Planet B-boy: Q&A with director Benson Lee

By Rayme Samuels

Whatever you do, don’t call it breakdancing; to be a b-boy is to be an artist. Incorporating lightning quick footwork, spins and balance-intensive footwork with sick beats and powerful lyrics, b-boys manifest a profound passion for hip-hop. Bringing this underground movement to the forefront is Planet B-Boy, a breakout documentary film from director Benson Lee that proves the art of b-boying is thriving.

Created in the South Bronx in the ’80s, the early hip-hop movement paved the way for emcees, DJs, graffiti artists and, most importantly, b-boys. Today, over 50,000 dance crews and their fans make a pilgrimage to Germany each year for the oldest and largest dance competition in the world, appropriately called The Battle of the Year. Film viewers get a candid and inspiring glimpse into the lives of b-boy crews as they physically and emotionally prepare for the world championships in their home cities of Osaka, Paris, Seoul and Las Vegas.

Benson Lee spoke candidly with Miami.com about why everyone should see the film, South Florida’s contribution to the movement and how to spot a true b-boy:

What was your inspiration for the documentary?

I was one of those kids who saw Flashdance in the 80s and had to try it. Over a decade later, I watched the movie again and wondered what happened to breakdancing. I went on a journey to discover this art form that is responsible for spreading hip-hop all over the world. B-Boys came back stronger, faster and with nicer tracksuits.

This film is definitely about more than just dance. What did you learn over the course of filming?

I discovered how amazing and beautiful the hip-hop community is on a global level. I’d never belonged to a community that close, that humble. The movie challenges every stereotype about hip-hop. There is a really old school theme here: B-boys commit to the dance despite any obstacle. The motto "I don’t want to dance to make money, I want to make money so that I can dance" is the philosophy of all true b-boys.

Why is it important for this film to screen in South Florida?

We are really trying to get this movie out as far as possible, and Miami is definitely at the top of the list. Some of the most competitive, artistic and amazing b-boys in the country come from there.

What do you hope audiences gather from this film?

I definitely want people to gain a much deeper appreciation of this art form and dance. On a social, political and even cultural level, hip-hop is a very healthy form of self expression. I also hope that families see this movie, as the film provides a cultural experience that unites different generations. It has themes that affect people [outside the hip-hop community] — this is a refreshing take on something very inspiring. The dancers are absolutely committed to what they love.

Planet B-Boy premieres Friday, April 11th at the Regal Cinemas South Beach 18. For showtimes and tickets, call 800-326-3264.

This story was originally published April 10, 2008 at 4:04 AM.