Drexel University will host the second annual “Enter The Dragon” B-Boy and break dancing competition April 30. The event will take place in the University’s Behrakis Grand Hall at 3210 Chestnut Street from 6 p.m. until midnight.
“Enter The Dragon” invites two-person break dancing teams from all over the city to compete for a chance to win $500. Admittance for competitors and non-University spectators is $10, and the event is free to Drexel students. There will be an extra $5 charge for anyone who would like to videotape the event. Pre-registration is now open on the event’s Facebook page.
Jesse Rathner, a Drexel University graduate and the brainchild behind “Enter The Dragon,” has decided to hold the event again to raise money for Drexel’s entertainment and arts management program. Rathner is returning to support his former major because he feels “the intent of the program is to combine something that one is passionate about in the arts with the skills of business management.”
Rathner did just that last year when he first started the “Enter The Dragon” competition. He feels strongly about the B-Boy scene and has been involved in it in some form or another for 10 years now.
“This art form has helped shape the person I am today, and the EAM program allowed me to show that and give me a professional direction with it. I feel very strongly that any student should be allowed to pursue a career in a field he or she is truly passionate about,” Rathner said. He wants to keep the entertainment and arts management program alive for future generations to learn how to make a living in the arts.
Judging the event will be break dancers from New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Music will be provided by local DJ’s, including the award-winning DJ Fleg.
Admittance wristbands also qualify attendees to receive drink specials from Mikey’s American Grill & Sports Bar at 3180 Chestnut Street from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Enter The Dragon” aims to bring professional B-Boys, amateurs and break dancing enthusiasts from all over the city together in the name of friendly competition. It’s a unique forum for break dancing, as there are only a handful of such competitions in Philadelphia every year. Last year’s event had more than 240 in attendance and this year’s event promises to be even bigger. Twenty teams have already pre-registered, and you can bet more will be registering the day of the event. This event is for all ages and families are encouraged to attend.