Almost seven years back, with no background, exposure, or familiarity with Breakdancing, Shreya chose a dance out of curiosity. Today, she has become the first breakdancer from Andhra Pradesh to qualify for one of the most coveted international Breakdancing or Breaking (B-boying/B-girling) events called “Redbull BC One“. She is also listed as one of the top eight B-girls (Breakdancer) from India.
The 20-YO Shreya Dunna shares that she got into Breaking without knowing what it was. However, she knew she wanted to pursue something unique in life. Then, how did it all transpire?
“One day, a Breaking classes poster caught my attention on my way back from school. I was barely 13. I went home and expressed my interest in learning this dance form. The obvious answer from my parents was a ‘no’. It took me some time to convince them. After almost a month, I was getting trained in that class. This is how I was introduced to Breaking,” narrates Shreya while talking to LifeBeyondNumbers.
Shreya still feels her parents aren’t in complete agreement with her career choice. Nevertheless, they understand that it means happiness to her, and they never wreck it. The struggle for acceptance wasn’t only from her parents.
“I live in a joint family, and nobody was happy about it. Later I realized dancing is not about proving. It’s about joy and ignoring others’ preconceived notions and perceptions. I must work on myself. After all, I owe it to my life. One shouldn’t fritter precious time by being a people pleaser.”
B-boying isn’t meant for everyone. Apart from a knack for learning, it demands a certain amount of physical fitness and body flexibility. Shreya was a chubby kid with no exposure to any sports activities. And her weight came on the way, but she didn’t quit. Her coach, Sohail Singh Gill. believed in her and kept working, ensuring she perfected the art. Shreya was clear that there were no shortcuts. It has to be through hard work. Her advantage was a flexible body. And over time, she improved it further until it turned into her strength.
“It took me some time to get comfortable to see myself dancing like a pro. The journey was like passion brewing in simmer. I didn’t realize when I was head over heels with B-boying. It instilled confidence. Eventually, Breaking became that cathartic process to find myself.“
Breakdancing has always been her passion but never a profession. Shreya identifies herself as someone with the clarity to compartmentalize them separately. According to her, when passion turns into a career, there’s no fun. She has a full-time day job, and her evenings are for practicing dance. At work, nobody knows that she has this artistic talent.
Hailing from a traditional family based out of Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, and choosing a passion that is perceived as a male-dominated street dance, how did Shreya Dunna brave them?
“My gender has never been an obstacle. In fact, it gave me a chance to infuse my feminine touch into a male-dominated dance like Breaking,” she states with justified pride.
Also, read: This 20-YO Dancer Made It To English National Ballet School, Thanks To Hrithik Roshan
In her words, B-boying is the most open art form ever. There is no rule that a dancer must dress in a certain way. Coincidentally, the usual fashion of Breaking is close to her dressing style. What is her choicest dance move?
“My favorite has always been a move I created with the help of my coach. It’s called “bridge drop”. I am best at footwork and toprock. I am still working on the other features to get a command over them.“
History narrates that initially Breaking originated as a method to resolve and deal with gang quarrels. In fact, the first B-girls and B-boys happened to be youth dwelling in hostile neighborhoods, and they grooved in this dance form at block parties or even on the streets. Slowly, it became a constructive medium to acquire social status and repute for the ghetto youngsters. Globally, it has turned into art that accepts artists based on dance skills, and its culture defies age, race, gender, or ethnicity boundaries.
For an artist, it is a must to stay updated with the latest developments and styles in B-boying. Shreya’s coach ensures she is on track and designs her training pattern. He also helps her contemporize her style and updates her knowledge about this art form.
A few years back, the international B-boy sensation Jacob “Kujo” Lyons firmly advocated that B-boying artists/crews must have a signature style that can give them a unique identity. But most end up following the same style mimicking the YouTube video. What is Shreya’s take on it?
“Breaking has always been unique from person to person, and it’s essential to stay distinctive. As I mentioned, my style is a blend of the dominance of feminine essence with original Breaking techniques and a touch of my idols’ style. It is also high on energy, as I like to keep it dynamic on the floor. I acknowledge that everybody must build their own style.”
In seven years, Shreya Dunna has established her prowess as a B-girl. Securing runner-up at West Zone Cypher of Bcone and Circle Master 2019 have been a few of her proudest moments. For inspiration, she looks up to Narumi (Body Carnival Crew), Nadia (Funky Styles Crew), B-boy Mario (Artistreet crew), etc. During Bcone camp, she met her idol B-girl-Narumi, and she was fangirled. However, to be the first B-girl from AP to make it to an international dance forum, Shreya feels it as a new experience. The reason she cites is the absence of an idol in her own city. For her, the source of inspiration and competition is international, and she wouldn’t settle for anything less. What has been the turning point in her journey so far?
“It is this year. I have been through a lot mentally and physically, yet my style has evolved significantly. I started having more fun with Breaking.”
It has transformed her. She is aware of her capabilities. And such shifts are empowering her to move forward. Shreya had developed self-love and found her inner peace. This dance has made it easy for her to let go of what doesn’t serve any purpose. She is now focused on making her Breaking style more mature and original. In fact, she has kept her stage name absolutely true to her identity, i.e., Bgirl Shreya.
Also, read: This Young Journalist Is Teaching Dance To Underprivileged Kids In Noida
From how it originated to where it has reached today, B-boying has come a long way. However, a certain amount of stigma and stereotyping is associated with B-boying. How does she intend to break it through her dance?
“Stereotyping is there in any field. I think I can break it only when I make a mark for myself in the community. And it conveys to them what I want to say with my style.“
According to Shreya Dunna, Breaking in India is like climbing stairs. For aspiring B-girls, she has a message to share.
“At times, the path seems dark and murky. But womanhood is a natural embodiment of power and determination. So, believe in yourself and keep evolving. Be patient. Everything comes at the right time.”
Keep rocking the floor girl.