Red Bull BC One

**Other Interests:** MCing, Singing, Swimming, Drumming, Gymnastics **Profession:** Performance Artist **Motto:** Dance more – talk less! **Titles** - **2001 2nd place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2001 Best B-Boy**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2002 2nd place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2003 1st place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2004 1st place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2004 1st place**, 2 on 2, Rand Easter Show, South Africa - **2004 Best B-Boy**, African Battle Cry - **2005 1st place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2005 participation**, RED BULL BC ONE, Berlin, Germany - **2005 3rd place**, Hip Hop World Challenge, Germany - **2005 6th place**, International Battle of the Year, Germany - **2005 1st place**, African Battle Cry, South Africa - **2005 2nd place**, Shut Up Just Dance, South Africa - **2005 1st place**, 1 on 1, African Battle Cry, South Africa - **2006 1st place**, Battle of the Year, South Africa - **2006 1st place**, Shut Up Just Dance, South Africa - **2006 1st place**, French World Cup, France - **2007 1st place**, Rand Show Group Battle, South Africa - **2007 1st place**, RED BULL BC ONE Qualifier, South Africa **Profile** Alfred Burgess aka BENNY from the Capeflats in Capetown was born in 1987. This South African of mixed origin has danced for the South African Team at the Battle of the Year several times and, with his crew Ubuntu, placed 6th at the International Battle of the Year in 2004. A past participant of the RED BULL BC ONE in Germany in 2005, and in South Africa in 2007, BENNY is known as one of the foremost B-Boys in the business. Competing with the Hand Break Turn Crew, BENNY helped them win at the B-Boy World Cup in France in 2006. BENNY started his B-Boy career in 2000, right after seeing breaking for the first time at the Battle of the Year in South Africa. He was already into dancing and gymnastics and so B-Boying was right up his alley. He was inspired by Isaac from Style Skills and fellow Hip Hopper Emile from Black Noise. BENNY’s style is uniquely South African. The “Bridge 90” can be called his signature move. He believes that the best battle strategy is to Just Be Yourself. Known for his intricate footwork combined with power moves and sprinkled with originality, he is sure to get the crowds screaming. BENNY is grateful to be able to make a living in the field he likes best—as a performing artist. He doesn’t only focus on breaking but also dances New Skool Hip Hop. He performs in shows with various crews, including the South African Hip Hop Crew, Black Noise and sometimes teaches breaking, too. BENNY says to become a good B-Boy it takes a lot of dedication. You have to practice very hard and as often as possible. In addition to learning all the moves the others do, you have to invent your own stuff. He has a message to all the B-Boys and B-Girls out there: “Just be yourself and don’t try to put on an act. Stop bitching when you lose and accept the judges’ decision!” Apart from dancing, BENNY is interested in MCing, singing, swimming, drumming, gymnastics and graffiti. Asked what he thinks about the Hip Hop scene in South Africa, BENNY says, “Gevaarlik!” meaning that the scene is huge and growing fast—especially in Cape Town. BENNY thinks that Hip Hop is a good way to keep young people off the streets. The culture gives them new options and possibilities for expressing themselves. BENNY grew up in Grabouw, but then moved to Capetown because his father decided it would be best for them to live closer to the city. His family was not too happy when BENNY started breaking. They were hesitant because of the negative image of Hip Hop in the media. His sister Chantel was the only one who saw breaking as something positive. She always encouraged him to continue and voiced her opinion when it seemed like the family would not back him. Today his whole family is supportive and exited about BENNY’s career, and very proud of him. BENNY sees the RED BULL BC ONE as a great opportunity to present his dance skills. His goal is to win the battle and become a role model to other B-Boys.