2026 Newsletter
September
August was a full month. Broadcasts, a gallery opening, birthdays, ropes, walls, and a new music video. Here's how it went.
August 6 Our July 13 How We Move performance hit the airwaves. BronxNet TV aired the full program at 8 PM, featuring Full Circle alongside three other companies. If you missed it, the broadcast is up on the FC YouTube. We also pulled a clip from the latest Kwik2Rok episode — the one featuring interviews with Shiro One and Jiggz — to get people tuned in. Big thank you to BronxNet for putting Bronx dance on Bronx television.
August 7 Summer Break at Paradise, Coney Island The Brooklyn Break family came together for battles, performances by Freestyle Queen Fascination and the Legendary Ladies of Skyy, and music from our very own DJ KS360, with Rokafella and the Full Circle squad set to perform. Then the summer storm rolled in. We got rained out before the full set could go down, but the company stayed, the kids still got their battle in, and Full Circle spent the day together as a crew — which counts for a lot.
A special shout to Jeremiah, who was set for his first-ever performance with Full Circle. The rain doesn't take that away. He's part of the squad now.
August 8 Breaking Dance — Opening Reception at Fashion Moda Modern, Inspiration Point, 710 Tiffany Street, Bronx A homecoming to the South Bronx for graffiti pioneer Carlos Mare (@mare139). The solo exhibition brings together paintings, his B-Boy Abstracts series, and outdoor sculptures — dance as a language of movement, identity, and culture.
The night turned into something else entirely when Dr. Drum (@drdrumny) and his musicians, singers, and dancers Yardi Thomas and Cathy Liz Lopez brought Bomba into the room. Mare gave his testimony, the drum circle came alive, and Rokafella stepped into the circle.
In her words: "I can say that I felt no pain while connected to the drum.. it felt rooted in our ancestry."
The exhibit is still up at the gallery owned by another graffiti legend, Crash One. Go see it. Photos from the night by @bev.erly1, @rickyflores, and @104bx.
August 11 — Hip Hop's 53rd Anniversary Hostos Center marked the day by looking back to 1999, when Kwikstep, Rokafella, and the Full Circle crew shared a two-night program at Hostos with French Hip Hop company Compagnie Käfig — a show the New York Times called "riveting...steeped in pop culture and social-protest ingenuity." That program opened a chapter in street-dance storytelling that's now run more than 25 years, most recently with 25 and Still Getting Live at Hostos in November 2025.
We're grateful to Hostos for keeping that history alive on the record. Full Circle will be back at Hostos Center next spring — more on that soon.
August 12 Kwikstep held it down on the ones and twos in DUMBO, between the bridges. Rokafella was in the crowd: "Kwik did great.. I got to enjoy good good vibes."
It was also Rokafella's birthday. Fifty-five years in, and still moving. "Reunions and new memories with family and dance family has made turning 55 feel like I can keep goin/growing despite these injuries!" Shout to the Full Circle dancers, the Fresh Kids, and everyone who called, texted, DM'd, and sang. Happy birthday, Rok.
August 17 Jacob's Pillow — Ted Shawn Theatre Gallery Rokafella was included in Jacob's Pillow's exhibit honoring groundbreaking American women in dance — one of the few Hip Hop artists represented among the country's dance queens. Thank you to Pamela Tatge and Kim Chan for the recognition.
"You know we all do this as medicine for the world.. so when the acknowledgement comes, it's a sign to keep going.. and I will."
August 21-22 Resonance — Roulette, Brooklyn Rokafella, Ava, and Tiff traveled to support our own David (company coordinator) and his show Resonance — an immersive AAPI+ and queer event where an indoor night market transforms into a dance performance exploring identity through contemporary, street, club, and jazz movement.
The Full Circle crew played the games, tried the activities, and cheered David and his cast on from the crowd. Flo and Mantis made it out for opening night too.
Full Circle has stood behind Resonance since it started in 2024, and it's been something to watch it grow year after year. Big love and support to our family. When one of us builds, we all show up.
August 22 The Rock It, Don't Stop It Double Dutch Showcase — Abrons Arts Center, Lower East Side Hosted by the legendary Fantastic 4 Double Dutch Co., the showcase brought together a freestyle Double Dutch competition, a writing competition, a fashion segment, and storytelling in one afternoon. The Fantastic 4 were on the first global Hip Hop tour — rap, breaking, graffiti, DJs — so this was family.
Full Circle Bgirls Rokafella, NfiniT, Beasty, and Ava Flava represented. Congrats to the champs from DC, Jump DC (@_jumpdc), and to the essay winners. And if you get a chance, search the film Pick Up Your Feet on YouTube — Skip Blumberg's documentary on the Fantastic 4.
August 22–23 Boone Avenue Walls Beautification & Arts Festival — South Bronx The 12th annual festival brought 260+ artists from around the world to paint across four South Bronx neighborhoods. Rokafella reconnected with the iconic Shiro One at her new wall, with Erika Fujyama rolling with them and catching the moments on camera.
