Breaking into the Capital

Richard Colon is offended when one addresses him by his name.

Richard Colon is offended when one addresses him by his name. Please call me Crazy Legs, he says,during a telephonic conversation from New York. And its only when one does that,that Colon,the man who turned b-boying into more than just dance in the US with his famous backspins and crazy Bronx dance moves,finally agrees to talk. When I started dancing as a kid on the streets of Bronx,it was not about power moves or crazy freezes,it was a big party. I did not realise that it will become such an important part of me, says Colon,who was the godfather of the b-boying movement that swept America in the 80s. He is now set for his first India trip next week,when he will hold workshops in Delhi and Mumbai.

I spotted a host of videos floating around on YouTube featuring interesting b-boyers from India some of whom belong to the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai creating some raw yet interesting dance moves. I want to be a tool to help them with a technique that can benefit them, says Colon,who is the President of Rock Steady Crew a popular b-boying and hip hop group formed in the 70s. He has been invited to India by Sony Music.

The memories of Bronx from the late 70s linger on and often become a part of the conversation. An uninitiated 10-year-old from a middle-class family where self-expression was considered rebellion,Colon saw his brother flailing on the ground one day and was mesmerised. I didnt understand what was he up to. But I definitely wanted to give it a shot, says Colon,adding that b-boying,then referred to as breakdancing,was just an alternate form of recreation to stay off the streets and troubles that came with it including gang wars and drugs.

Colon had begun dancing but didnt have a name. Richard was too nice, he says. During one of the sessions,a girl in the crowd screamed Crazy Legs,and the name stuck. His abilities have taken him to prestigious venues such as Lincoln Centre and Kennedy Centre but also for tours to Europe,where he performed for various political figures,even the royalty. His memorable performances in films such as Flashdance,Wild Style and Style Wars were much appreciated. He is also planning to set up Rock Steady India to promote budding artistes here.

Dance enthusiasts can register for the workshops on http://www.zomba.in

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
New York
US