Turn It Loose — a movie about b-boying

Taisuke, at age 17 is the youngest B-Boy in the Battle in South Africa. Even at his young age, he has already made an impact in the B-Boy scene with his unique dance style and great attitude.

Born in Nagasaki, Taisuke moved to Tokyo at age 16, against his parent’s wishes, to follow his dream of becoming the ultimate B-Boy. He started breaking at age 8, inspired by his sister and his cousin Toshiki and at age 16 felt he couldn’t improve if he didn’t move to a bigger city with a more advanced Hip Hop scene. Also he felt he was living in the shadow of his cousin who was not only a friend, but also a rival. Dancing had become a burden and wasn’t fun anymore. So to improve and grow, they split up. Taisuke moved to Tokyo and Toshiki moved to Osaka.

Living in Tokyo changed Taisuke’s life – his style, his way to dance, even his way of thinking. He found new inspirations in Hip Hop heads like DJ MAR and B-Boy KATSU who took him under their wings and taught him the knowledge and the history of Hip Hop culture and dance.

Coming from Nagasaki, a city surrounded by the ocean, Taisuke’s father had taught him how to fish and to make sashimi from fresh fish. Now, living in Tokyo, that’s the only thing he misses because he can never get fish that fresh.

This year, in 2010, the Red Bull BC One will be held in Tokyo. The film will be released around the same time in Japan. Taisuke, now age 20, is one of the favourites for this year’s event and – on his home turf – will have another chance at winning the ultimate battle.

Q & A with Taisuke in 2010

Explain the feeling you have  in a battle!
I watch my opponent closely and think about what to do.  Depending on who I’m up against, I’ll be in attack mode or save mode based on the situation. But make no mistake – it’s a battle and I’m there for the kill!

Has being part of the Red Bull BC One changed your life?
My chances to go overseas have increased! You could say that being part of the Red Bull BC One has led to me being noticed more on the International stage, which in turn leads to more offers.

What did you think in your battle against Ronnie in South Africa?
It was my first time battling him and I was set on proving that I could go up against the best of them. I was there to absorb as much as possible and just do my best, be myself and see how far it gets me. Ronnie had me on experience. That’s why he won.

A lot of people think you will get far this year. Is that a lot of pressure?
Well, having the event in Japan in 2010 means that the spotlight is going to be on me. Right now, I’m doing my best to stay calm. But even Ronnie said to me that I’d better win this year! So that’s pressure for sure!!

How often did you have the film crew following you and how did that feel?
It was a lot of fun! Alastair is a fun person to work with and we got on pretty well, joking and fooling around. The film crew was with me basically all the time, so after a while I got used to them and during that one scene, the “schoolgirl scene,” I pretty much forgot they were there! In the end I was actually sort of embarrassed – that schoolgirl scene turned out to be so funny, but it was the last part I thought they would use!

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?
You finish the interview with a really hard question! – laughs – How can I describe myself? I can only describe myself through dancing. So if you want to get to know me – come see me dance!