Breakers Unify is about positive Hip Hop Culture, especially Street & Breakdance. We know that Hip Hop is from the Streets. It came about as an alternative to senseless violence, crime & boredom. It keeps us fit.

Breakdancing is a good way of finding, developing or learning self respect. Peace & Respect to whomever it may concern. It's all about being YOU.

The Birth of BU

The idea of BU came about in 97 when 'Old Skool' Breakers (who accepted the Nu Skool) and other Hip Hoppers decided 2 help young people learn break dance which was their main interest.

BU organisers previously worked voluntarily, organising Performance, especially dance, 4 a local festival (Hyde Park Unity Day. Leeds). Shane was also teaching people as a fund raiser for the festival. Since then we saw the remixed return of the old skool track 'It's like that' by the Legandary RUN DMC which seemed to ignite a much wider interest in Breakin'. We had 2 start a class 2 meet the demand but this was only the beginning.

We then decided that we would have to organise the classes so that trainees would learn about the wider culture of Hip Hop to better appreciate break dance. This is how we arrived at the concept of a 'BU Hip Hop Club'. We came up with 'breakers unify' because thats what we were doing.

Representing Ourselves

We were also concerned about the culture being misrepresented, that people would see breakin' and Hip Hop in the media but not learn anything about the real underground culture which has many educational elements. To avoid exploitation we need 2 represent ourselves in the media. Shane explains

"The poor kids needed something like Breakin to keep then out of trouble and help their self esteem, and an alternative to crime and boredom, they would also be truer 2 the culture"

Which is partly a diversion from negative things like violence, this is mainly why breakin' came about. It was a creative explosion, inspired by desparate people who felt they were excluded from mainstream representation. Hip Hop is people trying representing themselves. This is why 'boy bands' find it hard 2 get respect from true Hip Hoppers.

It is important to understand the necessity of Hip Hop dance in innercity communities. Ultimately we feel that exploitation will continue but u can buy or pillage 4 moves but u can't buy the 'Heart and Soul' of Hip Hop. As a community, we have 2 be united or exploited.

Real Breakers BU don't want 2 teach people who's only aim is 2 get in the limelight or show off, people who forget about where they got it from. Breakin' is a frame of mind. Many Old Skool breakers did it because they were at risk of drug abuse, crime, vilolence or boredom. Some did it then and do it now because it's cool, but they are never as good as the real thing.

We can see Young people growing up who were just like us, turning to break dance as a real alternative 2 negative influences. Breakin' is 4 all but getting access to it should not be determined by how much money u have. The idea of `Each one teach one' has become one of our rules.

What do people get out of BU?

* Being part of a network which is true 2 communities (Bottom Up).
* Access to more suitable/safe outlets for Break Beat Culture.
* Have a say in the development of UK Hip Hop.
* Advice/information about what's on?
* Historical perspective Outlets

We have numerous Dance Clubs in Leeds and around the north. The talented members have local opportunities/outlets. Every Year BU take part in Unity Day, a community Arts Festival for all held at Hyde Park in Leeds, around August.

The Future of BU?

We aim to:

* Progress the BU network & help build the Break Beat economy in the UK.
* We hope to help establish a UK Youth Battle of the Year.
* We hope to establish an office and rehearsal/project space, acknowledging new developments in British Hip Hop/Break Beat culture, establishing deep rooted foundations with communities.
* We hope to gain funds towards visiting artists, whether grafitti/Street Art, Deejaying/Turn tablism, Music production & Rap/song creation etc.
* We would also like 2 help raise funds for charities like the Paradise Home Centre, set up by Quality Control
* Have a say in how our culture is portrayed in the media.
* Network positive information about what is happening on the Hip Hop scene.
* Create suitable and safe outlets especially for young people's talent & enthusiasm.
* Train and advise young people in terms of safe practice.
* Give due credit to where Street & Breakdance came from.