‘Excited to prove a point’: Calgary competitors head to breaking national final

Six competitors are representing Calgary at the national breakdancing finals this week. CTV Calgary caught up with a couple of them at the studio on Tuesday.

Winning the regional cypher in April makes Jesse Holdbrook one of six Calgary competitors heading to the national final in Montreal.

“I think I have a lot of signature Jesse moves that will make me stand out,” said Holdbrook.

Red Bull BC One is a one-on-one breaking competition with winners securing a spot in the world event in Tokyo.

“When it comes to breaking and battling, I think it’s more of like a conversation between the two people. … You have this point; now this is my point, and use that to keep elevating the conversation,” said Gomo Cabarroguis.

The 34-year-old has been to nationals twice before but is returning after a 10-year break.

“Kinda came back into it, so I feel really lucky and grateful,” said Cabarroguis.

Since he started 20 years ago, breaking has taken the spotlight more often, including as an exhibition sport in the 2024 Olympics.

“It’s big. Everywhere I travel around the world, you always meet somebody that breaks,” said Cabarroguis.

“After the Olympics, it’s its own sport. … (It) adds a duality to being an athlete and artist,” said Holdbrook.

Individuality rather than precise, defined steps sets breaking apart from other dance.

On top of that, Calgary’s “Messy Jesse” Holdbrook says his style is unorthodox.

“A lot of what I do looks a little bit different from the rest of our competition right now,” he said.

“I try to make the unique parts of my body and my body type really shine. … I have long arms. I use those a lot. I’m really explosive and that kind of takes me places.”

While Calgary’s breaking scene is smaller than Toronto’s or Vancouver’s, local competitors feel confident.

“I feel like I’m the underdog. … So not necessarily nervous, but I’m excited to prove a point, to show that Calgary should be over there,” said Holdbrook.

The Calgary crew will compete in the Red Bull BC One national final in Montreal on Thursday.