The Rhythm of Resilience: Longzai and the Rise of Chinese Breaking
Longzai remembers the early days as a blur of practice and passion, a period punctuated by the electrifying energy of “Dance Smash,” a local scene that ignited his love for breaking. But while those formative experiences hold a special place in his heart,itS the honour of representing China on the global stage that truly defines his most treasured memories. “every time I competed wearing the national flag, I felt immensely proud – truly proud,” he reflects.
His dedication propelled him and his team to a commendable fourth-place finish at the 2016 KOD, the prestigious “World Cup of Street Dance.” He further honed his skills competing twice at BOTY,the world’s oldest and largest breaking crew competition,often hailed as the ”Olympics of Breaking.” Reaching the world finals and securing fourth place wasn’t just a personal achievement; it signaled a turning point, demonstrating the burgeoning talent and innovative spirit of Chinese dancers to the world.
The path wasn’t without its hurdles.Initially, Longzai’s parents worried about the balance between his academic commitments and his demanding dance training. However, his unwavering commitment gradually allayed their fears. “My parents were concerned mainly about my studies, but I kept at it,” he explains. “They saw how serious I was, and their worry transformed into complete support. They recognized the positive impact dance had on me - and that was the greatest validation I could ask for.” Their understanding became the fuel for his continued pursuit.
For longzai, the core appeal of street dance lies in its liberating freedom. “There is no single right answer,” he emphasizes. “You follow your creativity, your expressiveness, and your connection to the music, and you dance your interpretation in each moment.” This ethos of self-expression deeply resonates with a generation of young Chinese individuals seeking to define their individuality and make their voices heard.
While breaking originated elsewhere, Longzai is adamant that its future in China must be authentically homegrown. “Even though street dance came from overseas, we, as Chinese dancers, infuse it with our own cultural heritage and the spirit of our times, enriching it and giving it a new dimension,” he asserts. He believes in the power of “digesting and recreating” – a concept deeply ingrained in Chinese cultural philosophy – to transform an imported art form into something uniquely Chinese.
Today, China’s breaking scene is flourishing, fueled by platforms like “Street Dance of China” and the successes of dancers like Qi Xiangyu and Liu Qingyi at the Asian Games. The recent performances at the 15th National Games further showcased the depth of talent emerging across the country. “Chinese breaking is strong – we have so many incredible dancers,” Longzai states with pride.
He sees in this new generation the qualities he most admires: “They all share something in common - persistence, resilience, and passion. They love it, even if breaking doesn’t always offer immediate financial rewards. They persevere because of that love.” They embody the spirit of China’s youth – determined, genuine, and unafraid to face challenges.
Remarkably, breaking transcends age barriers. Longzai observes a vibrant community encompassing everyone from young children, barely three or four years old, to seasoned veterans in their 40s and 50s, all united by their shared passion. “I’ve started teaching my 3-year-old son forward rolls and handstands,” he shares, “and I’m still competing alongside dancers who have been breaking for two decades.”
this intergenerational connection, he believes, is the key to the enduring vitality of China’s breaking culture.
From the streets of Guangzhou to the international stage, from a solitary pursuit of a dream to the joy of mentorship, Longzai’s journey mirrors the evolution of Chinese street dance itself. Thru nearly two decades of dedication,he has proven that passion can endure,and that with culture as its foundation and skill as its wings,even a niche art form can blossom into a powerful and inspiring force.
Like countless young breakers who share his love,Longzai continues to embody the spirit of guangzhou and contribute to the ongoing story of Chinese youth striving to realize their dreams.
