Battle Of The Year
Joshua Sevellino
Bboy Dance Instructor
What is your official title/occupation? I am an intern for Grace Bible Church Honolulu and a Bboy dance instructor.
Where and with whom did you see the movie? I watched the movie at Ward Consolidated Theater with my friends Greg Peyneyra, Elyse Bojorquez and cousin Gary Sevellino.
Overall what did you think? As a Bboy myself, I thought it was a good story line that many dancers relate to. It was really inspiring to see what this culture could maybe look like in the future – not talking about the big fancy events, but it having a big industry where dancers are sought out, corporations having meetings to build the hip-hop scene, and even hiring coaches for major competitions pretty much all the stuff that big-time sports have going on. Many dancers have their own opinion on it, but I’d like to see it really reach that level of significance in the world where people are investing as much as they do in sports or other hobbies. I also like that the dancers in the movie were not just actors but actual Bboys who have been in the scene for years now.
Without giving away the ending, what was one of your favorite scenes? One of my favorite scenes is one of the performances the dream team does, highlighting each of them being from a different ethnic background and being on the same team. Blows me away to see it in real life, where this art form has built bridges between the rich, the poor, different cultures and different ethnic backgrounds.
On a scale of one to four stars, what would you rate this film? ★★★
What did you think of the cinematography? It was really good at capturing the dynamic as well as intricate moves of the dance – although I noticed a lot of the focus was on the big moves, flips and spins. I just hope people don’t get the idea that those moves are the only moves Bboys should be doing. Fancy moves can be cool, but it’s really just a slice of the pie of all the other moves that Bboys really do.
Was the message/theme clear? Yes. Love the message of unity and working together to make things happen. Also, really giving the world the glimpse of the struggles that Bboys as well as any other artist might come upon trying to make their dreams come true.
To whom would you recommend this movie? Anyone who is interested in the dance culture in general. Whether you dance or not, I feel like anyone with all types of talent can relate to this movie.
Did you identify with any of the characters? I’d say for me it would be the coach (Josh Holloway). As an instructor myself, it’s all about working together. He kicked the best dancer out of the crew because he couldn’t work with the others as a team, something I can totally relate to – not so much about talent or skill, but really dedication for the team. And I also really like to motivate people to reach the potential that they may not even think possible themselves.
What’s your favorite movie snack? Popcorn mixed with mochi crunch!
On a different note, what’s new with you? As for me, I’ve been trying to stay busy. I am part of Beat Rock Krew Hawaii. This year I am actually in the worldwide prelims for a competition called “Bboy in Shanghai,” which is happening Oct. 4 at the Loading Zone, 47 N. Hotel St., from 6 to 10 p.m. The winner from there flies out to battle in China in April of next year. And I’ve also got an exhibition against a Bboy from California happening Oct. 19 at Fresh Cafe, 831 Queen St., from 5 to 10 p.m. So if you want to see some local Bboys, please come on down. Lastly, please check out my performing/teaching company facebook
