Victor Montalvo, 28, from Orlando, FL, is undoubtedly one of many worlds most proficient breakers (that’s break dancer to you, Pappa) and lately claimed the highest prize within the 2022 Crimson Bull BC One World Remaining, a contest referred to as probably the most prestigious breaking competitors on the planet. With a view to outdance his opponents for practically a decade, “Supa” Montalvo likes to remain continuously energetic in order that he can work on his energy, agility, and endurance. And, whereas breakdancing is actually thought-about a distinct segment sport proper now, additionally it is a self-discipline that’s on the ascent. With breakdancing set to be included within the Olympic Video games in 2024, M&F caught up with the B-Boy to learn how he bought began, honed his craft, and have become one of the vital progressive movers on the scene.
Congratulations on successful the 2022 Crimson Bull BC One World Remaining. How was that have for you?
I celebrated with my spouse and my closet mates. I used to be actually nervous! Even per week earlier than the occasion, I used to be ready for it to be over. I truly didn’t get to coach as arduous as I wished to. I solely had about three weeks they usually have been tremendous intense. I used to be doing loads of interval operating and interval breaking, which entails a 30-minute all-out set, adopted by a 20- to 30-second relaxation. I integrated loads of calisthenics as nicely. I went to Vegas afterwards to have a giant celebration. I nonetheless really feel like I’m having fun with that win often because I went to Vegas, spent slightly little bit of time at dwelling in Los Angeles the place I dwell now, then vacationed a bit in Japan, adopted by Hawaii. Now it’s again to LA to coach!
When did you first fall in love with breaking?
After I was 9 or 10, I bear in mind my cousin invited me over and in his room there was this music taking part in. He taught me a few strikes and I bear in mind it being actually troublesome, however I cherished how difficult it was. The subsequent day, I used to be too shy to return so I might stand outdoors his door listening to the music. It was one thing in regards to the model of music that made me wish to transfer and dance. And at that age, it robotically clicked. Breaking shortly turned one thing I cherished doing and it got here so pure to me that finally it turned a profession.
Breakdancing is unquestionably a household affair for you, proper?
I might follow at my cousin’s. He’d put cardboard down on the carpeted flooring and we’d simply dance. My uncle is Hector Bermudez and my dad is Victor Bermudez. They’re twins who began breaking when it turned actually well-known within the late Eighties. They shaped a crew with their different siblings and 5 out of the ten have been breakers. From what they advised me, again then, they needed to hitchhike to all these occasions to satisfy up with completely different breakers and crews to battle round their metropolis, Puebla, Mexico. They stopped once they left Mexico to come back to the U.S. at round 18 or 19 years of age to start out a brand new life, as a result of again in Mexico life was actually robust and it was tremendous harmful.
You have been simply 14 years outdated whenever you received your first breaking competitors. Do you may have any reminiscences of that first victory?
I bear in mind it was one of many happiest moments for me. I used to be shocked, however I labored so arduous for it. I bear in mind mates coming over wanting to hang around earlier than the competitors however I turned them down in order that I might maintain coaching. I needed to win this occasion. All of that coaching was price it for the win although!
Does breakdancing have a routine wherein you give you sure strikes or is it extra freestyle the place you resolve what to do as you go alongside? What processes and ideas are going by your thoughts when you’re dancing?
For me, it’s extra feeling and freestyling, at first, which is how I uncover new strikes comparable to my signature strikes (the ‘Tremendous Montalvo’, which is a one-handed spin, and a back-flip-into-flare combo). However on the similar time, you want construction with regards to competing in greater occasions and competitions, comparable to a Crimson Bull BC One or an Olympic qualifier. So, it’s half freestyle and half structured. After I’m dancing or battling, I’m actually nervous. A lot goes by my thoughts and I can get fairly pressured. Typically, actually, I can’t look ahead to the occasion to finish. However on the similar time, whereas I battle, I inform myself constructive issues like ‘you’ve bought this, don’t fear’ and I all the time have Plans B, C, and D, simply in case!
Breaking have to be fairly robust, from a bodily standpoint?