Next year marks 10 years of the ShiRoka collaboration. Stay tuned.
August 24 "Who Are We Now?" — Music Video Out Now Featuring Abiodun Oyewole and Baba Don Babatunde of The Last Poets, directed by VGBND and Audiovisual Terrorism, edited by @ahvfilm. Kwikstep, Rokafella, and the Behind The Groove community bring the movement. Rokafella on the lyrics: "His lyrics are true testimony!" Link is on our IG.
August 31 Dance Is Life — Hudson River Park's Pier 76 Kwikstep returned to the Dance Is Life decks as special guest, joining Natasha Diggs and Abdiel on the ones and twos from 5 PM till sunset — free for all, with the Hudson River as the backdrop and the Karlala sound system doing the heavy lifting.
Kwik going in: "Lookin forward to Rockin Out with my Floor n Music Fam at Dance Is Life. Mad Love to Natasha Diggs, Abdiel and the entire DIL Team."
The DIL crew summed up the night: music, movement, community, and pure joy on the dance floor as NYC soaked up the last rays of summer. Photos by @angielmv. This is the same Dance Is Life family we're teaming up with for the Halloween Ball on October 30 — see below.
LOOKING AHEAD — SEPTEMBER & BEYOND
4 The Luv Of It — September 25 Details to come on our IG and website.
Dance Is Life x Behind The Groove Halloween Ball — October 30 Costumes encouraged. More info soon.
Breakin Hall of Fame — November Save the month. Details to follow.
Full Circle at Hostos Center — Spring 2027 Back on the Hostos stage next spring.
August
July 10–13
Full Circle brought an outdoor performance to The Hub in the Bronx (168 Third Avenue), running alongside BAAD! and Social Practice CUNY's evening of performance curated by Nicolás Dumit Estévez Raful Espejo Ovalles Morel, featuring Argelia Arreola, Paloma McGregor/Angela's Pulse, and Alethea Pace and their dancers. Summer season is in effect. Big thanks to BAAD!, Social Practice CUNY, and Interior Beauty Salon for the support.
"How do we move in this politically charged atmosphere... we move with power and grace. We see the hurt and share smiles. We set boundaries and protect our circle. We encourage unity. Hip hop emerged in the 70s as a way to create freedom and futurisms. Let's continue to co-power and consider love and health."
***August 6*** The "How We Move" performance is airing on BronxNet TV — Optimum Ch 67, Fios Ch 2133, or streaming at bronxnet.org/watch and bronxnet.org/live. It's also up on YouTube. Watch and share, and tag @fullcirclesouljahs when you post.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ANQ3xoaDm1Y
Mid-July
Our people from Puerto Rico, Rex Jay of Time Machine Squad and Ladystep, came through NYC for the Afro Latino Festival and the "When the Bronx Moved" exhibit at the Bronx Historical Society. We linked up at Bronx Logo and Willie's Steak House. Shout to the Time Machine Squad crew, young and OGs, for a bond that keeps getting stronger.
July 18
Rokafella performed at Rockin for Appolonia's Bronx Pride Festival Health Fair in Crotona Park, and Full Circle showed love with a contribution ahead of the event. Happy birthday to Appolonia, and much love for the work she does for the Bronx.
July 19
Rokafella taught Hip Hop (and maybe a floor move or two) at the 36 Chambaz of Stylz festival at Peridance Center, wrapping Week 1 of the global street and club dance intensive. Shout to MopTops, Elite Force, and Dance Fusion, and thank you to Peridance Center for the home. Week 2 is next.
"It's such an honor to share what I've learned with your global 36 Chambaz community. Keep rockin' it."
July 22–26 Full Circle partnered with the 12th Annual Afro Latino Festival NYC, five days of live music, AfroLatinTalks, the Consider Culture Music Market, and a free SummerStage finale across Brooklyn and Manhattan.
On July 23, La Roka (Rokafella) opened the Consider Culture Music Market showcase at CCADI's Ile Oyin in El Barrio, performing alongside Jen Beasty and Kimimilla Flo with music by DJ KS360, sharing the night with Garifuna cultural artist Catherine Ochun Soliz-Rey. Super thanks to Bronxlandia for being our home base all week.
Upcoming:
- August:
- Aug 7: Cooney island
- Aug 22 Double Dutch Competition at Abrons Arts Center, NY
- Aug 22-23 Boone Ave Walls Graffiti Festival, Bronx NY
- Sept 25 The GoodFoot Collective – 4 The Luv of It
- Oct 30 Halloween Ball with Dance is Life
- November Breakin Hall of Fame
Affiliated Organizations
- 10K Movement — Cleveland, OH | Lords of the Land July 25th/26th
- Furious Styles Crew — Phoenix, AZ
- The Good Foot Arts Collective — Seattle, WA
- Time Machine Squad — Canovanas, PR
- CudaCulture — Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to see the effort of our partners nationwide as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co-powering into the future. www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.alltheladiessay.com — Veteran b-girl Ana "Rokafella" Garcia's first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip Hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally.
