02-07-2025
New studio gives local break dancers a spot to call their own
Dancers at New Roots Breaking Studios in south Edmonton cheer on Hunter Olson, 12, on June 27, 2025. (Nahreman Issa / CTV News Edmonton)
A new break dancing studio has opened in Edmonton and is offering classes to students of all ages and skills.
New Roots Breaking Studios was opened at 9937 60 Ave. NW in April by a group of friends who grew up dancing together.
'We always loved dancing around at school, but there was never really a dedicated spot,' recalled owner Gerry Dai.
'It was always the infamous getting kicked out of the spots, whether at Butterdome or hallways or recreation centers.… We just need a little open space for us to dance.'
In three months, the studio has launched seasonal programming plus private and summer classes and open sessions.
It has about two dozen students, from young children to seniors, some of whom became interested in the sport after it was added to the Olympics in 2024.
'At first when you see breaking you're like, 'That's insane. How am I supposed to execute that?' But I think it just starts with that first step of showing up,' Dai said. 'The more fun you have, the more you grow as a dancer, and also, I think, as a person.'
Break dancing – or breaking – originated in New York in the 1980s and is known for its footwork, spinning moves and balancing poses.
'It's the closest thing to being a superhero,' said instructor Ralphy Miracle.
New Roots Breaking Studios Edmonton
New Roots Breaking Studios instructor Ralphy Miracle performs a freeze, or a pose in break dancing, on June 27, 2025. (Nahreman Issa / CTV News Edmonton)
'A lot of people see the finished product and all the cool moves, but they don't see what's behind closed doors – which is all the main maintenance and all the stretching.'
Two of the studio's teen students said the educational and supportive space has been a huge confidence booster.
'I'm not Hunter anymore; I'm b-girl 'Bounty Hunter.' I'm a different person in the studio,' said 12-year-old Hunter Olson.
Ben Tower added, 'At first, I was overwhelmed. Like, wow, these guys are so good at this. I wonder if I'll ever get good at this….Every day I'm getting closer and closer to reaching that goal of being like one of the big guys.'
His advice to newcomers and those interested in trying the sport echoed that from other breakers.
'Keep grinding. You'll eventually be able to do that if you really put your mind to it.'
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa
