Red Bull Photofiles
Interview Ronnie
Until fall 2008, b-boy Ronnie from Las Vegas can carry the unofficial breakdance World Champion title, thanks to his victory at Red Bull BC One. Who is the 25-year-old from the Full Force Crew, who pops, locks, crips and krumps better than any other person on the planet? An interview.
The title of a newspaper article about you reads: “Ronnie lets feet do the talking.” What story did you let your body tell at Red Bull BC One?
My body told a story about an evolution of style in a four-year journey to the top. Throughout this journey I avoided reinventing myself and stuck to my originality, which prepared me for and molded me into what I am today. Hate it or love it, I felt that being myself truly expressed who I am as a b-boy!
You came second twice at Red Bull BC One; once you came third. What was it that made 2007 your most successful year?
It wasn’t only the most successful year, it was definitely also the toughest! The high standard made it harder for us to breathe, but we still did our best. This year was extra special because the 16 top b-boys from around the world gave their hearts and souls in the battle. This inspired me to do the same!
For the last six weeks you’ve carried the unofficial World Champion title – and thus relieved Hong 10 as the “best b-boy of the world.” How much self-confidence does that give you for the battles you want to fight in the next few months?
You should always carry your self-confidence to the floor with every battle – win or lose. For as long as Hong 10 and I have been battling each other, sometimes it’s not a matter of who the better b-boy is, but whose time it is to shine!
When you founded the Full Force Crew with your brother Rodolfo you were only 13 years old. What was it that thrilled you with b-boying as early as that?
I was fascinated by our body’s ability to move in ways we couldn’t imagine possible! I felt like a mutant being so limber and not caring if I hurt myself. At such a young age I had the freedom of creating my own signature moves and really expressing my individuality. Through the years of progress with my crew, I felt that we were often imitated but never duplicated. I'm proud to say that we are ORIGINAL.
And to that the comparison you made once is very fitting. Back then you said you were like a magician: you see your moves as being illusions that nobody besides you can understand or copy. Would you disclose one or two secrets about your magic tricks anyway?
Because my style is more technical and intricate, it’s harder for people to see and appreciate the smaller moves. My moves may not be so explosive but they're probably just as hard to execute. My style consists of various threading transitions that people don't really comprehend at first; I often try to make up moves that nobody can emulate.
What goals have you set yourself in the year as Red Bull BC One champion?
My goal is to inspire everyone to live their dreams. Life is too short to wonder ‘What if’? Anything you invest enough time in doing will inevitably pay off. Another goal of mine is to focus on my crew ‘Full Force.’ I'd like to do more projects with my brothers!
Are you already thinking about Red Bull BC One 2008?
Although I know everyone would like to see a different winner in 2008, it would be pretty funny if I won again! I do plan on training really hard at defending my title. I want to do much better next year, and plan on potentially changing this a little. More than anything, I look forward to meeting next year’s top 15 b-boys and hanging out with them in a different country. Win, lose, or draw: it's the experience that counts!