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik — Educating the youth about the art of Breaking.
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com — Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Bgirl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
JULY
June was a full one. Awards, anniversaries, a reunion of Hip Hop founders, and the Fish Parade closing out the season's workshop series. Here's the recap.
JUNE 6 — SHA ROCK DAY
Sha Rock Day brought a beautiful reunion and concert, organized by @iammcsharock. Full Circle was there alongside Fast Feet Speedy D, Vitamin D, and Chauncey, celebrating a gathering of Hip Hop founders in the Bronx. The community also took a moment to honor the Hip Hop Souljahs who've transitioned. Hip Hop culture is still on fire.
JUNE 9 — KWIKSTEP AT HUSTLECLUB
Kwikstep held it down on the decks for a Hustleclub dance night, with Abdiel leading a beginner-friendly Hustle class before the party got going. Angie was on the cameras and the room was well attended.
JUNE 10 — 1ST ANNUAL SHE IS THE CULTURE AWARDS
Rokafella was honored at the first annual She Is The Culture Awards, organized by @iammcsharock, alongside Peaches Rodriguez, an artist Rokafella watched in film and onstage on her own way up. It was a room full of Queens in Hip Hop who've kept the creativity and support going for years. Salute to @iammcsharock for lighting the way, and to DJ KS360 (Kwikstep) and Bboy Speedy Dee for being there through it all. #SheIsTheCulture
JUNE 11 — EVERYBODY STREET SCREENING AT THE BRONX DOCUMENTARY CENTER
Rokafella and Kwikstep were part of a packed house at the Bronx Documentary Center for a special screening of Cheryl Dunn's Everybody Street, a documentary exploring New York City through the eyes of its most iconic street photographers. Dunn followed the film with a conversation alongside legendary photographers Martha Cooper, Jamel Shabazz, and Clayton Patterson on street photography, storytelling, and the role photography plays in preserving the city's history and culture. Full Circle was glad to be there celebrating the people and photographs that have shaped New York's visual history.
JUNE 20 — 23RD ANNUAL HUNTS POINT FISH PARADE & ARTS FESTIVAL
This year's Fish Parade was another celebration for the books. Thank you to Ary, Hatuey, and Jane, and it was an honor to work alongside the Aunties, Mirna, Rafaella, Gladys, Natasha, and Michelle, plus Ava Davis and Francisco Concepcion dancing with the "Be A Buddy" crew for the Write, Recite and Get Hype project, sponsored by Pepatian and Full Circle. Big love to Zone and Beasty, Bronx Steez, and the Hitter family for showing up and showing support, and great to see Mariposa (@lapoetamariposa) again. Shout out to Angel Rodriguez on percussion, and to all the programs at The Point advocating for a healthier Hunts Point and Bronx. Let's keep the rivers clean and the parks green. Look out for official photos by Abigail Montes.
Rokafella's poetry and dance workshop series at The Point CDC wrapped its run, building toward a performance at the Fish Parade. This round brought in a group of women in their 40s and 50s, picking up the mic to rap and keeping journals along the way. Dancers Ava Davis and Francisco Concepcion worked alongside the group to build call-and-response "get hype" steps the whole audience could join in on at the Fish Parade. Full circle, giving voice to women of every generation. That's the whole point.
JUNE 24 — HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KWIKSTEP
The Full Circle family and community showed serious love for Kwikstep's birthday, with DMs and posts pouring in across social media. Full Circle joined in on the celebration online. Here's to another year for a man who's given decades to this culture.
LOOKING AHEAD — JULY & BEYOND
July 23–24 — Afro Latin Music Showcase Rokafella will sing at this Afro Latin music showcase, with Ava and Beasty dancing alongside her. Full Circle is paying the dancers for this one.
July 23rd Behind the Groove at Bogart House
Aug 7th Breakers Reunion, Coney Island (BUY TICKETS)
Behind The Groove (BTG) The monthly dance party continues. Watch Full Circle's Instagram for the next date.
Graffiti Hall of Fame — West Harlem, August 11–14 Full Circle is hosting Bgirl Sorpresa (Mia Suarez), traveling in from Puerto Rico to train with Rokafella and attend the festival.
Affiliated Organizations
- 10K Movement — Cleveland, OH | Lords of the Land July 25th/26th
- Furious Styles Crew — Phoenix, AZ
- The Good Foot Arts Collective — Seattle, WA
- Time Machine Squad — Canovanas, PR
- CudaCulture — Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to see the effort of our partners nationwide as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co-powering into the future. www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.alltheladiessay.com — Veteran b-girl Ana "Rokafella" Garcia's first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip Hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally.
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik — Educating the youth about the art of Breaking.
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com — Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Bgirl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
June
May was a full one. From the Bronx to Puerto Rico and back again, Full Circle kept it moving — with live music, documentary screenings, community gatherings, and a whole lot of love in the room. Here's the recap.
