Back 2 B-Boy Basics

     There are, as most know, four key elements that compound the world of Hip-Hop and for most one of the most important fractions of that world is the B-Boy/B-Girl. It isn’t an arduous undertaking to try and find a decent B-Boy/Girl in Vancouver (check out Robson Square downtown on most nights and you find at least a few) but I was fortunate enough to catch up with and gain a little insight from one of the illest and most talented B-Boys representing the GVD. A major component of the Now Or Never crew,Choreographer/D.J/Art Designer/Dancer/B-boy Jeri Jest aka B-Boy How was kind enough to answer a few questions for BTC while on a promotional tour doing what he does best. As quoted from the Now Or Never website, "…when he dances, instead of him following the music, it appears as if the music is following him." This guy is innovative, raw and real and an amazing representation of B-Boys everywhere.

BTC: First off, congratulations are in order for Now Or Never taking home the West Coast crown! I’m positive that you’ll represent Vancouver to the max when you jet off to L.A and compete in the World Finals. You all must be crazy excited.  How do you guys prepare for such an intense competition such as that? Is this the first time you guys have made it this far?

B-BH: Actually, we did not prepare too much for this competition. Most of the stuff that we pulled out that night was the stuff that we done a couple of weeks early, that was for another international b-boy competition held in Toronto, called "b-boy unit Canada." We spent like 1 month to prepare for that competition. Like the whole crew had to meet up at least 3 – 4 times a week to practice routines and solos together. In that competition, we took back the title of "top 4 of Canada." But we were not satisfied with our performance that day, because we were so close to win in that competition. So then after we returned back to Vancity, and heard about this westcoast b-boy championship competition, we just joined in, to just…battle and release our regrets from the battle in Toronto and everything out on the floor. This is not the first time we won competitions. But talk about competition that offers the chance to go to international to compete, this is the first time to most of us.

BTC: Where did the name Now Or Never come from? And how did the N.O.N crew come into existence?  

B-BH: Believe it or not, the name "Now or Never" actually comes from N.O.N 2nd generation. Back in 1998, the crew was just called "N.O.N". Our founder Lawrence Hu made this name up. It was once called "No Other Name." But in 2002, the 2nd generation changed it. Because the term "Now or Never" is more meaningful than all the other names they’ve come up with before. Breaking is a dance that requires a great deal of "mental power"; it requires persistence and physical strengths. As a result of that, lots of beginners just simply quit after trying a few lessons. Therefore, the term "Now or Never" is also functioning as a motto to remind every single one of our crew members not to easily give up, to always give your full best.

BTC: When did you join N.O.N, and how did that come to be?

B-BH: I joined in N.O.N in 2002. Back then, I was just a free-land dancer who dances everywhere. And because of that, I had the chance to meet with the N.O.N 1st generations. The longer I hang around with these guys, the more I love this crew. This is very hard to explain in words. It’s like…you’ve found a group of people who share the same goals and interests as you. Yes, it is a 2nd family to me.

BTC: How many members belong to the second generation of N.O.N?

B-BH: For 2nd generation, we have around 7-8 people. In total, we have around 35 - 38 crew members, most of them are the new generation.

BTC: I read that you have been a major part of the underground dance scene here for almost ten years now, is Vancouver a hot spot for B-Boys & Girls? Do you feel that there is enough support out here for B-Boys such as yourself?

B-BH: Comparing to the scene couple years ago, the Vancouver underground dance scene is much bigger nowadays. But if we look at the big picture, which is comparing our scene with The States’, we are still in our "infant stage". But bboys and girls in our city are definitely doing their things. We are trying our best to organize jams and competitions to expand and do well to our scene. The result has proved that we’ve done a good job.

BTC: Have you ever sustained any krazy injuries over the years? I have to say- I am always in constant awe of the way b-boys/girls can contort their bodies like little elastic bands without snapping...  

B-BH: Yes, I do. I’ve once got my shoulder dislocated after trying a hard move. But I’ve recovered and became stronger. To all bboys, injuries are just like our friends. They are not necessarily all bad for you. Sometimes, you have to go through them to become stronger. "No pain no gain"

BTC: Do you think dance styles have been affected over the years as other elements of hip-hop have shifted? If so, how?

B-BH: Yes there is. Media has always been playing the key role in causing such shift. But I see it as a development. Nowadays, people like to learn different dance and put them together. It’s cool that way, because it’s very creative. It reflects their creativity and personality.

BTC: When performing as a DJ, do you find yourself playing beats that resonate within the b-boy side of you?

B-BH: Yes. Being a DJ is an advantage I should say. As a DJ, I’ve developed a solid knowledge about various kind of music. And most importantly, I listen to a LOT of music and know how each piece is structured. As a result of that, when I dance, I will automatically decode the music that is playing, and identify where the emphasis of each flick is, and then I will catch them and present the "emphasis" of the music through movements.

BTC: How difficult is it to come up with new and unique dance moves without someone else biting them?

B-BH: Oh, this is a tough question. To be honest, it’s hard to come up with unique moves nowadays, because most of the moves we do now are based on the foundations that people set up long time ago. So sometimes, it’s not surprising to see people who live on the other side of the world that have similar moves as you do. In that case, you can’t call that as biting because it isn’t. You can't prevent people purposely biting your move. But what you can do is to make those moves your signatures and let them be known. So even if your moves got bitted off by some people, he/she would hardly use it because people will know once he/she throws your signature sets out on the floor. It is an embarrassment to be caught biting in our game.

BTC: Do you remember the moment you first became aware that you wanted to be a dancer? What or who was a major influence in that decision? 

B-BH: Yes, I was still a kid that time. I still remember it was a Japanese Hip Hop group named "Electric Troubles" that inspired me the most. They are 40 something years old now, but they are still on the top of the game right now.

BTC: Is there a difference between break–dancers and b-boys/girls? If so, please educate us…

B-BH: Break dancer is just a term that mass media comes up with to call those people who do breaking. A b-boy/girl is not just about the dance, the moves, it is more like a way of life. B-boy/b-girl as a life style. Yes, we dance, but we ain’t dancing to impress nobody. We are dancing for our soul, for ourselves. Even when we are not dancing, we are still b-boys/girls. Some of our people hate to be called a "break-dancer" because that's not who we are. We are b-boys.

BTC: I noticed on the N.O.N website that you guys offer instructional classes. Do you guys do the actual instructing??  Do you guys take in beginners, or strictly people who have some skills developed already?    

B-BH: We actually take people with all levels. It doesn't matter if you have the dance background or not. As long as you have the passion and willing to learn, we are willing to teach you step by step from the basic.

BTC: Are there many other crews in the Greater Vancity District? Do you battle them often?  

B-BH: In Vancouver, there are not many crews. But the good thing is when there is battle. Most of the crews will show up, some crews even from other parts of the nation. And yes, we do battle them a lot. But starting from this year, we will participate less in the local competitions. In stead, we will travel more to other places to battle and build up the name.

BTC: Where and when could our readers come and see your skills being demonstrated?

B-BH: Come to local competitions and battles. We may not be entering every time, but we will definitely be there to support.

BTC: Any last shout-outs or comments that you would like to add?

B-BH: Yes, I want to give a shout-out to all the graffiti writers. Most people don't realize that hip hop is consisted of 4 elements: DJ, M.C, B-boy, and Graffiti. Nowadays, only Graffiti writers don't get enough shine and appreciation from the general public. I hope one day, people will start to realize the importance of such art form in the society and start to look at our culture "Hip Hop" as a whole with more respect.

For more information on the Now Or Never crew, please visit www.nowornevercrew.com.