Kolobok

Other Interests: Only Breaking!

Motto: Think a lot! Believe in yourself! And one day your dreams will become reality.

Titles:

• 2006 1st place
  Top 30 Ukraine

• 2006 1st place
  Freestyle Session Russia, with East Side B-Boys

• 2007 1st place
  Circle Prince Poland, with Robin

• 2008 1st place
  Chelles Battle Pro, with East Side B-Boys

• 2008 Participation
  Red Bull BC One, Paris, France

Profile:

Oleksandr Babkin aka B-Boy KOLOBOK picked up his name from a well-known character in a Russian fairytale who has a round body. He admits, “When I started dancing, I was a little bit fat, therefore while doing some moves, I looked like ‘Kolobok’. I have lost weight since then, but the name remains.”

KOLOBOK first encountered B-Boying at a sports club in his hometown of Artemovsk, Ukraine, where he saw a guy doing windmills. The ability to control one’s body and express one’s personality are what attracted him to this dance form. He began B-Boying in 2002 and has made dancing his priority ever since. His dance style is what he refers to as “flexible style” and he is known for his original freezes and spins.

Soon after he began dancing, KOLOBOK met B-Boy Robin at a jam, who was known as the best B-Boy in the Ukraine. They battled and when Robin founded his crew, The East Side B-Boys, KOLOBOK, along with other top B-Boys in the Ukraine, was invited to join. Eventually crewmembers Robin and Flying Buddha moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, but the rest of the crew is still rocking in Ukraine and are considered one of the best crews in Europe.

Because his hometown of Artemovsk is very small, it doesn’t offer many possibilities for youth. “In my city, you can only be a worker or do nothing. Many people do drugs, but we have something we love, B-Boying! It gives our lives meaning and has brought many great people who inspired me.” KOLOBOK’s mother has always been supportive of his ambitions as a professional B-Boy. He likes to show her new moves that he has created. He adds, “I cannot imagine my life without breaking. This is the only activity which inspires me and which is non-replaceable for me.” KOLOBOK practices every day with excellent dancers from Artemovsk.

KOLOBOK is sponsored by Adidas and makes his living teaching workshops, judging, performing and battling. Some of his most memorable battles include winning Freestyle Session Russia in 2006 and Chelles Battle Pro 2008, both with the East Side Boys; Circle Prinz Poland 2007 with B-Boy Robin; Top 30 Ukraine on his own, as well as participating in the UK B-Boy Championship 2007, RED BULL BC ONE 2008 and World B-Boy Classic 2009. Fans might see him in any of the DVDs or online videos created from these events.

For Oleksandr, a good B-Boy is someone who has originality and knowledge of the foundation. He credits B-Boy Benji is his greatest influence because he inspired KOLOBOK to be original and always create new moves.

On the battlefield, KOLOBOK is confident declaring, “I’ve been dancing for about 8 years. I have an arsenal of personal moves and I know how and when to use them. Once I see the particular opponent, I just gather up all the fitting ones and show them to the public.” He feels it is most important to express himself and open up his soul when battling. “Making a fuss” is at the top of his list of things he won’t do while competing.

2009, will be his second year battling in the RED BULL BC ONE. Last year, he battled in Paris, which was a lot of fun and a “huge” experience for him. KOLOBOK is very excited about this year’s event and can’t wait to visit New York.

“I am really lucky to be selected to participate in the Red Bull BC ONE for a second time. It requires much more from me than participating in the standard battles. It is a good opportunity for me to impress the B-Boy scene with my new moves. I'll be ready to battle!” - KOLOBOK