MAY 2 — LA ROKA NYC LIVE AT BRONXLANDIA
This one was a night to remember. Rokafella brought La Roka NYC back to Bronxlandia for a live music and dance experience rooted in everything Hip Hop stands for — community, creativity, and Bronx steez. DJ KS360/Kwikstep held it down on the decks, and the RPM Band (est. 2007) opened with Sly and the Family Stone's "Love City" and closed with Jimmy Castor's breaking anthem "Just Begun." The room was moving from start to finish.
The night featured an opening DJ set by Disco Curandera, fire solos from Full Circle multi-styled dancers, and guest MC's Zone (@zonetdk140) and Rayza (@theofficialrayza) connecting the generations with lyrical testimonials. Special cameo performances by Miss Cheif Rocka and Phantom Sky JoJo (@skyjojo) lit up the room. Bboy Shamgod, Flexx, and Luddy brought the floor alive. Vocalists Jeannie Sol and Burgundy added soul to the sound.
The band was deep: Angel Rodriguez Sr. on congas, Carlos Martin on guitar, Lockatron/Tyrone Hamlette on drum kit, Cliff on bass, Ruben on trombone, and Irv on trumpet.
The Graffiti Hall of Fame was in the building — Sharif, Veronica, Shock One, and Shiro One repped for the visual element, with artwork on display throughout the space. Rebel Orisha and Pinchazo had merch on their tables that had everybody reaching for their wallets. Boogie Down Cafe food truck was outside. Students from Fordham and Sarah Lawrence danced until the DJ played the last song — like we used to do.
Salute to the Full Circle dance core: Beasty, Mantis, Flonetik, Fresh Frank, Rocka Jamez, Monica, and Tiffany/Bougie Cutie Boards. Your stamina is THE blessing.
Recap video by the legendary @boxavoided. Keep an eye on the Full Circle YouTube channel for the full reel.
MAY 14 — KWIKSTEP NAMED A DANCE USA FELLOW
Big news, Dance USA recognized Kwikstep as a Round 3 DFA Artist Fellow, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation. The feature highlighted his decades of work as a Hip Hop dancer, choreographer, DJ, and community builder — from his 1992 Bessie Award with the Rhythm Technicians, to founding Full Circle, to 15+ years of Behind The Groove giving the underground street and club dance community a home.
In Kwikstep's words: *"I feel Honored to be highlighted for sharing my love for music that is the soundscape of my life that in turn helps provide medicine in the form of Movement to bring us all together as one."*
Congratulations, Kwik. Well deserved, long overdue, and always proud to celebrate you!
MAY 16–17 — FESTIVAL DE HIP HOP BORICUA
Festival de Hip Hop Boricua, presented by @timemachinesquad. The event was multi-generational, deeply rooted, and exactly the kind of gathering that reminds you Hip Hop is a global language spoken fluently across the diaspora.
Buddha Stretch led an intense and joyful workshop, staying after to share even more knowledge. Lady Step MC (@ladystepmc) took over the mic for a Women on the Mic moment that had all the queens in the room hyped, including the little ones. DJ Adam held it down at the 90s Rap Jam, and the battle champs got their flowers.
Full Circle is honored to collaborate with our Hip Hop family from Puerto Rico. The movement continues on both sides of the water.
MAY 28 — HIP-HOP HOMELANDS AT BAAD!
The 8th anniversary of Hip-Hop Homelands at BAAD! brought together poetry, dance, joy, and generations in one room, including a two-month-old baby in the audience. Co-presented with Dr. Jane Gabriels, La Bruja, and Team Pepatian, the evening was a reminder of what it means to fold art into activism with pure joy. Full Circle dance divas Beasty, Monica, and Kimimilla held it down on the floor. The audience was right there with the performers every step of the way, and some said they want to see more.
Congratulations to everyone who made it happen. Eight years in and it feels like a beginning.
MAY 28 — BEHIND THE GROOVE
BTG came through with a special edition, healing for the mind, body, and soul, with a 2v2 House battle and a Top 8 Random Cypher Selection for an $800 grand prize. Resident DJs DP One and Kwikstep/DJ KS360 provided the soundtrack. Judges Kim D. Holmes, Tony McGregor, and Brooklyn Terry EF were on the panel. Free food and good energy all night.
Congrats to the 2v2 winners Hurricane and Static
MAY 29 — ALL THE LADIES SAY: 20TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING
Twenty years. *All The Ladies Say*, Full Circle's groundbreaking Bgirl documentary directed by Rokafella, screened at the Bronx Documentary Center to mark two decades since the project began. The event celebrated not only the film's anniversary but also Martha Cooper's *Streetwise* exhibit at the center and her iconic photobook *We B*Girlz*, which originally inspired Rokafella to create the film.
