The 2025 Breaking Summer Street Dance Festival, hosted by the renowned Jinjo Crew, was a resounding success, marking its second annual event. This festival, held on July 12 at SJ Kunsthalle in Gangnam, Seoul, witnessed an incredible turnout with over 300 dancers from five countries including South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, and Russia. The excitement was palpable as the venue quickly filled with eager spectators, eagerly waiting for the vibrant performances to begin.
Captivating Performances from Young Dancers
This year's festival featured four diverse categories, showcasing unique battle stages that thrilled the audience. Among the standout performances was the Breaking Youth category, where 9 to 10-year-old dancers dazzled the crowd with their outstanding skills, proving they were on par with seasoned competitors. The battle video of the nine-year-old b-girl, known as KITTY, quickly went viral on social media, reaching an impressive view count of over 3.13 million by July 14. This not only highlighted her talent but also reflected the festival’s ability to engage and resonate with a broad audience, including families and younger generations.
The festival wasn't solely about competition; it fostered a sense of community as children and their families united through dance. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with cheers and excitement, as spectators celebrated the dancers’ accomplishments. Such an event undeniably demonstrated the growing popularity of street dance culture—the enthusiasm of attendees standing in line long before the doors opened was a testament to this thriving interest.
Spectacular Showcases That Enthralled Audiences
In addition to the competitions, the festival featured special showcases that captivated audiences. Notable performances included acts by LADY BOUNCE, HANYA, 2Way Kids, and h-has, which received tremendous applause. In particular, LADY BOUNCE's chair performance generated an electrifying response, with many audience members capturing the moment on their devices. These showcase events contributed significantly to the festival's overall atmosphere, elevating it from a competition to a true celebration of dance.
The combination of competitive spirit and artistic expression added layers of excitement to the event. Beyond the individual battles, the collaborative environment created by performers and audience members alike blurred the lines between competitors and spectators, turning the festival into a collective celebration of creativity.
A Festival Celebrating Dance and Unity
After intense competition across various categories, the winners emerged, each celebrated for their exceptional talents. In the BREAKING 1ON1 OPEN category, NORD DIAMOND from Russia took first place, followed closely by South Korean dancer Kwon Young-jin from STUBBORN. Other winners included COCOA from Japan in the BREAKING 1ON1 UNDER 18 and Lee Yun-young of RANA in the OPEN STYLE 1ON1 UNDER 15 category. This competitive nature was intensified by the passionate support from fans, cheering on their favorite dancers throughout the event.
Jinjo Crew’s representative, Kim Heon-jun, expressed his pleasure, stating, “This year's Breaking Summer was a festival of passion created together by dancers and audiences in the heart of Seoul. It was a moment that allowed everyone to experience the diversity and appeal of street dance, paving the way for its further popularity.” His words encapsulate the essence of the festival—not merely a competition but a vibrant community gathering that embraced the spirit of dance across generations.
In summary, the 2025 Breaking Summer Street Dance Festival was a remarkable celebration of talent, creativity, and familial bonds through dance. With its rich performances and electrifying atmosphere, it set a high standard for future events. To stay connected with upcoming street dance festivities and receive updates, consider downloading the SBS news app for more insightful coverage and engaging stories.
