Destructive Steps

In close collaboration with the UTS Hip Hop Society, artistic director Yoon chats to us about Australia’s breaking reputation abroad, and how the event is so much more than a simple showcase of technical talent.

“I think the [dance] culture has evolved tremendously,” Yoon says. “From kids that had nothing, who were living in a difficult socioeconomical area and time in the late ’70s in New York City in the Bronx, to what we’re seeing today, the change has been huge. But not only has the industry’s face changed, but the people involved come from so many different walks of life. I know a lot of really good dancers who are tradesmen during the day. They’re electricians, labourers; I know one who is studying animation, one is going into design photography. You have people who grew up struggling, people who grew up middle-class, everyone. But even though we all struggle through similar things in life – some people may be well off, some may not be – the story, the narratives are always the same. I think that’s a universal constant that connects us all together.

“I’ve met people from all around the world now, from all walks of life with different stories, but you find a common ground in this culture. You connect, and then you learn about other people, you learn how things are around the world. It’s this huge arc, but then it’s also small in a sense as well, because you see just how connected everybody really is.”

Though Yoon finds his time divided between work on Destructive Steps and his day job as a research scientist, when he speaks of the competition – the world finals of which are being held in Sydney this week – an undeniable excitement creeps into his voice. The potential to engage people in broader social and cultural issues seems paramount to his passion, although as he readily acknowledges, Australia still has some way to go before it’s ready to truly compete at an international level.

“We’re very far away,” he chuckles. “I think the problem with Australia is because the communities are so much smaller in comparison, we currently don’t have anyone who can punch above the world level, to really get us in the spotlight. Particularly places like France, Korea, the USA. Professional breakers and poppers there take it to such a level that it’s really hard to see how much fun they’re actually having with it, and how much has just become work. I think it’s going to happen sooner or later; someone will step up. Maybe it’ll be this year, maybe next year, who knows? Someone will step up to put Australia even more on the map than it is now.

“But it’s also inherent to Australian culture. We’re a bit more laidback and take things as they are. That works with us and against us. It allows us to enjoy the culture at a fun level, but it hampers us because a lot of other countries will practise three times harder than us. They’ll put more time, effort and resources into it, the physical aspects are grander. And so they might get a bit more shine that what we would. But you know, I think we might enjoy it more.”