b-boys

Frosty Freeze Flashdances Into the Beyond

Hamilton Nolan · 04/04/08 09:23AM

Frosty Freeze, one of the world's most respected B-Boys, died yesterday at the age of 44 [NYT]. He was an early member of the world famous Rock Steady Crew. More importantly for white people, his dancing scenes in 1983's "Flashdance" helped to popularize break dancing to whites across the earth. He also appeared in the seminal hip hop films "Style Wars" and "Wild Style." Below, a clip of the break dancing scene from "Flashdance," and a clip of a b-boy battle from "Style Wars." The man was damn good at what he did, THAT'S FOR SURE.

The Return Of The B-Boy

Hamilton Nolan · 03/21/08 11:24AM

Discussion: break dancing—cool, embarrassing, or some mixture thereof? A new film called "Planet B-Boy," opening tonight in New York, takes a look at break dancing across the globe—the type of thing that could spark a revived cultural moment for the niche urban phenomenon, like "Spellbound" did for spelling bees. The Times gives it a fairly positive review; the New York Sun kind of pans it, but what do they know about B-boys? I always considered them to be fun to watch, but not something I would ever personally become. Will we soon see nouveau break dancing battles across Soho and Williamsburg as the form gains a brief, ironic throwback popularity? Or will it remain consigned to circles in Union Square and Rock Steady anniversary parties? After the jump, the movie's trailer, and a clip from LOZ—the best b-boy crew that I ever saw up close—in action. DC stand up!