Talented b-boys and b-girls flipped, spun and flexed to the rhythm of breakbeats and hip-hop at NU Breakers’ Pack the House event March 1 in the Curry Student Center Ballroom.

Under deep blue, purple and pink lights, participants warmed up in cyphers, or dance circles formed by breakers, before the start of the event, creating a high-energy environment that stayed consistent throughout the night.

After a 30-minute delay, host Chad Shabazz began the competition by explaining the rules. The competition followed a juggernaut format, which started with one-on-one preliminary battles. From there, 16 of the top dancers were placed into four groups of four. Each group competed in a three-to-smoke battle, where dancers had to win three one-on-one battles in a row to beat out their opponents. The top four dancers then progressed into a final three-to-smoke battle.

After introducing the three judges, Flyte, Brian Pistols and Tafiya, and DJ Foojin, Shabazz called the first two competitors up. Audience members quickly formed a large circle, with those in the front sitting on the floor.

Tight battles in the preliminary rounds created a five-way tie that had to be broken before proceeding to the semifinals.

As dancers entered the three-to-smoke battles, the excitement of the crowd did not wane. Especially unique or daring tricks elicited more respect and shock from the audience, as breakers continued to freestyle and perform sets, which are prepared combinations of moves.

After each one-on-one, Shabazz counted down from three and each judge pointed at their choice for the winner. While some groups had a unanimous winner, others were more split. Some breakers won two battles in a row before being beaten, resetting the score for all members of the group and extending the three-to-smoke. Occasionally a judge would point at both winners, creating a tie that had to be broken by another round of battle.

Breakers formed cyphers and continued to move between rounds, hyping each other up and encouraging anyone to participate.  

Around 8 p.m., four competitors who went by Step2, Roadhouse, Notorious Nic and Breeze toughed it out in the final battle. All four dancers were undeniably talented, bringing out explosive moves while twisting, balancing and bending their bodies in a dynamic manner unique to their styles. After much back and forth, Johan Santana, or Step2, was declared the winner.

At Pack the House, attendees were able to let loose, be creative and form connections over a shared love of breaking.