Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Center is the home of Colorado Symphony and is also utilized for touring concerts, graduations, and private events, but on April 3, it housed the Red Bull BC One, the world’s premier breaking competition.

16 B-Boys and 8 B-Girls competed in 1-on-1 breaking battles reminiscent of a boxing or MMA match in terms of intensity. Each dancer applied each move with precision for the purpose of advancing to the Red Bull BC One National Final in San Diego on August 22. Those who advance will compete at the 2026 Red Bull BC One World Final, which takes place in Toronto, Canada, on November 29 for a chance to become World Champion.

Dancers from all over the world faced off in front of the judges’ panel of Denver’s B-Boy Data, Paris Olympian Kate, and Red Bull BC One Champion B-Boy Ruen.

The night moved at a swift pace, with the field narrowing down to Marie Davis, also known as B-Girl Janada from Boston, squaring off against Salt Lake City’s KT in the final B-Girl battle. Janada captured the crown and adapted to the Denver altitude due to her style.

“I didn’t feel any issues with the Denver altitude, but I think it’s because my style is less based on power moves than some other competitors, which takes more explosive energy. My style is more about consistent energy and breathing.”

Davis says her training before the event helped her keep a high energy level during the competition.

“Before Red Bull BC One, I was preparing for a five-round exhibition which happened in March,” said Davis. “After training my stamina for that event, it felt much easier to do 2 or 3 round battles in comparison.”

Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Janada began her breaking career in 2022 and is a member of the Dangerous Mindz crew. When asked about how she’s going to prepare for nationals, she’s focused on maintaining her routine and remaining present with the purpose of winning.

The men’s B-Boy final was just as intense as the crowd cheered on dancers from the Colorado area, including Luis Rojas, also known as B-Boy “Bowzee,” who’s from Aurora, prevailed over Create, a Kazakhstani B-Boy representing Los Angeles. Bowzee explained how winning in his hometown was surreal as he enjoyed performing in front of the local community.

“Winning in my hometown was amazing, it’s such a honor and a blessing to be able to show my craft to the city that raised me,” said Bowzee.

When reflecting on his toughest battle in the competition, Bowzee explained how his toughest battle was the showdown with Create due to being well-rounded and more experienced.

Luis “Bowzee” Rojas is a breaker from Aurora, Colorado, originally born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. He discovered breaking at 13 and has since competed at the highest levels of the sport. He explains how his goal is to win the entire competition, and his confidence has grown from battling the adversity of not qualifying for the BC One and overcoming injuries.

“I won’t say I felt much pressure, but more like I had to prove a point,” said Bowzee. “Last year I did it the same: I didn’t get a wildcard invite (maybe due to that fact that I came back from an ACL surgery), so I started from the qualifiers and won the Minnesota qualifier and made top 4 in the nationals. This year, as soon as I got back from a competition in France, I decided I’m going to touch that world stage in Canada. With God’s help, I got the win, but that’s only the first step. Second step is nationals, and I’m going all in for it.”

The next regional competition takes place in Seattle, Washington, on May 31.