Interview with Lilou - English

How does it feel to be the officiating champion of the Red Bull BC One?
It feels really good, especially when it’s the second time around! It’s the confirmation that I am one of the best in the world. Winning twice became my goal as soon as I won the first time.

People expect a lot of you. How do you handle the pressure?
People expect a lot from someone who wins once, even more from someone who wins twice. But I no longer have to prove anything, so I cope with the pressure just fine.

What are you working on at the moment.?
I’m doing a lot of workshops. I don’t have any precise ideas yet what I’ll do this year, mainly working with my crew I guess.

Any funny stories about fans?
One guy wanted a video dedicated to his girlfriend for her birthday; another wanted a signed photo for his son.

What does the daily schedule of a world famous B-Boy look like?
I get up around midday and then every day is a new day. I usually train from around 7 pm till 11 pm. So before practice, there are many other things to do, paperwork, seeing my colleagues. After practice I hang out with my crew or at home.

You make a living on dancing. Do you ever miss the good old days when you were just breaking for fun?
I don’t miss those days at all! I still dance because I love it and that’s what’s important. If it’s paid, that’s a bonus, but if I ever stop liking it, I’ll stop doing it.

In 2008, you were one of the judges, how did it feel to judge the Red Bull BC One?
It was great, there was a great feel. The fact that it was in France made sense, I was the most capable of judging this competition.

Why did you enter the battle again after being a judge the year before?
After judging I saw the level and the atmosphere and realize I would still like to join. Then in 2009, Red Bull asked me to take part again.

Has winning the Red Bull BC One changed your life?
Yes it did a little. I travel a lot more and my work has more of an individual dimension.

Why B-Boying?
I didn’t really make a choice, it just happened. The best things about it are pushing my limits, creating new moves, taking risks.

Which place does B-Boying have in your life?
These days B-Boying it takes up most of it. 90% of the time I’m dancing, travelling or doing workshops. It’s my life!

Did B-Boying change the direction of your life?
I vaguely had other plans to study, but B-Boying just happened to me and little by little I began to think ‘Why not do this properly?’

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My ambition is to carry on this way, maybe eventually from a different angle. Maybe I will organize events etc. I don’t know where I will be in ten years time!

Do you have a back up plan in case you might get injured and not be able to dance anymore?
For the moment, I have no plan B.

What would you like to hand down to the new generation of B-Boys?
I would like to tell them never to let go, to be patient and tough. That’s the most important.

How did you experience New York? How did it feel to be in the city were Hip Hop was born?
It was the second time I had been and it was great! New York City is my favorite place in the States. Before going, I didn’t use to think New York was more important to Hip Hop than other cities, but since I’ve realized the importance of the city for our culture and would definitely recommend the trip.

What was your strategy in 2009?
I worked on my charisma.

I saw you sitting backstage, while all the others were practicing, you were scribbling on a piece of paper. What did you write down?
I was taking down my tactics and attacks against the different dancers. I also wrote down the moves I wanted to do, others I had to remember not to do again. I was preparing my show.

What made you decide to wear that outfit?
I was wearing a “Don’t panic, I’m Muslim” T-shirt. I have been wearing that kind of shirt for two years now. Being in the States I wanted to shock and provoke a little. I was just a joke really.

Why did you win the final against Cloud?
I won because I really wanted to win. He was more concentrated on his show. My performance was pure B-Boying.

What were you signaling Cloud in the beginning of the final battle when none of you wanted to start.
I was telling him to start because they were shouting out “USA”. He was at home. In the end went in because he refused to.

What do you think about the 2-round rule in the first battles?
I think this rule makes the competition easier because it allows any breaker to get past the first round. I liked it better before, it made it harder, more intense and made the show better.

Are you going to compete in 2010?
We’ll see !

How do you see your chances in this year’s BC One?
I don’t know who else will be taking part so I don’t know what my chances are. It will also depend on my physical state.

What would your strategy be this year?
Like every year: loving it!

Are you practicing for the Red Bull BC One already?
No.

Do you have a special training for the BC One?
Yes, working on my endurance, creating moves and defying my colleagues.

Are you practicing alone?
I prefer to practice with other B-Boys, because then I get an outside view. I love to practice with my crew. They tell me what is right or wrong.

How often and for how many hours do you practice?
Not that much lately but generally 2 to 5 hours 4 to 5 times a week.

To dance these long solo sets you must need a lot of stamina. How do you keep in shape?
I’m working on my endurance and keeping up with my Kung Fu.

Any other dance styles you are practicing?
Yes, some popping, some locking, but mainly for fun. I don’t practice these styles to compete.

Are you living healthy?
I try !

What are your strengths?
My mental strength.

Can you describe your style?
My style is made up of anything B-Boying is made of : footwork, freezes, powermoves, foundation, style, and a lot of attitude! I can be funny one second and then aggressive a second later.

What is your signature movement?
My signature movement is a Thomas Key, that’s a gymnastic move. Whilst I am doing a Thomas, I add in a very quick Key on the rotation so as not to lose my balance. It is very difficult and it took me over two years to manage it. Today I am still developing this phase, so soon there will be a Thomas Key 2.0!

When you are battling, is most of your stuff prepared sets or are you more freestyling?
For big competitions things are well prepared, but I always leave about 20% to freestyle, depending on the music and what the other competitor does.

Do you also dance in clubs and on jams?
I don’t go to clubs anymore, but I used to dance there too. I love jams, that’s what true B-Boying is all about: challenging people, people challenging me. It’s good practice!

A word on Youtube?
It has positive and negative sides. The good thing is that wherever you are, you can find information about breaking, but on the other hand, it takes away surprise. Everyone knows all the moves and that kind of kills breaking.

Are you checking out the videos of other B-Boys?
Yes and no. I don’t spend a lot of time doing that, but if someone tells me about a breaker I should see, I’ll check out his videos to make up my own mind.

A word on the international B-Boy scene?
The international scene has changed a lot. There are B-Boys all over the world now! Even in the tiniest places. Travelling teaches you a lot and makes you who you are.

Catchwords

Role models
Zinédine Zidane, Muhammad Ali

Friends
Give you strength and keep you grounded.

Family
Very important. Always at heart.

Fashion/style – how important is that for a B-Boy?
I don’t pay that much attention to fashion, I’ve been wearing the same things for years!

Favorite Track
Not my favorite but very representative: “Me against the world” by Tupac.

Favorite Movie
Menace II Society.

Favorite Book
The Koran

TV Series
The Simpsons

Favorite Food
My mum’s food!

Please share with us one of your tricks.
Write the things you need to remember during a battle on your body so you won’t forget! Just like you do when you’re a child in school about to have an exam.

One tip for a good life.
Respect is a very important thing in life!

If you had one wish granted, what would you wish for?
For God to forgive me my sins!

Big phat props to Aimee from Red Bull France for conducting and translating the interview!