As soon as, I had a extremely unhealthy again spasm that triggered loads of ache in my decrease again. I couldn’t sit or sleep and it just about harm to do something. However fortunately, one in all my uncles is a chiropractor so he fastened me up and I used to be good to go in two weeks. One other time, I bought a foul shoulder harm. I attempted to do a transfer the place I throw myself mid-air and I’m spinning, however I by chance landed on my shoulder and it bought actually swollen. I had a contest quickly after and needed to compete with a swollen shoulder. I additionally had water in my knees as soon as, and I wasn’t actually in a position to dance. However once I have to, I nonetheless work my approach round my accidents. If I get injured, I do know which elements of my physique I can’t use, and so I discover other ways to bounce and land strikes.
The older I get, the harder breaking turns into, so I have to maintain myself maintained. Meaning I’ve to eat higher, stretch extra, and be extra bodily energetic, constantly.
I bear in mind once I was youthful, I might go partying all day and get up the following day to compete and carry out amazingly however I can’t try this anymore. I’ve to fall asleep early and put together myself. It’s loads of preparation, stretching, and weight-reduction plan.
What does your coaching regime seem like?
In terms of breaking, I prepare every single day for 2 to 4 hours, relying on how I really feel. However I’m additionally bodily energetic all through the day. I’m all the time doing one thing. I like operating to the seaside or biking. Exterior of break coaching, I don’t actually have a set schedule for coaching because it’s simply an all-day factor the place I like to remain energetic. I do have intense coaching classes on the Crimson Bull Athletic Efficiency Middle (APC), the place the Crimson Bull athletes prepare. Then, on different days, I like to coach in my mates’ storage.
Break dancing requires energy, pace, agility, stability, and endurance. What are a few of the strategies or workouts that you just incorporate to work on every side?
Calisthenics has helped me loads as a result of it helped with stability and energy. I’ve additionally been incorporating boxing and Muay Thai to maintain issues enjoyable. The psychological side is essential, too. Breaking may be very bodily, however for me, it’s virtually extra psychological. There’s a kind to be taught, which is the place loads of breakers, who’re caught on the bodily side, lack coaching. It’s worthwhile to be taught in regards to the dance and nail down your technique whenever you battle as a way to be the most effective.
Do you could watch your weight as a dancer?
I attempt to eat three meals a day, my first one being a lightweight breakfast however actually, most of my mornings, I don’t eat. I am going straight to coaching and can eat a big meal afterwards. I drink loads of water too. Weight loss plan is basically essential to me earlier than a giant occasion. I avoid salty or sugary snacks like chips, sweet and cake. I all the time inform my spouse to not carry any snacks into the home as a result of I’ll eat all of them! For protein, I eat loads of rooster and fish; like salmon. I do attempt to keep away from beef as a result of it makes me really feel heavy. And naturally, I eat loads of greens and drink loads of water.
Do you may have a great assist system?
I’ve a few crews that I’m concerned with, however I follow principally with the Squadron in Los Angeles. However, more often than not, once I prepare, I’m on my own or with my spouse, who can be a breaker. After I’m in full-on coaching mode for a giant occasion, it’s simply me on my own, pushing myself to the restrict. It’s a privilege to be sponsored by Crimson Bull. Not many breakers get sponsorship alternatives. It’s wonderful and there are loads of advantages that Crimson Bull supplies their athletes. I’m in a position to battle at any occasion on this planet by Crimson Bull and I’ve met so many superior folks by Crimson Bull.
How excited are you for break dancing to be a part of the 2024 Olympics?
For me, I’m simply within the second and so all I’m apprehensive about proper now’s the qualifiers. I’m simply hoping to qualifying and get into the Olympics. Nevertheless it’s an incredible factor that breaking goes to be a part of the Olympics and I’ll hopefully signify the USA. I believe after the Olympics, and even earlier than, there will probably be much more alternatives for breakers and extra huge corporations will start to sponsor breakers. I’m trying ahead to creating much more cash by break as a profession so I can present for my household sooner or later!
Observe “Supa” Victor Montalvo on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/supamontalvo
