As I approached the iconic Mad Arts building on June 24th, a sense of excitement filled the air, foreshadowing the incredible event that awaited me. The walls of Mad Arts were adorned with captivating video displays, setting the stage for UNDEFEATED 2023, a remarkable celebration of breakdancing held in Miami. With the beats from DJs DJTons and Nicolee.southh filling the room, and the energy of passionate dancers in the air, the scene was set for an unforgettable experience. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through my perspective of attending UNDEFEATED 2023 at Mad Arts, exploring the venue’s unique atmosphere, the passionate individuals behind the event, and the remarkable display of breakdancing talent.
Setting the Stage: Mad Arts and the Essence of Community Support
Mad Arts, driven by a relentless commitment to nurturing the cultural and artistic significance of the creative community, stands as a beacon of support for aspiring artists. Through their commission structure, Mad Arts empowers artists to bring their ideas to life, fostering a cycle of paying it forward. This commitment to the community is palpable as soon as you step foot into the building, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration.
Upon entering the main room, the ambiance transported me to the streets of New York, reminiscent of a classic breakdancing street battle. The wooden floors and the mesmerizing visuals on every video wall immersed me in the world of breakdancing. The talented DJs, DJTons and Nicolee.southh, curated an unforgettable playlist, infusing the space with pulsating beats that fueled the dancers’ performances. The room buzzed with anticipation as dancers warmed up, showcasing their skills and embracing the sheer joy of movement.
During my time at UNDEFEATED 2023, I had the privilege of speaking with Sonja La Makina, one of the co-hosts and co-producers of the event. Sonja’s passion for giving back to the dance community was evident as she shared her vision for UNDEFEATED. She emphasized the importance of dancers being able to express their authenticity through music, creating unique moments that embody their individual styles. This innovative approach to dance competitions sets UNDEFEATED apart, fostering an environment of artistic freedom and self-expression.
The Visionary: Sergio Garcia and the Birth of UNDEFEATED
Sergio Garcia, also known as “Zeku,” the founder of BreakinMIA and the UNDEFEATED Dance Battle, shared his inspiring journey with us. With over 12 years of breakdancing experience, Sergio’s inspiration for UNDEFEATED stemmed from the film “You Got Served,” which shed light on the struggles of dancers trying to make a living from their passion. Sergio’s humble beginnings fueled his desire to create a sustainable platform for artistic athletes, providing them opportunities to represent breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. His close-knit team, whom he considers family, played an instrumental role in turning his vision into reality.
In our conversations with Yonell, also known as Nelzwon, and Johnny, known as Blaze_mia, their unwavering passion for breakdancing shone through. They spoke about their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and the immense joy they found in this art form. Working alongside Zeku and being part of UNDEFEATED has been a transformative experience, allowing them to express themselves authentically and connect with a global community of breakdancers.
The impact of this art form not only on the community but the world
As the event unfolded, it became evident that UNDEFEATED 2023 had attracted participants from around the world. Dancers from Australia, Ukraine, and various parts of the United States converged in Miami, united by their shared love for breakdancing. The event showcased the resilience and thriving nature of breakdancing as an art form, leaving attendees, myself included, craving more.
Attending UNDEFEATED 2023 at Mad Arts was a transformative experience that allowed me to witness the power of breakdancing firsthand. The event, infused with the spirit of community support, artistic expression, and unwavering passion, exemplified the cultural significance of this dynamic art form. The competition climaxed as the crowd erupted with excitement when the winners were announced. Novo claimed the well-deserved first-place position, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. HappyFeet secured second place with an outstanding performance that captivated the audience. Not only did these talented dancers earn recognition for their skills, but they also walked away with a rewarding $1,000 cash prize and $250 to spend at Shoe Gallery Miami.
As I left the event, I carried with me the anticipation of future UNDEFEATED gatherings, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the evolution of breakdancing. UNDEFEATED 2023 at Mad Arts not only provided a platform for artists to shine but also fostered a sense of unity among dancers from different corners of the globe. The event served as a testament to the thriving nature of breakdancing and its enduring ability to captivate and inspire.
