Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - The best break dancers in Europe will soon be competing against each other in Magdeburg. The dancers will show their skills in three age groups at the European Breakdance Championships (EBC) on July 9th and 10th. This year, in addition to the juniors and adults, children will also be able to take part in the European Championships for the first time, said Nils Kleber, manager of the breakdance formation "Da Rookies" and co-organiser, on Monday. In addition, for the first time there will be prize money for the winners - at least for the juniors and the adults. According to Kleber, a total of 8,500 euros in prizes are available - plus non-cash prizes sponsored by partners.
The participants compete against each other individually in so-called battles or as a group. Six professional dancers decide on the best performances in a points system.
Between 250 and 400 dancers from Europe are expected. Many are still cautious because of the corona pandemic, said Kleber. The war in Ukraine will also affect competition. Many "strong" dancers come from Ukraine and Russia, for example. Russia and Belarus are excluded from the competition this year.
About 2000 spectators fit into the Getec Arena for the show. "We have a huge stage, we have huge LED walls, we have light shows," said Kleber. "Of course we hope that we can fill the hall."
For the "Da Rookies" a dream comes true with the hosting of the European Championships in Magdeburg, said the manager. Actually, the break dancers wanted to do a small competition this year. The request for the European Championship came in January and the decision was made in February. The event was organized in a very short time. The championship is being promoted by the city and the state, said Kleber.
