Tulsa hosts World Breaking Classic finals qualifier

TULSA, Okla. — Some the best b-boys and b-girls from around the world brought their best moves to Tulsa for the World Breaking Classic finals qualifier.

Joel Koester with the Tulsa Sports Commission said events like this showcase Tulsa’s diverse culture.

“Oklahoma, believe it or not, has had an underground breaking scene for years actually spanning back to the early ‘90s,” Koester said.

Tulsa beat out seventeen other locations in the bidding process, including the birthplace of the sport, New York City.

WBC event director Nick Pocalitis said holding the event in Tulsa makes sense.

“It’s right in the middle of the country. It’s different than a Chicago, New York or Los Angeles which is typically where you see an event like this, so we’re thrilled to be here,” Povalitis said.

An offshoot of hip-hop culture, breakdancing began in the South Bronx of New York about fifty years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since.

“Here recently it’s become a more traditional sport competition, and it’s being streamlined for the Olympic Games in 20-24,” Povalitis said.

Gary Yang from Fresno, California says he’s been impressed by the event.

“We got a lot of talent here, some talent that I’ve never seen before, that I’ve only seen online, and it’s really neat to see it in your face,” Yang said.

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