Special guests Lady Champion (@ladychampion1) and Aiko Shirakawa (@aikoshirakawathe1) were in the house. After the screening, Rokafella, Martha Cooper, Lady Champion, and Aiko held a panel discussion. Bgirls Mantis and G-Clef led a live dance demo.
The film, which follows female breakdancers across the US while exploring identity, motherhood, and representation in Hip Hop, premiered at the Dance on Camera film festival in 2011. It now has subtitles for the hearing impaired, with Spanish and Portuguese captions in the works to open the door for international screenings at Breaking events worldwide.
Thank you to Third World Newsreel and the Hip Hop Education Center for years of support. And thank you to everyone who has been part of this project since 2006, through the ups and downs. The work matters.
MAY 30 — BRONX INDIGENOUS FUTURISMS - 9th Annual Gathering
Rokafella performed at the 9th Annual Bronx Indigenous Futurisms gathering, an afternoon of song, dance, and meditation reconnecting with the Bronx's natural landscape, presented alongside La Bruja and sisters, with support from Pepatian/Peparts Bronx. Community, land, and spirit in one space. Thank you to Pepatian for continuing to support Bronx artists and meeting the needs of our multi-dimensional community.
photos by Abigail Montes
Upcoming Events and Performances
- May 27, June 3, 10, and 18: Write Recite & Get Hype (The Point, C.D.C, 940 Garrison Ave)
- June 6: MC She-Rock Day (Gun Hill Playground @ Gun Hill rd & Magenta st, Bronx 10467)
- June 20: 23rd Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival @ The Point CDC / Hunts Point Riverside Park, 12–4 PM (The Point, C.D.C, 940 Garrison Ave)
- August: Graffiti Hall of Fame
- The GoodFoot Collective – 4 The Love of It
- Circle at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
- Retumba La Roka
- Breakin Hall of Fame
Affiliated Organizations
- 10K Movement — Cleveland, OH | Lords of the Land July 25th/26th
- Furious Styles Crew — Phoenix, AZ
- The Good Foot Arts Collective — Seattle, WA
- Time Machine Squad — Canovanas, PR
- CudaCulture — Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to see the effort of our partners nationwide as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co-powering into the future. www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.alltheladiessay.com — Veteran b-girl Ana "Rokafella" Garcia's first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip Hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally.
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik — Educating the youth about the art of Breaking.
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com — Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Bgirl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
May
April 9 — Martha Cooper: Streetwise @ Bronx Documentary Center
Rokafella was in the building for the opening reception of Martha Cooper: Streetwise at the Bronx Documentary Center — a full and fitting homecoming for a photographer whose lens helped preserve the earliest moments of Hip Hop culture. Martha Cooper documented the culture from the outside, moved with it, befriended it, and gave it a visual archive that continues to inspire. Her 2005 photobook We B*Girlz was part of what encouraged Rokafella to create All The Ladies Say — one time capsule sparking another. Shout out to Aruna, Deena, Wandee Pop, Shiro, and everyone who came through. The exhibit runs through June 14 at the Bronx Documentary Center Annex, 364 E. 151st St. Free admission. Go see it.
April 12 — When The Bronx Moved @ Bronx Historical Society
Rokafella moderated a powerful conversation featuring OG B-girls Doo Wop, Sha-Rock, and Peaches — Hip Hop Matriarchs who helped paint the picture of how the dance emerged, transformed, and lifted off from the 70s to today. Big shout to Bboy London, the Bronx Historical Society, Steven Payne, Al Boogie, Bboy Sasa, and the Bronxlandia crew for making this important conversation happen. Go check out the When The Bronx Moved exhibit at the Bronx Historical Society if you haven't yet.
April 16 — 36 Chambaz of Stylz Spring Picnic Kickoff @ Peridance Center
Rokafella taught alongside Loose Joint Hip Hop Dance at the kickoff for MopTop's Spring Picnic — a high-energy gathering rooted in the pure Hip Hop ethos. It felt like a much-needed reunion, catching up with NYC's tree trunk street and club dancers. The full 36 Chambaz of Stylz weekend ran April 16–19 at Peridance Center.
April 18 — Queens Konquest 2026
Queens Konquest, organized by Rampage with the Bboy Collective, brought together kids and adults for 1v1, 2v2, and adult 3v3 battles — and Full Circle Souljahs was there in full. Kwikstep, Zone, and Fresh Frank represented FC in the building, Bboy Flonetik helped organize, and Mantis held it down on the judges panel. Full Circle, the Breaking Hall of Fame, and Bgirl Herstory also supported the cultural side of the event with a slideshow featuring photos and video clips of B-girls and Breaking Hall of Fame award recipients — a reminder that competition and legacy go hand in hand. Shout out to the crews who repped and attended: New York Floor Obsessions, Supreme Beings, Domestic Apes, Street Masters, 5 Crew, and Dynamic Rockers. That's how you build a night.
