Battle of the Year

Battle of the Year: The Competition that Revolutionized Breaking

The Battle of the Year (BOTY) It's one of the most iconic and prestigious breakdancing competitions in the world. Since its founding in 1990, it has been a benchmark for bboys and bgirls, setting a standard in crew battles and helping to popularize and professionalize breaking culture globally.

Every year, groups from around the world compete for a spot in the international finals, offering spectacular choreography and displays of skill that have made this event a true spectacle. In this article, we'll explore the history, format, and impact of BOTY on the breaking community.

History and Evolution

The Battle of the Year was born in Germany in 1990, created by Thomas Hergenröther, a hip-hop enthusiast who wanted to take breaking competitions to the next level. BOTY was initially a small event, but over the years, it grew to become the largest crew breaking competition in the world.

Over the years, BOTY has changed venues and introduced new rules and categories, but it has always maintained its essence: rewarding not only the individual skill of the dancers, but also their creativity, synchronization, and teamwork.

The Competition Format

Unlike other breaking competitions focused on 1vs1, BOTY focuses on the crews (teams of dancers). The competition has two main phases:

1. Qualifying Rounds

Every year, they are organized Ranked battles in different regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. The winning crews from each region secure their spot in the grand final.

2. The Grand International Final

The best groups in the world compete in an event that is divided into two main parts:

A. Showcase Round

Each crew presents a 6-8 minute choreography, demonstrating their creativity, originality, and synchronization. A panel of experts evaluates each performance based on criteria such as:

  • Creativity and originality.
  • Synchronization and group work.
  • Technical level of the movements.
  • Use of space and musicality.

Only the best crews of the first phase advance to the next round.

B. Crew vs. Crew Battles

After the exhibition, the best crews face each other in battles. crew vs. crew, hasta llegar a la final donde deben demostrar su nivel en power moves, footwork, freezes, toprocks, routines, etc. in a round-exchange format as if it were the Champions League but with Break Dancing. 

The team with the best strategy and execution wins the title of Battle of the Year champion.

Legendary Crews and Winners

Throughout its history, BOTY has seen some of the most influential crews in breaking compete and win. Some of the most notable include:

  • Flying Steps (Germany) – Winners in the 90s and pioneers in combining breaking and theater.
  • Pokémon Crew (France) – Known for their dynamic style and creativity.
  • Jinjo Crew (South Korea) – One of the most dominant crews in the history of breaking.

Every year, new crews emerge and prove that breaking continues to evolve.

Impact and Future of the BOTY

Battle of the Year has not only provided a platform for the world's best bboys and bgirls, but has also contributed to the globalization of breaking. Thanks to the event's reach on social media and streaming platforms, more people have been able to learn about breaking culture and its importance within hip-hop.

With the inclusion of breaking in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, BOTY could gain even more recognition and attract a new generation of dancers and spectators.

How to Participate or View the Event

If you want to attend or compete in the Battle of the YearHere are some key facts:

  • Regional Qualifiers: Check the official website for dates and locations.
  • International Final: It is usually held in October or November in Europe.
  • Where to watch it: Many events are streamed on platforms such as YouTube and social networks.

Conclusion:

The Battle of the Year It continues to be a fundamental event in the world of breakdancing, not only for its high level of competition, but also for its ability to foster the development of key skills within breakdancing groups.

This event is a great opportunity for groups to go through processes of collective creation and important decision-making.

Breakdancing groups competing in BOTY face challenges that require perfect coordination, which helps strengthen teamwork.

These processes allow dancers not only to perfect their technique but also to develop leadership skills, conflict resolution, and decision-making under pressure. Furthermore, working together in each session promotes collective creativity and adaptability, essential in an art form as dynamic as breaking.

In short, the Battle of the Year It remains a pillar in the evolution of breakdancing, serving as a space for groups of dancers to grow both artistically and personally, while continuing to propel hip-hop culture to new heights.

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