PAUSE Editorial: Suede in Motion — The Rhythm of Breaking

Describe the type of dancing do you do?

Breaking

When did dancing first find you? Was it the music, the movement, or something else that pulled you in?

Everything, including hip-hop culture. My mum used to play a lot of old-school hip-hop when I was growing up, and in her era, breaking was starting to blow up in the underground scene. I was inspired by music videos and dance films and used to copy them from the TV. I remember one of my friends, who later became a crew-mate, showed me a move and I could not comprehend how it was even possible. I was so amazed that I went home and practised it all day, every day, for a week until I perfected it.

Later, I saw my first dance group, Trinity Warriors, performing in a park and could not believe what they were capable of doing with their bodies. I was so inspired that my mum took me to as many dance classes as possible, and a few years later, it started to become more of a career than a hobby.

What does it feel like in your body the moment the beat drops and you start moving?

When the beat drops, my body feels alive and energised, but I am not really thinking about anything at all. I try to let the music guide me and shape my round depending on the song. I prefer to freestyle as it feels like the most natural way to connect with the track. There is something special about not knowing exactly what you are going to do and surprising yourself by finding new movements.

What is a track that completely changes the way your body moves, like it bypasses your brain entirely?

There is not one in particular, but I try to let every track affect how I dance differently. I do not just stay on beat. I adapt my movement to how the beat and instruments in the song sound.

How does it feel dancing in the PUMA Suede sneakers?

PUMA Suedes are the classic breaking trainer. If you had a rare colourway, you were the freshest dancer in the room. Any breaker will tell you they are the original battle trainers every B-boy and B-girl wanted to get hold of. They are comfortable, light, and perfectly balanced for both mobility and support.

How has breaking shaped who you are outside of dance?

Breaking has given me so much freedom and allowed me to travel to many countries around the world. It gave me the discipline to train like an athlete while still thinking like an artist, keeping both my mind and body healthy.

It has also subconsciously taught me patience. It is a never-ending journey to try to master it as an art form. It can take years to move beyond even a beginner level, and sometimes months of practising a move just to see small progress. That requires real mental resilience and persistence. It taught me from a young age that good things do not come quickly or easily.

What type of dancing do you do?

Since a young age, I have been fascinated by street dance. Over time, I have developed my own style of movement, drawing influence from popping, locking, krump, and breaking.

When did dancing first find you? Was it the music, the movement, or something else that pulled you in?

Dancing first found me through music. Music is what inspires movement. I grew up in a household playing artists like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Missy Elliott. Their music is what inspired me to start moving.

What does it feel like in your body the moment the beat drops and you start moving?

The moment the beat drops, I feel like a passenger in a car. I let the music do the driving. It is a freeing experience. I am not thinking about the moves. I am just feeling the vibes and energy from the song and letting it take over.

What is a track that completely changes the way your body moves, like it bypasses your brain entirely?

A track that completely takes over my body from the very first beat has to be Remember the Time by Michael Jackson. From the melody to the beat break, to the dancers in the music video, it is one of the earliest things in my life that inspired me to become a dancer.

How does it feel dancing in the PUMA Suede sneakers?

Dancing in the PUMA Suedes feels like the perfect balance of comfort and practicality. They are lightweight and easy to move and flow in, with insoles that absorb hard impact. As a dancer, I highly recommend them. They are a pair I will continue to dance in, and they are also incredibly stylish.

How has breaking shaped who you are outside of dance?

Breaking has taught me discipline, and that is something I apply across different areas of my life, whether it is work or other creative pursuits. It has given me the ability to sit down, focus, and learn new skills, just like the countless hours it took to build that same discipline in dance.