April 25 — BAAD! 25th Anniversary
Happy 25th to the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance! Kwikstep DJ'd and Rokafella performed at the silver anniversary celebration — a full-circle moment for an institution that has been foundational to Full Circle Souljahs from the beginning. BAAD! has been a home stage for Rokafella through music, poetry, theater, and breaking, and a collaborator in some of the most meaningful work this organization has done. Rest in paradise to Mrs. Ross, who was always excited to see what new thing Rokafella would come with. Here's to 25 more.
Full Circle Souljahs is proud to pledge support to BAAD!'s Olamina Project. Congratulations to Charles, Arthur and team for building a platform and space for the LGBTQ+ and Women of Color in New York City celebrating their artistry.
April 26 — Visit to 360 Flow Breaking Studio, Brooklyn
Rokafella and Kwikstep stopped by Bboy Flonetik's 360 Flow Breaking Studio in Brooklyn to spend time with his students — young aspiring dancers who got to hear stories, learn history, and share the floor with NYC legends. Those kinds of moments are exactly what keeps the culture alive and moving forward.
Community Shoutout — Shiro One
Super shout to Full Circle's in-house Japanese Graffiti writer and visual collaborator Shiro One, recently honored by House of Chow. Shiro has been designing logos and digital media for FC events since 2017 — from Times Square promos to Central Park SummerStage — and the ShiRoka T-shirt collab is still a moment. Congratulations, Shiro. Unapologetically fly.
Upcoming Events — Full Circle & Affiliates
- May 9: How Do We Move in Public? featuring Rokafella, Argelia Arreola, Paloma McGregor/Angela's Pulse, and Alethea Pace — organized by Nicolás Dumit Estévez in partnership with BAAD! @ The Hub, South Bronx, 4–7 PM
- May 16–17: Festival de Hip Hop Boricua — Cancha Nilmarie Santini, Santurce, PR. Rokafella teaching a Breaking workshop on Saturday May 16. Free admission.
- May 16: Dance Parade
- May 27: Write, Recite and Get Hype! — Poetry & Dance Performance Workshop with Rokafella for Bronx teens and young adults @ The Point CDC, 940 Garrison Ave, 4:30–6 PM. Continues June 3, 10 & 18, culminating in a performance at the Fish Parade on June 20.
- May 28: Hip-Hop Homelands — 8th Annual Showcase, co-curated and hosted by Rokafella and Caridad de la Luz/La Bruja @ BAAD!, 2474 Westchester Ave, 7 PM
- May 29: The Bronx Documentary Center will be screening the "All The Ladies Say" documentary with the post screening q&a with Martha Cooper. 6:30om
- May 30: Bronx Indigenous Futurisms — 9th Annual Gathering @ Concrete Plant Park. Rokafella performing 2–3 PM. Free.
- June 20: 23rd Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival @ The Point CDC / Hunts Point Riverside Park, 12–4 PM
- August: Graffiti Hall of Fame
- The GoodFoot Collective – 4 The Love of It
- Circle at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
- Retumba La Roka
Affiliated Organizations
- 10K Movement — Cleveland, OH | Lords of the Land July 25th/26th
- Furious Styles Crew — Phoenix, AZ
- The Good Foot Arts Collective — Seattle, WA
- Time Machine Squad — Canovanas, PR
- CudaCulture — Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to see the effort of our partners nationwide as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co-powering into the future. www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.alltheladiessay.com — Veteran b-girl Ana "Rokafella" Garcia's first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip Hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally.
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik — Educating the youth about the art of Breaking.
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com — Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Bgirl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
April
March 11 Mantis went live on Instagram at 3:30 PM with Rokafella and the founder of B-Flo Girls for a conversation connecting women across the breaking community. Good talk, real energy, and exactly the kind of dialogue that keeps the culture honest and growing.
March 12 Kwikstep taught a workshop in the Bronx, continuing the work of bringing knowledge directly into the community. Meanwhile, Rokafella received word about a potential Bronx Culture Night concert experience at Bronxlandia on May 2nd — more on that below.
March 14 — Breaking Grounds 10th Anniversary @ UVA
Mantis traveled down to Charlottesville, Virginia to judge at the 10th Anniversary of Breaking Grounds, hosted by Hooligans UVA at the O'Hill Forum. The event celebrated a full decade of UVA's signature Hip Hop event — 3v3 battles, cyphers, and breakers coming in from across the East Coast. Mantis also took the opportunity to share Bgirl Herstory with the Virginia and DMV scene, connecting with legacy crews and building new relationships along the way. Salute to the Virginia community for holding it down for ten years strong.
March 15–18 — Puerto Rico
Rokafella's time in Puerto Rico was full and meaningful. It started on March 15th with a deeply personal stop in Aguas Buenas — her family's hometown — where she led a healing movement workshop at the Casa de Arte y Cultura Francisco "Paquito" Diaz. Drawing on her Hip Hop experience and her Afro Boricua heritage, she guided participants through movement rooted in ancestral reconnection, using the rhythm of the drum as a foundation. She also got to walk the plaza, visit her maternal grandparents' home, and reconnect with family. Thank you to Melanie and the Cultura Borikua team for making it possible.
