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A Mitchells Plain B-boy’s kwaai moves have earned him first place at an international breakdancing competition.
Toufeeq Baatjies represented South Africa in the virtual dance-off and was crowned the winner of the Wake Up Session Indian Ocean Break Championship, after going up against dancers from islands across the Indian Ocean.
Toufeeq, 24, is the leader of the Tough Nation Crew innie Plain and participated in the competition on 5 July.
“It means a lot from a person growing up in Mitchells Plain. I always try to do my best and push my limits,” says Toufeeq.
KWAAI MOVES: Toufeeq in action
Wake Up Entertainment from Mauritius Island hosted the online dance battle featuring Comoros, Mayottes, Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion Island, Sri Lanka, Mauritius Island and South African B-boys.
Toufeeq says he received two invitations to compete next year, and also won a few prizes. He says been breakdancing from the age of 13.
“Everybody has this mindset of you need to get a normal nine to five, but for me it was different because I love doing what I do. I want to make my dreams a reality, so I try my best to make this thing called dance my nine to five,” he told Weekend Argus.
It helps that dancing runs in his blood. His dad Fakier Baatjies was also on the B-boy scene.
“Dance is not as big here as it is overseas. So it’s quite hard to make it, but my motto keeps me going, which is ‘impossible is possible’,” he adds.
“Dance in Cape Town is not big. We’re trying to make it grow so we can show our other youth that there’s a better way out, like dance, and not gangsterism.”
Growing up, he was mentored by his previous coach, Angelo van Wyk.
“I introduced him to B-boying and coached him, this was a couple of years back - he started when he was in primary school,” says Angelo.
“I taught him in the Eastridge Community Centre. I’m proud of him and all the competitions he’s been winning.
“He has been teaching his students. I passed the skills and knowledge of B-boying to him. He is one of the best breakdancers in Africa.”