Breakdancing is a great way to stay active and keep fit, and it also teaches discipline, respect, and a belief in yourself.
So says award-winning hip-hop dancer and dance coach Mark Cupido from Northpine.
Cupido was recently invited to judge the national final of the Malta Guiness Wake up Session street dance competition in Mauritius in August.
Being active in the breakdancing and hip-hop scene Cupido founded the Original B-Boy foundation in 2017, when he saw the need to counter the affects of drugs, gangsterism, abuse, and bullying that is rife in his community.
The non-profit organisation offers dance and drama programmes, and conducts workshops at eight schools in Kraaifontein to teach life skills to youths. When speaking at schools the focus is squarely on vulnerable youth.
“It changes their lives. It prepares them for a better, brighter future and propels them into setting new goals. The dance floor offers an escape from dire circumstances at home and a platform to express themselves,” says Cupido.
Having won Battle of the Year and African Battle Cry numerous times, his students excel in the sport, three having qualified to compete in Global Dance Supreme at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg in October.
The three will also represent South Africa in the upcoming international Hip-Hop Unite dance competition.
Cupido is also well-known outside South Africa having competed internationally, as well as judged and conducted workshops elsewhere, including the Seychelles.
Wake UP Session covers all of the judges’ expenses once in Mauritius, but judges must provide their own transport to and from the island. Cupido is seeking sponsors to help cover those costs so that he can continue to spread the word about the supremacy of South African Hip Hop.
Cupido can be reached on 062 299 8264.