From there she headed to the conference, taking workshops on the 16th and 17th before presenting on Wednesday the 18th. One highlight: a somatic movement class that quickly turned into a full Hip Hop session. Prof. Rosemarie A. Roberts set off her own presentation with Afro Cuban steps done to House music — and Rokafella made noise because yeah, that deserved a reaction. She came back to New York full of notes, new connections, and affirmation for the work Full Circle has long been doing.
March 21 — Sister Cities @ Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo
Rokafella joined B-girls from NYC, Buffalo, and Toronto for Sister Cities, a free all-ages celebration of women in Hip Hop hosted at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The afternoon featured the first ever Buffalo screening of All The Ladies Say, followed by a panel discussion with Rokafella, Le Geek CC, and Pretzo of Expand The Cypher, moderated by Schondra of Sneak Vibing Media. The program also included poetry, interactive dance activities, and a cypher with DJ Lisa Lux. Full Circle Souljahs was proud to be a supporting partner of this event.
March 25 Behind The Groove brought the celebration — a soulful night recognizing women in the culture. Congratulations to Mai Le (@layerhythm) and Loryanne (@loryane_lo), whose team took the win. The room was full of good music, good people, and the kind of love that reminds us why we do this.
March 26 — Legendary Ladies: Together We Shine @ Studio 6 Gallery
To close out Women's Month, Rokafella was among the all-women ensemble featured in Legendary Ladies: Together We Shine, a street art exhibition presented by the Graffiti Hall of Fame at Studio 6 Gallery. Vibrant, bold, and unapologetic — exactly how it should be. Proud to see Rokafella's name on that wall alongside so many powerful artists.
March 28 — Straight To The Point Vol. 3 @ 360 Flow Studio
360 Flow Breaking brought Straight To The Point back for its third volume, and the competition delivered in both the kids and adult categories. The event ran from 3pm to 10pm at 360 Flow Studio in Brooklyn, with 1v1 battles and prize money on the line. Congrats to the winners — Bboy Junski and J.A. Had — and big love to everyone who came out, competed, coached, and supported. Shout out to Mantis for holding it down on the judges panel alongside Ken Fury and Heatrock One.
Events like this are what keep the culture alive at the ground level — real battles, real community, real love.
March 31 All The Ladies Say screened at Sarah Lawrence College with a Q&A to follow. The conversation in the room got deep — students talked about freedom, becoming artists, navigating academia, and figuring out who they want to be once they leave. Real talk. If you haven't seen the film yet, find it at www.alltheladiessay.com.
Upcoming Full Circle and Affiliates Events:
- April 12: B-girl conversation at the Bronx Historical Society for the When the Bronx Moved exhibit — featuring OG B-girls Doo Wop, Sha-Rock, and Peaches, moderated by Rokafella
- May 2: Bronx Culture Night — Rokafella presents a concert experience at Bronxlandia featuring Kwikstep and the band
- May 9: Outdoor site-specific performance with CUNY at 149th Street and Third Avenue
- May 17–18: Time Machine Squad — Express Your Skills, Puerto Rico
- June 20: Fish Parade at The Point CDC
- August: Graffiti Hall of Fame
- Choreographer's Carnival
- The GoodFoot Collective – 4 The Love of It
- Circle at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
- Retumba La Roka
Affiliated Organizations
10K MOVEMENT - Cleveland OH Lords of the Land July25th/26th
HOME | FuriousStylesCrew Phoenix, AZ
The Good Foot Arts Collective Seattle, WA
Time Machine Squad | Facebook Canovans, PR
Community for Urban Dance & Art | CudaCulture Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to check out the effort of our partners nationwide (some of which are listed above) as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co powering into the future.
www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.Alltheladiessay.com Veteran b-girl Ana “Rokafella” Garcia’s first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States, including Aiko, Baby Love, Beta, Lady Champ, Severe and Vendetta. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip-hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik, Educating the youth about the art of Breaking
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Girl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
March
February 13
Kwikstep traveled to the University of New Mexico for community engagement and education work connected to the Breakin Hearts event. He spent time with UNM dance students, connected with local breaking community leaders, and led a workshop for kids.
This is how the culture spreads the right way. Real exchange, real listening, and real building across generations. Much love to the Albuquerque community for welcoming him in and keeping the dialogue moving beyond NYC.
February 18
We took it back to our 2019 Hip Hop Meets House 2nd edition at WallWorks on Bruckner Blvd. Featuring Kwik, Kaleaf, Crikit, Peaches, LaRoka, Just Sole and Queen Danita, that night was about unity between scenes that grew side by side. Supported by the Bronx Council on the Arts with artwork by TATS CRU, it still stands as a reminder of how strong the culture gets when we build together.
