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Hype DC x adidas Originals: Creative Profiles — TOFU

We profile Hype DC staff in an exclusive range from adidas Originals

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To celebrate adidas Originals releasing an exclusive range available through Hype DC we got three Hype DC team members to step outside their stores and tell us a little more about themselves. Our final profile is on Alan, aka TOFU,  a Melbourne b-boy who’s a heavyweight in the local and national breaking community.

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Alan, I’m a b-boy from Melbourne also known as TOFU, representing Kings Only, Flava Squad, Naacals.

Tell us about your crews and what you guys do.

Kings Only is my breaking crew, we are brothers from different mothers that came together for the love of hip-hop culture and wanted to represent b-boying on the streets of Melbourne to the fullest.

We would come together setup the classic boombox and just jam. Vibe out dancing to the funkiest drum breaks and grooves, rain or shine, to make people walking past enjoy their Saturday too. That’s how we did it.

Flava Squad is a family it’s not a crew. They are influential b-boys/b-girls that have know each other for along time and respect each other in the breaking scene. And when we get down we get down as Flava Squad.

How’d you get into breaking?

Well before it all started, my dad use to teach me kung fu like wing chun and lion dancing. Then he sent me to learn wu shu with a man by the name of Master Tang Lai Wei. Through him I learnt a lot about movement and self discipline that I hadn’t ever encountered before

My father and I use to always rent VHS martial arts movies, and one night I found a capoeira movie called ‘Only the Strong.’ There were certain scenes that had very dynamic moves with amazing Brazilian sounds to go with it. That got me hooked.

When did you start practicing?

I started learning breaking with high school friends that were into it. We had early dial up internet at that time, so the only videos that we could download were real short clips that took almost two days to download.

What is it about breaking that you like so much?

Firstly it’s the music, then a love of the culture and everyone coming together from all backgrounds. Also the intensity of battles and the exchange of energy on the floor — everything that comes with it. I love the culture, the energy of the movement, the history of the art form, and the knowledge that comes from all the veterans. I enjoy all the elements of hip-hop culture, the freedom to express, feel and vibe with others that are on the same tip anywhere, everywhere around the world. It’s a language in itself.

Are the rivalries between crews taken really seriously?

Yes, there have been those cases back in the day and to some extent these days depending on the individual or crews and their beliefs. But I feel that no matter the outcome, it’s a positive because it ends up bring the breaking scene to a point of respect for each other. And then that inspires the next generation.

What’s it like balancing a burgeoning creative career?

It has its moments. I sometimes run myself into the floor, but I keep pushing though. I know I have my limits and maybe one day it might hit me. But somehow I still manage to pull through.

It’s a love of what I do that keeps everything in harmony. I know that no matter what happens I can always find time to keep working on my craft and balance that with work because I’m focused on my passion.

Are you surrounded by creative people?

As much as I can. That’s how I can keep doing my thing and keep learning for sure. Being around all the heads that love to do what they do best and love sharing it with everyone. That’s what’s up.

What can we expect from you in 2016?

I’ll keep elevating as a b-boy and breaks DJ, while throwing fresh hip-hop events and festivals. Hopefully bringing the scene together to unite everyone under a love of music and dance.

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