being me. It’s a long hard path but I’m still embracing who I am with compassion.
Whether I’m writing, creating new dance moves or trying to be a better human being, it’s all the same to me.
I’m just simply being truly me.
One step at a time.
Peace!
Contact Me
- LinkedIn: Erryl Ho
- Instagram: @dirteeeee
- Email: sendtoerrylho@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.errylclassicz.com/
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dirteclassicz
