Breakin’ Boundaries: Supporting Youth Through Dance & International Exchange

Lucy Younger, via StreetGames, volunteered with Elevate Young Minds, engaging in breakdance activities delivered at Dance Studio Manchester.

During her time with us, she experienced our teaching philosophy, participated in the Rotation Dance Exchange Greater Manchester Schools Championship, and supported our elite squad the BreakinBees.

Lucy also interviews students and their families who travel to Limerick, Ireland, where they proudly represented England at “Top 8” a Hip Hop Culture Festival.

Blog by Lucy Younger

Blog for Breakdancing Placement

As part of my placement, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time in breakdancing classes. What I thought would be a simple observation of dance turned into an eye-opening experience about coaching and learning. The coach had a unique approach: "coaching, not teaching." This shift in philosophy profoundly impacted not only how the students danced but how they grew as individuals. The breakdancing studio was far from ordinary. It was a space filled with energy, music, and raw creativity. A diverse group of students filled the room. As the students gathered, I realized that this was not just a class, it was a creative space where everyone brought their own vibe to the table.

The Coaching Philosophy: “Coaching, Not Teaching”

The most striking aspect of this breakdancing class was the coach’s mantra: "coaching, not teaching." This simple phrase encapsulated the entire philosophy of the class. Instead of leading the students step-by-step through choreographed moves, the coach encouraged them to develop their own dance moves. The students were not taught dance moves; they were guided to explore their own movement style, creativity, and self-expression.

It was about creating an environment where students could experiment, fail, try again, and eventually succeed on their own terms. This approach was vastly different from the rigid, step-by-step guidance I had seen in traditional dance or athletic coaching before.

The Role of the Coach: Mentorship, Encouragement, and Guidance

The coach’s role was not to dictate or demonstrate each step. Instead, they acted as a mentor and guide, offering encouragement and feedback when needed. The coach would observe each student and, if necessary, offer suggestions to help refine their moves. But there was no spoon-feeding of instructions. If a student was stuck, the coach might simply ask, “What do you think could work here?” or “How do you feel when you do that move?”

This approach built a strong sense of trust and autonomy among the students. They were empowered to figure things out on their own, while still having the security of knowing the coach was there to offer support when necessary.

Recent Trip - Ireland

Recently, the students had an incredible opportunity to travel to Ireland for a dance battle, where they experienced both workshops and competition-style events. The trip was not only about competing but also about growing as dancers and individuals. They participated in intensive workshops that focused on refining their skills and learning new techniques, which helped them prepare for the high-energy battle ahead. The competition was intense, with talented dancers from around the world showcasing their best moves. The students pushed themselves to new limits, using everything they had learned from their breakdancing classes.

Bboy Loco Pointing towards Bboy Capital in the Baby Freeze.

When I interviewed the students after they returned, they were buzzing with excitement about their experiences. They shared how the trip not only improved their technical abilities but also helped them develop a deeper connection to the global dance community. The students felt inspired by the different styles and perspectives they encountered. They returned with new knowledge, enhanced confidence, and a renewed sense of creativity, ready to take their dance journey to the next level.

Conclusion: The Power of Coaching and Self-Expression

My placement at the breakdancing class taught me a lot about the power of coaching over teaching. It’s not always about providing the perfect answer or guiding someone through every step. Sometimes, it’s about creating an environment where people can discover their own potential and express themselves freely.

Recently, the studio also hosted a school tournament, where several schools participated with students of various abilities. It was really nice to see everyone come together to show off their skills and talents in such an energetic atmosphere. I had the opportunity to help with the setup, which gave me a glimpse into the amount of organization and management that goes into running an event like this. The whole experience was fun, and a great addition to my placement journey.