I want to begin by addressing our adversaries on our quest
for proper judging and fair play.

Haters.

The world would not be the same without haters. I use the word haters in the form of slang, but some have actually escalated to hate due to jealousy and envy that eats at their self- confidence like corrosion. These individuals dwell (day and night) on the thought of surpassing you. They talk trash to ridicule you, to create a sense of superiority over you amiss their companions. But, when you're around, they just watch at the edge of your cipher, giving you dirty looks and shaking their heads when the crowds react to your moves.
Certain characters have great capacity to hold large amounts of jealously and spite for you, one must learn to identify these people. They may be worthy adversaries, but something about your skill shakes them. The incredible egos they portray hide low self-esteem and fears of rejection that can extend from their own personal issues. The worst kind of hater is the one that conceals their true motives. I have come across many individuals that seem like such friendly people when you are around, but, as soon as you are gone, they are the first to drag your name into the dirt.
What can we do about these people? Nothing, jealously is the greatest form of flattery and this statement will prevail as the best counter to these secret attacks. Whenever you do find out about a person that has done your name dirty, make sure to serve them up a healthy helping of burns when they get the courage enough to go near your cypher. But do not pay too much attention to them. Despite your anger against them, show them that your are at another level on both your skills and your attitude by being calm and courteous, yet formal and short. Be mature and be clean about your actions, as your status grows in the industry, so will the amount of people that will take you as an example. Be sure to give them a good one.

 Biters.

Biter is a term that has been used since the days of Beat Street. We can all recall this classic jargon that is uttered often during battles and competitions.  Generally this term means: those that copy ideas because they do not have enough skill to come up with their own. I feel the need to express this term; this definition does not suffice. We must probe into this action further to understand how to avoid it and, consequently, over come being called one.

There is nothing new under the sun.

The previous statement is a phrase of Chinese philosophy. It can pertain to all aspects of life. This morsel of wisdom sheds so much light to the topic of biting simply because it's truth pertains even to the dancer that secludes himself while practicing just because he does not want to bite anyone's moves. Taking into consideration the number of B-Boys world wide, in both past and present, one can count on someone, some where at some time stumbled on to the move you claim is completely yours. In the broad spectrum of it all, nothing is completely original. To come to a greater understanding, let's examine what would motivate someone to imitate another dancer's move.

Bite to get Better

Generally, people take moves to excel in their own ability. They see a transition they like and they practice it until it is added to the arsenal of ammunition. Some have even claimed to have bitten a move  by mistake. Whether this is true or not, I can personally attest to similar circumstances. After one studies a dancer long enough, their flavor gets programmed into our heads. So, coincidentally, you can fall into that flavor easily. It is fact that visualization plays a great part in learning. So, when you have the vision of your favorite dancer programmed in your head, you may find yourself falling into his/her moves without intending to. Is this wrong? Possibly, to the originator if they catch you utilizing their transitions. But, the true originators have passed on their magic with time and their dynamic moves have become universal.

The Universal Move

Once a sufficient amount of dancers take a move as their own, the move then becomes universal. A perfect, recent example is when breakers got their first look at air-flares. A move made popular only recently, now has become the goal of almost every breaker I know. Are they considered biters - not really? Why - because now everyone does it. And taking moves from other originators is really part of the process. How do you think we got the format for the dance anyway? Every universal move was once someone else's signature move. Are we then biters if we adapt them into our style?

The Signature Move

Without overlooking this month's Chinese verse, I have to address signature moves. Within our personal B-Boy communities, as your skill grows, you will begin to develop signature moves. As these transitions become exposed to others, you will be identified by these seemingly original moves. The ownership of these moves you possess within your personally surroundings. But Breaking has progressed for over a span of twenty years. Popping goes back for more that thirty. And the number of active Breakers and Poppers there is worldwide is countless. Do not be surprised if you see someday some dancer from another part of the world that owns your same transition or move. It can happen.

Originality is the Solution

There is a way of being original considering the fact that you are inheriting a dance style that has been handed down to you. With time you will learn how to combine your moves in an original way. Make it a goal to develop all you have learned in the way it makes you feel the best. Popin Pete once related a piece of knowledge that can pertain to this situation. It can be utilized by Breakers and Poppers (or any dancer for that matter) alike:

Dancing needs to be feeling. That's why I get away from the mirror often. The mirror makes you a 2-dimensional dancer because your head maintains sight of yourself constantly thus keeping your moves on a forward angle. Learn to loose sight of yourself and flow to where your body takes you.

Ultimately, dance on feeling. Let your body do exactly what it feels. Make an effort to be original, but do not limit your style because of what other people tell you. Learn to combine different elements. Forget those that criticize you even though you are on fire. Many times people criticize you by calling you a biter because they cannot criticize your skill. It is all in the process of progress people; let's all start reaching for a bit of maturity.

Regional Favoritism

Aside from being called a biter and having people hate on you, the last enemy is the worst. I have personally been victim to regional favoritism. The judges really did not have anything against me. Some even came to me after the competition to congratulate me for a righteous display of skill. But, since some judges have such an obligation to represent where they are from in everything they do, they feel as if outsiders cannot possibly take a victory from their hometown. I have personally been victim of this monster many of times. Victories I could already smell have been pulled from right under my nose. I know many B-Boys that have known the same feeling. These circumstances leave an ever-lasting sourness towards competing. I know many strong dancers that do not compete for that reason alone. They feel as if they cannot put their reputations in the hands of judges that might be biased in their judgements. Unless they are at home and know and respect the judges, they will not compete. Although we cannot avoid regional favoritism, here are a few pointers you should follow before you enter a competition:

Know your judges.
Are the judges reputable? Can you count on their judgement?
Ask what the judges are looking for.
Make an effort to find out what they will be judging you on.
Dress up for the occasion.
Nothing else compliments a good dancer than a good outfit.
Work the crowd.
Usually, in competitions you are thrown in the middle of a huge circle. Face the judges often, but work the circle and make sure to make eye contact with the crowd. Their cheers will give you confidence in a time of pressure.
(5) Do not fluster your mind by predetermining all your routines before you hit the floor.
Have a clear head. All your moves will come to you as you find your confidence.
Do not become emotional.
This is easier said than done. Emotions will shake your focus, with experience you will learn to control your emotional level to be able to sustain a clear head.

If you follow these few guide lines, your understanding will grow as will your performance. As there is nothing that you can do to avoid regional favoritism, by competing intelligently, you can avoid becoming victimized by poor judging. Ultimately, I would like to close with one final word of wisdom: Never allow a defeat to disillusion you. If you get beaten, take the defeat as fuel. Make it a goal to better yourself and do not allow anything to deter you from becoming the illest B-Boy/B-girl, Popper/Locker we have yet to know. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people with this same goal in mind and they are striving for it each day.
Until next time, keep it real ya'll.

writen by Mr. Wiggles

lil_biscuit_eater@hotmail.com