February 19
We revisited our Kwik2Rok episode featuring Grandmaster Caz and DJ Melstar. Even two years later, the message stays timely. The conversation centered on staying true to Hip Hop, protecting the culture, and understanding the responsibility that comes with longevity.
Some episodes deserve another listen. When pioneers speak, we listen.
February 20
Mantis hosted another Bgirl Herstory Live session, this time with Candy Bloise to talk about her new podcast Cafecito con Candy and to share more of her bgirl journey. Women telling their own stories in their own voices will always matter. If you have not tapped in yet, show love, follow the work, and support the platform.
February 21
Flonetik was out in Boston judging and teaching at Pack The House presented by NUBreakers. The format was 1v1 Juggernaut with the top 16 seeded into 3 to smoke groups, ending in a final battle for the cash prize.
Beyond the battles, what stood out was the exchange. Flonetik shared knowledge with the next generation, pushed them through drills, and gave them a taste of what the training looks like at 360 Flow. Salute to the NUBreakers staff for holding a strong event and keeping the youth engaged.
February 28
Rokafella joined the opening of a new exhibit at the Museum of Bronx History exploring dance cultures in the Bronx from 1970 to 1984. Salsa, Hustle, Rocking, Burning, Breakin, Disco, Boogying and more were highlighted through rare photos, memorabilia, oral histories, and video footage.
It was powerful to see the Bronx telling its own story. The history was in the room, and the legacy continues to be preserved with care and respect.
Upcoming Full Circle and Affiliates Events:
- March 25: Rocka Jamez birthday event, Dance Dance Dance at Le Bain NYC
- March 26: Behind The Groove presents All The Ladies in the House
- March 28: 360 Flow Breaking’s Straight to the Point
- March 28: Rocka Jamez birthday event, Roundz of Flame x Friends of Ghana x Hot 97 battles and party event
- March 29: Rocka Jamez birthday event, MoreVibesPlease x Reggae Brunch - LDN
- March 31 at 1:00 PM: Public screening of All the Ladies Say at Sarah Lawrence College, with Q&A
- April 12: B-girl conversation with the Bronx Historical Society for When the Bronx Moved, featuring Doo Wop, Sha-Rock, and Peaches, moderated by Rokafella
- May 2: Performance with Kwikstep and the band at Bronxlandia
- May 9: Performance with CUNY at 149th Street and Third Avenue
- May 17 to 18: Time Machine Squad - Express Your Skills in Puerto Rico
- June 20: Fish Parade at The Point CDC
- Choreographer’s Carnival
- The GoodFoot Collective - 4 The Love of It
- Graffiti Hall of Fame
- Circle at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
- Retumba La Roka
Affiliated Organizations
10K MOVEMENT - Cleveland OH Lords of the Land July25th/26th
HOME | FuriousStylesCrew Phoenix, AZ
The Good Foot Arts Collective Seattle, WA
Time Machine Squad | Facebook Canovans, PR
Community for Urban Dance & Art | CudaCulture Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to check out the effort of our partners nationwide (some of which are listed above) as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co powering into the future.
www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.Alltheladiessay.com Veteran b-girl Ana “Rokafella” Garcia’s first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States, including Aiko, Baby Love, Beta, Lady Champ, Severe and Vendetta. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip-hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik, Educating the youth about the art of Breaking
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Girl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.
February
Upcoming:
January 9: Rokafella speaking at Bronx APAP
January 17: The Collective Vol 3 (kids breaking competition) by our company dancer Flonetik and his organizations 360 Flow Breaking, and NY Collective
February: The first
Behind The Groove of the year!
May 16: NYC Dance Parade
Spring: Time Machine Squad - Express Your Skills
Spring: Choreographer's Carnival
Fall: The GoodFoot Collective - 4 The Love of It
Fall: Graffiti Hall of Fame
Fall: Full Circle at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
Fall: Retumba La Roka
Affiliated Organizations
10K MOVEMENT - Cleveland OH Lords of the Land July25th/26th
HOME | FuriousStylesCrew Phoenix, AZ
The Good Foot Arts Collective Seattle, WA
Time Machine Squad | Facebook Canovans, PR
Community for Urban Dance & Art | CudaCulture Jersey City, NJ
Check out the United Hip Hop Vanguard website to check out the effort of our partners nationwide (some of which are listed above) as they keep their local legends and young generations connected and co powering into the future.
www.unitedhiphopvanguard.com
www.Alltheladiessay.com Veteran b-girl Ana “Rokafella” Garcia’s first documentary film ALL THE LADIES SAY features the work of female breakdancers in the United States, including Aiko, Baby Love, Beta, Lady Champ, Severe and Vendetta. This film raises awareness of the female presence in Hip-hop and promotes the growth of this dance community in the United States and internationally
@360FlowBreaking by Bboy Flonetik, Educating the youth about the art of Breaking
www.bgirlherstory.wixsite.com Founded by Bgirl Mantis in 2020, Girl Herstory is a project that documents the stories of old school and new school Bgirl generations from the limelight to the underground.