Following exclusive interviews with Paul Mittleman, Michael Leon and Jesse Levya previewing the Nike’s ‘Be True’ project, we take a slightly different direction with an interview with The Rivers Crew. The B-Boy crew from Korea have really made breakdancing what it is in Korea, almost building it from nothing and finding a place with the elite breakdancers around the world. On a recent trip to New York to perform at the UN Occupation I was fortunate enough to sit down with them and talk about there lifestyle and how the Dunk has inspired them and been the cornerstone for there style.
Name: The Rivers Crew: B-boy Born, B-boy Krush, B-boy
Phoenix, and Physicx.
Where you¹re from: Seoul, South Korea
Where you¹re at: New York City. We¹ve been invited here to
represent Korea for a special performance at the UN.
Occupation: Professional breakdancing crew.
How are you liking New York?
Born: I’ve wanted to come here since I was a kid. I¹m so appreciative to have this opportunity. I’ve been so excited, I haven’t been able to sleep. I’ve already got great memories and as a b-boy it¹s been inspirational to visit the birthplace of hip-hop and breaking.
How is breakdancing perceived in Korea?
Krush: Until recently, there wasn¹t any recognition for b-boying in Korea. We had to leave the country to compete. But now there’s a lot of b-boy events. There’s international events like R16 that brings Korea respect on an international scale.
What first attracted you to the Dunk?
Born: I like the crazy number of colorways, especially Burgundy. I got turned onto Dunks when I saw this one b-boy who I really respect rock an entire matching outfit to his Dunks. It just blew my mind.
What was your first pair?
Krush: I grew up in a poor neighborhood and Nikes were considered a really upscale brand. I didn¹t have the luxury of paying attention to fashion. My first experience with Nike was when my father bought me a pair of Dunks for my birthday. Those kicks were incomparable to any sneaker I ever had at the time.
Describe your breaking style.
Krush: (When I’m breaking) I don’t do just one thing well… I think it’s important to do everything well and pay attention to my style technically.
Physicx: My style flows from wanting to show my inner self when I dance.
