Bboy Passang faced numerous obstacles in his quest to leave his imprint on the world. He talks about his incredible journey, his discovery of dance’s transformational potential and his obsession with the art form with The Pioneer.
Aarti Sreenath
From the humble environs of Arunachal Pradesh, where he toiled as a labourer’s son, to the electrifying world of breaking, Passang Tamang’s life trajectory is an evidence to the transformative power of dance. A chance encounter with a breaking jam in Siliguri, while working in a lachcha paratha factory, ignited a spark within him that would irrevocably alter his destiny.
“The world didn’t accept me until I became a breaker.” Passang confides, his voice a mix of determination and gratitude. Breaking, he found, was more than just a dance form; it was a passport to a world of acceptance, camaraderie and self-discovery.
For Passang, breaking transcended class boundaries. “Dance unites everyone,” he explains, “and when I got involved in breaking and met like-minded people, it helped grow my confidence.” The dance form offered him a sense of belonging, a brotherhood he cherishes deeply. His crew, he insists, is his “second family,” a sanctuary where he is unconditionally accepted.
Passang’s journey has been marked by challenges, but his resilience, honed through breaking, has been his steadfast companion. “Breaking makes me feel confident, so I don’t feel any hesitation or nervousness,” he shares.
The dance form has equipped him with the mental fortitude to navigate life’s hurdles with an unwavering spirit. His transformation from a labourer’s son in a small town to a prominent figure in a breaking community is a story of sheer determination and passion. The grit and perseverance required to master breaking have seeped into his approach to life, enabling him to overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.
In the vibrant streets of Siliguri, Passang’s encounter with breaking was serendipitous. The rhythmic beats and dynamic moves of breakers captivated him, offering a glimpse into a world far removed from the confines of the factory. He began practicing diligently, often late into the night, driven by an unquenchable thirst to master the art. The physical demands of breaking, with its intricate footwork and powerful spins, were initially daunting. However, Passang’s unwavering commitment saw him through.
He recalls the countless hours spent perfecting each move; the bruises and aches are merely milestones on his path to mastery. His dedication paid off, as he soon became a recognised figure in the local breaking scene.
Passang’s eyes gleam with ambition as he speaks of his aspirations. “I love breaking as an art form that has no boundaries,” he declares. He envisions a future where the North East, with its unique blend of cultures, becomes a thriving hub for breaking, mirroring the vibrant scene in Nepal. His journey to the Top 16 of the India finals of Red Bull BC One is just the beginning. The ultimate goal? To stand tall as the world champion!
The support from his crew has been instrumental in his journey. They have become his mentors, friends and family, providing a network of support that extends beyond dance. “My crew is my second family,” Passang emphasises. Their shared experiences and collective passion for breaking have forged bonds that are unbreakable. Together, they have navigated the highs and lows of the breaking scene, celebrating victories and learning from setbacks.
As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, Passang carries with him the hope of inspiring countless others to find their voice, their identity and their place in the world through the rhythm and movement of breaking. His story is inspirational for aspiring breakers, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Passang’s journey illustrates that, with passion and perseverance, one can transcend their circumstances and achieve greatness.
Red Bull BC One is the biggest and most prestigious one-on-one-breaking competition in the world. Every year, thousands of breakers compete for a chance to represent their country at the World Final. For Passang, participating in this competition is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to his journey and the transformative power of breaking. His progress in the competition reflects not just his skill but also his resilience and unwavering spirit. With every battle, he gets closer to his dream of becoming the World Champion, a title that would signify not just his mastery of breaking but also his triumph over adversity.
As Passang Tamang continues his journey, he remains grounded in his roots, drawing strength from his past while relentlessly pursuing his future. His story is a celebration of the power of dance to break barriers, unite people and transform lives. Through his journey, Passang hopes to inspire others to embrace their passions, overcome their fears and find their place in the world, just as he has found his through the dynamic and exhilarating world of breaking.
